The German Longhaired Pointer is a great purebred that can be friendly, gentle, and affectionate while still being a hunter. This German purebred dog is capable of pointing and retrieving prey on land or in water.
Breed Overview
Colors:
Dark chocolate, white and chocolate, roan or brown roan
Compatible with:
People who are single, hunters, active families, and dog owners
Temperament:
Gentle, active, intelligent, affectionate, loving, friendly, kind
The breed is a long-time favorite among hunters, but it’s also a great dog for active families or single people. It’s best to adopt this breed from someone who has experience with dogs, as they will be able to train them properly.
You should read this guide before adopting any of these beautiful dogs.
German Longhaired pointer Characteristics
Energy:
Low-energy dogs need minimal physical activity, while high-energy dogs are in need of a lot of mental and physical stimulation. When choosing a puppy, it’s crucial to ensure that their energy level matches your lifestyle.
Trainability:
Dogs that are easy to train learn prompts and actions more quickly, with less training. Dogs who are more difficult to train require more patience and practice.
Health:
Some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to genetic problems than others. It doesn’t necessarily mean that all dogs will suffer from these problems, but some are more susceptible than others.
Lifespan:
Some breeds have shorter life expectancies than others, either because of their size or genetic issues. The lifespan of your dog is also affected by proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene.
Sociability:
Some dog breeds have a more social disposition, towards both humans and dogs. Social dogs are more likely to approach strangers and ask for a pet or a scratch, whereas less social dogs tend to be more reserved and cautious. It’s important that you socialize with your dog, regardless of the breed.
These puppies must be kept active to prevent them from becoming bored and to keep healthy. A bored puppy can become destructive, regardless of the breed.
To be happy, your German Longhaired Pointer pup will need to be both active and well-trained. This breed requires a lot of responsibility and is very active. Continue reading if you are always active and enjoy being outdoors. This breed is not for those who prefer to stay at home.
Temperament and intelligence of the German Longhaired pointer
The German Longhaired Pointer is a smart, loyal, and gentle dog. These pets were bred primarily for hunting and working, and are adaptable, even-tempered, and the perfect pet for an active family. They do require constant exercise and, if not, can become aggressive or destructive.
What breeds are good for families?
The German Longhaired pointer is a wonderful pet for an active family that enjoys going out to hike, swim, and do other outdoor activities. They are gentle and energetic, but they are also a large dog breed. This means they may not be suitable for small children.
If they are socialized and trained as puppies, however, they can be fun, loyal, and protective dogs for a family.
Can this breed get along with other pets?
This breed was bred to hunt and have a strong desire to catch prey. However, it can be taught how well they get along with other pets in the home. Early socialization and training are important. If you do not, they may see small pets as prey.
What to know before owning a German longhaired pointer
You can now decide if this breed is right for you. We’ll tell you more about the German Longhaired Pointer breed in our next section.
Food & Diet Requirements
Your German Longhaired Pointer will have a fast metabolism because he is an energetic dog. The diet and food he eats should be matched to his metabolism. You should feed your dog high-quality kibble in two separate meals during the day. For best results, feed him 2-3 cups of high-quality kibble and add tinned foods and lean meats to the mix.
This breed can easily become overweight if they overeat. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you are unsure how much food to feed your dog or if he is gaining weight. Your vet will determine the correct amount to feed him and a healthy diet for him.
Exercise
The German Longhaired Pointer, as we have already mentioned, is a very energetic dog. He will need more than just a daily walk to stay healthy and happy. A farm or house with an enormous backyard is perfect for these dogs, as they were born to be working dogs. To keep your dog happy, healthy, and free of mischief, you should walk him at least twice daily for 60-90 minutes. This type of dog will benefit from a dedicated exercise program that includes lots of ball play, swimming, or running.
Training
This breed is very intelligent and gets along well with people. They can be easily distracted, so a more experienced owner will help this dog listen.
Keep training sessions short so that your dog doesn’t become bored and move on to something else. For the best results, training and socialization must be done consistently.
Grooming
This breed should be brushed frequently. You can expect to see your pet muddy and dirty a lot since they like to spend as much time outside as possible. Give your pet shampoo only very rarely. For best results, if your pet becomes muddy, rinse him off and then dry him.
Health Conditions
You should be aware of the German Longhaired Pointer’s severe and minor health conditions. Below, we’ll discuss a few of these conditions.
Minor Conditions
- Food allergies
- Bloating
- Obesity
- Dental Issues
- Skin allergies
- Distichiasis
Serious Conditions
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- Hip dysplasia
- Willebrand’s Disease
- Patella luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Male vs. Male vs.
You can choose either the male or female German Longhaired Pointer. Males are typically taller than females. They are usually at least 20 pounds heavier.
The breed’s males are the most energetic, and they also tend to be the hardest to exhaust. Males are also more muscular. The females prefer to go about their business on their own, whereas the males crave attention and are more dependent.
Both dogs are gentle and sweet, love the outdoors, and enjoy hunting. You can choose which one you like best; both dogs are good with proper training and socialization.
Three Little-Known Facts about the German Longhaired Pointer
1. German Longhaired pointers are extremely active
You will need to be able to keep up with your German Longhaired Pointer’s boundless energy. You’ll need to be very diligent to keep them from getting tired.
2. German Longhaired pointers are loyal and affectionate
This breed is loyal, affectionate, and loves to cuddle on the couch.
3. German Longhaired pointers can do more than hunt
The breed excels at hunting but it’s not their only talent. The breed is highly intelligent and has webbed feet. They excel in swimming and agility competitions.
Final Thoughts
Our guide to the German Longhaired Pointer is now complete. Here’s what you need to know about this gentle but energetic breed before you give one of them home. You can have a great pet if you are an active person, but make sure you have enough energy to train and socialize the dog. You’ll be able to enjoy this breed for years to come if you can raise it.
Are German longhaired pointers suitable as family pets?
German Longhaired Pointers are kind and friendly, as well as people-oriented. These attributes make them a perfect breed for families, as long as they can be part of an active family with enough of physical and mental stimulation.
Are pointers excellent family pets?
Pointers are excellent family dogs because they flourish when they can spend time with their owners. A Pointer should not live outside but should have the same amenities as his family. Although Pointers get along well with children, especially when they are reared with them, they are not ideal for households with toddlers.
Can you leave pointer dogs alone?
Long walks and treks help keep your English pointer fit and happy. Bring them along on your trips since they aren’t canines who fare well when left alone!
Is a pointer dog suitable for first-time owners?
Aside from their high activity requirements, Pointers are low-maintenance dogs with short-haired coats that shed modestly and live 10-12 years. They are devoted to their family members and get along well with other pets and youngsters.
Is a German Pointer an effective security dog?
German Shorthaired Pointers: Are They Good Guard Dogs? The GSP makes an adequate guard dog. She is fiercely loyal to her family and will bark and alarm everyone if there are guests or outsiders, but she will not be aggressive. She will not welcome visitors with a wagging tail but may be reserved around them.
Are pointer dogs devoted?
Pointers are devoted and devoted dogs. They like children’s company and get along well with other pets. They can be reserved among strangers and should be socialized extensively. Pointers are very protective of their surroundings.
What should I know before purchasing a German shorthaired pointer?
Running, swimming, long walks, playing in an enclosed area, and anything else that will take the edge off their energy is required. Two daily sessions of moderate physical activity are advised, while there is no such thing as too much exercise with a GSP.
Are German pointers obedient?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a good breed for active families that like being outside. This kind, loyal, and protective dogs are usually gentle with youngsters. GSPs appreciate being around people and desire to be part of family life. This breed is normally safe in the presence of other pets and dogs.
Is a German longhaired pointer available?
The German Longhaired Pointer (Deutsch-Langhaar) is one of the oldest continental Pointers, with lineages derived from birds, hawks, and water dogs, as well as Bracken (Scenthounds). As a result, he has a lot of room for creativity.