Overview
The German Longhaired Pointer, or Deutsch Langhaar, is a medium-large all-round hunting dog. It is closely related to the other German pointing breeds and to the Large Munsterlander.
It is a steady, biddable worker in the field and a loyal companion at home, best suited to active owners who hunt or enjoy outdoor work.
History
Selective breeding of the Langhaar began in Germany in 1879. An early standard drawn up in Hannover was found unsatisfactory, so in 1893 Friedrich von Schorlemer-Alst founded a breed association, the Club Langhaar. He wrote the standard in 1897 that the modern breed is based on.
The FCI definitively accepted the breed in 1954. It remains a working gundog with modest but steady numbers, with a few hundred puppies registered in Germany each year.
Appearance
The Langhaar is a medium-sized, strong, elegant dog standing roughly 58 to 66 cm at the withers and weighing around 30 kg. The coat is of medium length, thick, lying close to the body, straight or slightly wavy, with a dense undercoat.
It is slightly longer on the underside of the neck and body and shorter on the head. Colours are brown, with or without white markings, or brown roan and white with brown spots.
Temperament
The Langhaar is an eager, intelligent and steady hunting companion. It is typically calm and affectionate with its family, and keen to please.
Bred to hunt, point and retrieve on land and from water, it loves work and thrives when given a job to do.
Care and exercise
This is a working gundog that needs plenty of daily exercise, outdoor activity and mental stimulation, such as hunting work, tracking, retrieving or swimming. It is not suited to a sedentary life.
The coat is fairly easy to care for with regular brushing, and the ears and feathering should be checked after outings in cover and water.
