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German Longhaired Pointer
Sporting breed from Germany
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the German Longhaired Pointer
The German Longhaired Pointer is a large, long-coated sporting breed from Germany. Its temperament is described as intelligent, gentle, calm, loyal, eager to please, and work-focused. The breed has a long, silky, weather-resistant coat with feathering. It is suited to active households but can adapt to apartment living with sufficient exercise. Individual dogs vary, so not every dog will display all traits equally.
Quick facts
German Longhaired Pointer at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupSporting
OriginGermany
Lifespan12–14 years
Male weight25–36 kilogram
Female weight25–36 kilogram
Male height61–71 centimetre
Female height61–71 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The German Longhaired Pointer was developed in 19th-century Germany from various pointer breeds, setters, bird dogs, water dogs, and scent hounds. The goal was to create a versatile and noble gundog capable of working in field, forest, and water terrain. Its history is tied to the development of all-purpose German hunting breeds, though specific dates and recognition details are not available from the supplied facts. As a versatile sporting dog, it was bred for work rather than as a companion, though its calm and intelligent nature makes it suitable for family life. The breed's origins are firmly in Germany, and it is recognized by various registries, but the exact recognition status varies by registry. No specific historical events or working purposes beyond general hunting are documented in the provided evidence.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
25–36 kilogramAdult weight61–71 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesLongCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentgentlecalmloyaleager to pleasework-focused
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No German Longhaired Pointer-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
Similar breeds
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Growth chart
German Longhaired Pointer puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight25–36 kilogramAdult female weight25–36 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a German Longhaired Pointer?
Based on estimated data, males and females both weigh between 25 and 36 kg and stand 61 to 71 cm tall. The estimated lifespan is 12 to 14 years.
What is the temperament of a German Longhaired Pointer?
The breed is described as intelligent, gentle, calm, loyal, eager to please, and work-focused. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every dog will display all these traits.
How much exercise does a German Longhaired Pointer need?
With an energy score of 4 out of 5, this breed requires a significant amount of daily exercise. It was developed as a versatile hunting dog, so regular vigorous activity is important.
What are the grooming requirements?
The coat is long and weather-resistant with feathering. Grooming score is 3 out of 5, indicating moderate grooming needs. Shedding is also moderate (score 3). Regular brushing is recommended to manage loose hair and prevent mats.
Is the German Longhaired Pointer good for apartment living?
Apartment suitability is rated 3 out of 5, meaning it can adapt if given enough exercise, but a home with a yard is more ideal due to its size and energy level.
How does the breed get along with children and other dogs?
Child suitability is rated 4 out of 5 and dog compatibility is 4 out of 5, suggesting generally good interactions. However, individual temperament varies, so proper socialization is important.
Where does the German Longhaired Pointer originate?
The breed originates from Germany, developed in the 19th century from various pointer, setter, bird dog, water dog, and scent hound breeds to create a versatile gundog.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.