Breed Standard
Head: Long and chiseled. Slighty domed skull. Sloping stop. Slightly domed nosebridge. Nose a shade of brown.
Ears: Set on high, wide with rounded tips, lying very flat against the head. Slightly wavy hair hanging down from the tips.
Eyes: As dark as possible.
Body: Stout, square built. Solid neck. Deep chest. Well-developed loin. Solid, straight, short back. Slightly sloping croup.
Tail: Well set-on, carried level with the ground or curving loosely upward. Handsome plume.
Hair: Long, lying very flat. 3 to 5 cm on the back and sides of the trunk. Short on the head. Longer on the throat, chest and abdomen. Well-feathered feet.
Coat: Brown.
Size: 63 to 70 cm (25-27.5 in).
Weight: 30 to 35 g (66-77 lb).
History
The German Longhaired Pointer was developed in Germany for use as a pointer. It was originally a rather slow dog, and was crossed with setters and English Pointers in the 19th century to improve speed. It was very stubborn and temperamental, and has since been bred for a steady, friendly temperament. It was first shown in 1878 in Frankfurt, and at this time the first breed standard was written. Breeders then began to focus their efforts on producing dogs that performed equally well in the field and the show ring, an endeavour that is continued by breeders today. The Large Munsterlander was developed from the Deutsch Langhaar after it was decided that Deutsch Langhaars must only be brown-and-white, the black-and-white strain became the ancestors of the Large Munsterlander.
Behavior
German Longhaired Pointers are unique in their ability to switch from being calm in the household to being fiery, passionate hunters in the fields, prairies or vast forests.
- German Longhaired Pointer Club of North America
He needs space and exercise, as well as regular brushing.
Function
Hunting Dog, Pet.
Health
German Longhaired Pointers, because they are quite rare in most parts of the world, and thus are unprofitable to irresponsible breeders such as puppy mills and backyard breeders, do not have any genetic disorders that are prevalent in the breed. Their ears are mildly prone to infection, a problem which is easily avoided by cleaning the dog's ears on a regular basis, as well as after swimming.