GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTER

COUNTRY: Germany
WEIGHT: 55-77 pounds
HEIGHT: Minimum 21 inches, 25-27¹/2 inches
COAT: Moderate length, wavy but tough in texture, never woolly or curly; not more than 2 inches in length, with some fringe on legs, ears, and underside

COLOR:Usually solid liver can have white on chest and head;also liver/white spotted
OTHER NAMES:Deutscher
Laanghaariger Vorstehhund,Langhaar
GROUP:Gun Dog






The Langhaar has been known for nearly as long as the other German vorstehhunden, as some of this variety were shown at an exhibition in Hanover in 1879. Longhaired gun dogs populated Europe, and the Longhaired Pointer was originally developed from among these. Later, as field work became emphasized over woods work, the breed was refined by crosses to setters from England. Despite the softer appearance of the flowing coat and liquid brown eyes, the breed is expected to perform all of the exacting hunting chores expected of German dogs—and does them well.

The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes the breed, but the numbers are small there, as they are in Germany today. Some breed interest is awakening in the Netherlands. As long as he has creative outlets for expending his energy (running, long walks, hunting), he is a sweet-na-tured dog that is "a big friend of the whole family." He enjoys feeling useful, and is easily trainable. An example of the enthusiasm is demonstrated by a female, "Niner," taught to bring the paper from the paperbox to the family in return for a dog biscuit. One morning, after receiving her treat, she returned with a second paper, and then another and another, until quite a heap was gathered. A little detective work showed the dog had "retrieved" all the papers from the neighborhood. The owners quietly returned the papers to their proper places, and ceased the exercise for a time. Niner, however, wasn't content, and ran beside the delivery car until the driver handed her a paper and Niner was again able to perform her task.

Their "long" coat is not so abundant as to require extensive grooming. The beautiful, flagged tail is left intact. They follow the other German utility dogs in conformation, with the high flat ear and the clean head, sans hanging lips.