German Longhaired Pointer

Overview

The German Longhaired Pointer (GLP) is a versatile gundog developed in Germany for hunting, pointing, and retrieving across varied terrain. Larger and generally calmer than the German Shorthaired Pointer, the GLP combines athleticism, intelligence, and loyalty with a slightly more measured temperament.

While still very much a working breed, the German Longhaired Pointer is often described as more relaxed in the home when properly exercised. However, they remain energetic, driven dogs that require structured activity and consistent training.

The breed is less common in the UK than the GSP, making responsible breeder selection particularly important.

Physical Appearance

The German Longhaired Pointer is a medium-to-large, well-balanced sporting dog with a strong, elegant outline.

Key physical characteristics include:

• A muscular, slightly longer body

• A long, dense, water-resistant coat

• Feathering on the legs, tail, and chest

• Broad, drop ears

• A strong, level topline

Coat colour is typically brown (liver) or brown and white, often with ticking or patches.

How big do German Longhaired Pointer dogs get?

• Height:

  • Males: 60-70 cm

  • Females: 58-66 cm

• Weight:

  • Males & females: 25-35 kg

Character Traits

The German Longhaired Pointer is intelligent, loyal, and highly trainable. Compared to the Shorthaired variety, they are often slightly calmer indoors but equally capable in the field.

They are best described as:

• Devoted and people-focused

• Hard-working and energetic

• Eager to learn

Common personality traits

• Intelligence: Very high

• Affection: High

• Energy level: High

• Loyalty: Strong

• Playfulness: High

• Aggression: Not aggressive

• Trainability: Very high

• Guarding ability: Low to moderate alertness

Ability to Socialise

German Longhaired Pointers are generally sociable when raised correctly.

• With other dogs: Usually good

• With children: Good in active families

• With cats and small pets: Strong prey drive, supervision needed

• With strangers: Friendly but alert

As with most gundogs, early exposure to different environments supports balanced behaviour.

Lifestyle Suitability

The German Longhaired Pointer is best suited to active owners who can provide both exercise and mental engagement.

They are best suited to:

• Active households

• Owners who enjoy the countryside or outdoor activities

• Homes with secure gardens

Lifestyle considerations

• First-time owners: Not ideal

• Apartment living: Not recommended

• Left alone: Poorly tolerated

• Noise sensitivity: Low

• Barking: Moderate

• Drooling: Low

• Heat tolerance: Moderate

• Cold tolerance: Good

This breed requires daily stimulation and does not thrive in sedentary homes.

General Health and Health Issues

The German Longhaired Pointer has an average lifespan of 12-14 years and is generally healthy when responsibly bred.

Known health considerations

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

• Bloat (gastric torsion)

• Eye conditions (including PRA)

Health screening is important due to the breed’s working build and size.

Exercise and Play Time

The GLP requires at least 2 hours of daily exercise, with structured training preferred.

Ideal activities include:

• Long walks or runs

• Field work or scent training

• Retrieving exercises

• Swimming

• Daily exercise requirement: 2+ hours

Without adequate exercise, frustration and behavioural problems may develop.

Nutrition and Feeding

Due to their size and activity level, German Longhaired Pointers require a high-quality, performance-supporting diet.

Feeding guidelines (approximate)

• Adults: 350-550 g per day, depending on workload

• Puppies: Carefully managed to support healthy growth

Maintaining lean body condition is essential.

Care and Maintenance

Grooming

The long coat requires regular maintenance:

• Brushing several times per week

• Attention to feathering to prevent matting

• Routine ear cleaning

• Nail and dental care

Seasonal shedding is moderate.

Emotional Care

German Longhaired Pointers are highly bonded to their families and do not respond well to isolation. They thrive on structure, involvement, and positive reinforcement training.

History of the German Longhaired Pointer

The German Longhaired Pointer was developed in the 19th century from spaniel and setter-type dogs, refined to create a multi-purpose hunting companion capable of working in water, woodland, and open fields.

While less internationally known than the German Shorthaired Pointer, the GLP remains valued in working circles for its versatility and balanced temperament.

Interesting Facts About German Longhaired Pointer Dogs

• Developed from spaniel and setter ancestry

• Known for strong retrieving instincts

• Often slightly calmer indoors than the GSP

• Popular in European hunting communities

Getting a German Longhaired Pointer Puppy

This is a serious working breed and should not be purchased purely for appearance.

You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important steps being visiting your puppy in person, seeing it with its mother, and reviewing the breeder’s health testing standards.

More specifically, here is some German Longhaired Pointer puppy buying advice:

This breed requires consistent training and high levels of daily exercise. If you are unable to provide at least two hours of structured activity per day, this breed may not be suitable.

Because the GLP is less common in the UK:

• Confirm Kennel Club registration

• Check health screening documentation

• Meet the breeder and assess temperament

Never agree to purchase without viewing the puppy in its home environment.

Other Reading and Responsible Ownership

For additional breed information and ownership guidance, you may consult:

• The Kennel Club (UK): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk

• Dogs Trust: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk

• Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk

While this page focuses on responsibly buying a puppy, some owners may also consider recognised rehoming routes.

Whichever path you choose, ensure your lifestyle aligns with the breed’s long-term needs.