The German Longhaired Pointer is a multipurpose hunting dog breed that Germans started selectively breeding for their versatility and athleticism. Today, the German Longhaired Pointer, or GLP, is a gentle, loyal breed.
Some fans of the breed refer to them simply as GLP. In their native country, they’re called Deutsch-Langhaar, or the German Longhair. Although these are purebred dogs, you may still find them in shelters and rescues. Remember to adopt! Don’t shop if this is the breed for you.
As long as a German Longhaired Pointer gets plenty of exercise, this breed makes an amazing pet for active singles and families alike. They thrive in homes with yards or plenty of space to run, sniff, and romp. If you’re looking for a loyal dog who will keep you as active as ever, the German Longhaired Pointer just might be the right breed for you!
FunkyPaw recommends a big, spacious crate to give your big GLP a place to rest and relax. You should also pick up a dog fetch toy to help burn off your pup’s high energy!
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Sporting DogsHeight:23 to 28 inchesWeight:60 to 71 poundsLife Span:11 to 14 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- Brown and white are the standard coat colors of German Longhaired Pointers, and often they are mixed. Some GLPs’ coats may be speckled or roan.
- The German Longhaired is a low-to-moderate shedder, which may make them a good choice for allergy sufferers. Still, their longer coats can trap other allergens and become irritating.
- German Longhaired Pointers are somewhat prone to separation anxiety. Be sure to train your GLP and use desensitization tactics to help curb their anxiety.
- The German Longhaired Pointer requires a high amount of exercise and activity. Make sure your dog gets at least a couple half-hour- to hour-long walks per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
- Generally docile and affectionate, German Longhaired Pointers make excellent family dogs, no matter the age of children. However, when they get too excited, they can accidentally knock down a smaller child.
- German Longhaired Pointers generally get along with other dogs as well. When it comes to cats and other small mammals, the GLP may be prone to chasing.
History
The German Longhaired Pointer was originally developed as a Pointer, but owners found that the breed was slower than necessary. The ancestors of the modern German Longhaired Pointer were also notoriously stubborn.
In order to weed out these unwanted traits, breeders started crossing GLPs with local hunting dogs, along with Pointers and Setters from other European countries. By 1879, breeders started fine-tuning the breed.
In 1897, Baron von Schorlemer outlined the standards for the German Longhaired Pointer, laying the foundation for not only the modern GLP, but also German Shorthaired Pointers and German Wirehaired Pointers.
It took some time after they started breeding GLP, but this versatile breed received recognition from the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2006. In 2011, the breed was recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). More and more local clubs, including a North American club, continue to pop up as the breed’s popularity expands outside of its native country.
Size
The German Longhaired Pointer typically stands between 23 to 28 inches from the shoulder and weighs in around 60 to 71 pounds.
That being said, some dogs can be bigger or smaller than their breed’s average.
Personality
Fans of the German Longhaired Pointer have nothing but love for the active yet gentle breed. Since the GLP was crossbred with so many different hunting and scent dogs, they’re intelligent, curious, and may have to sniff everything you own in order to get to know you.
The German Longhaired Pointer is also an incredibly affectionate dog, and despite their large size, they may act like a lapdog and plop on your lap while you’re on the couch.
Since they tend to get so close to their humans, they also are somewhat prone to separation anxiety. In order to prevent unwanted bored or anxious destructive behavior, be sure to train your GLP and use desensitization tactics to help curb your dog’s anxiety.
Even though this breed loves to cuddle, the German Longhaired Pointer also requires a high amount of exercise and activity. These active dogs thrive in homes with large yards and lots of space to run and explore. Of course, if you’re an urban dweller, a German Longhaired Pointer can still make an amazing companion as long as you keep them active and don’t leave them alone for long stretches of time.
Health
German Longhaired Pointers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be subject to certain health conditions. Not all GLPs will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.
Some of the more common health problems German Longhaired Pointers suffer from include:
- Gastric Torsion (Bloat)
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cardiomyopathy
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your German Longhaired Pointer’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
If not exercised properly, German Longhaired Pointers are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least a couple half-hour- to hour-long walks per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Having a yard to run around in also helps keep your German Longhaired Pointer at a healthy weight.
Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Because they have longer ears, dirt and grim can build up and cause ear infections.
Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
Also be sure to stay on top of their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, and your vet can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly.
Feeding
An ideal German Longhaired Pointer diet should be formulated for a medium-to-large breed with high energy levels. The breed is somewhat prone to gaining weight, especially if their intense exercise needs are not met, which is why it’s important to stick to a set feeding schedule. Measure their food as instructed and don’t leave food out for grazing purposes.
As with all dogs, the German Longhaired Pointer’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your German Longhaired Pointer’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
Brown and white are the standard coat colors of German Longhaired Pointers, and often they are mixed. Some German Longhaired Pointers’ coats may be speckled or roan, both of which meet breed standards.
The German Longhaired is a low-to-moderate shedder, which may make them a good choice for allergy sufferers. Still, their longer coats can trap other allergens and become irritating. Be sure to brush out your German Longhaired Pointer’s coat on a weekly basis to prevent matting or painful tangles.
Even though they are strong and athletic dogs, the German Longhaired Pointer does not fair well in extreme temperatures. Like with any dog, do not leave your GLP unattended in either extreme heat or cold, and be sure to apply sunscreen to any sensitive spots.
Children And Other Pets
Generally docile and affectionate, German Longhaired Pointers make excellent family dogs, no matter the age of children. Still, it is always important to teach kids how to safely interact and play with your GLP. You will also have to make sure to train your GLP not to jump when they get too excited, as these big goofballs can accidentally knock down a smaller child.
German Longhaired Pointers generally get along with other dogs as well. When it comes to cats and other small mammals, the GLP may be prone to chasing. Proper training and socialization can help curb these unwanted habits, but they’re somewhat ingrained from centuries of breeding for sporting and hunting purposes.
At the end of the day, how a German Longhaired Pointer does with kids and other pets comes down to training, socialization, and luck of the draw.
Rescue Groups
Rescues specifically for German Longhaired Pointers might be hard to come by. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to all kinds of dogs. You can take a look at the following:
- Wright-Way Rescue
- Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
