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.
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.
Height:
Males: 60-70 cm
Females: 58-66 cm
Weight:
Males & females: 25-35 kg
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
Intelligence: Very high
Affection: High
Energy level: High
Loyalty: Strong
Playfulness: High
Aggression: Not aggressive
Trainability: Very high
Guarding ability: Low to moderate alertness
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.
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
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.
The German Longhaired Pointer has an average lifespan of 12-14 years and is generally healthy when responsibly bred.
Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Bloat (gastric torsion)
Eye conditions (including PRA)
Health screening is important due to the breed’s working build and size.
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.
Due to their size and activity level, German Longhaired Pointers require a high-quality, performance-supporting diet.
Adults: 350-550 g per day, depending on workload
Puppies: Carefully managed to support healthy growth
Maintaining lean body condition is essential.
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.
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.
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.
Developed from spaniel and setter ancestry
Known for strong retrieving instincts
Often slightly calmer indoors than the GSP
Popular in European hunting communities
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.
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.
