German Longhaired Pointer
Temperament:
The German Longhaired Pointer takes it easy. He has a well balanced temperament. At the same time, the dog is balanced and calm. At the same time he is also very good-natured. Especially hunters appreciate the breed - mainly because of these positive character traits, which make him a reliable companion.
Characteristics
The German Longhaired Pointer belongs to the large breed and is registered with the FCI as a Pointing dog classified. The dogs are excellent Tracker and Rummager, so they find the prey. The German Longhaired Pointers are very versatile and popular Hunting dogs. They have excellent tracking skills. Also, after the shot they are very good Apporter.
The pedigree dog is a muscular, strong and elegant Dog with harmonious body shape. He has a coat of medium to long length. According to the official standard, he is considered: "Strong, deep set, muscular with fluid lines. Much substance is required in the smaller dogs. Very massive and also heavy-set dog specimens are not desired in this regard."
Mostly the intelligent German Longhaired Pointer plain brown. But also other color strokes are allowed. These are brown mold and brown and white. The brown mold exists in gradations from dark to light mold. Rarely, trout molds also occur.
The coat should be of medium length and not too lush. The dog has brown eyes. He has long, fringed hangings and the tail has a beautiful flag. Males reach a height of up to 66 centimeters. Bitches, on the contrary, only up to 63 centimeters. Their weight is about 30 kilograms.
You should have in mind that a German Longhaired Pointer is a real hunting dog. In the hands of an experienced owner, the pedigree dog is a useful helper for hunting. In a second job it is a suitable family dog. The dog breed is particularly family-friendly and fond of children.
However, this should not be misunderstood. Family friendly does not mean family dog. The German Longhaired Pointer is rather a working dog. The dog has a strong will and urge to work. He wants to go hunting. But he also likes dog sports. Therefore he is not a beginner dog. Also, he is not a dog for dog owners who can not deal with him intensively.
In hunting, the German Longhaired Pointer is especially praised for its balanced calmness. He is a nerves and leading Dog. He has a calm and balanced nature. He is also a peaceful, gentle friend with a high irritability threshold.
However, the dog needs a expert, consistent and yet sensitive education. Only in this way can he properly use his high intelligence. An environment appropriate to its character makes the German Longhaired Pointer a great friend for children. He is a great companion for the family.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
The hunting dogs are physically exposed to particularly high loads. These dogs have an enormous performance capacity. Therefore, the nutrition of the four-legged friends is all the more important.
They have more need for important nutrients and energy than domestic dogs. Adapted to the load also increases the energy needs of the German Longhaired Pointer. Especially before hunting, he should get high-fat food. However, only in smaller portions.
In general, the same applies as for humans: Do not eat too much before high stress. This is because the hunting dog stores its energy when it eats a ration in the evening before the hunt. For long hunts, a smaller ration should be fed before the start. This is best done three hours before the hunt.
Whether to feed your own mixtures or ready-made food is a matter of taste. There is no wrong or right here. Because ready-made food already has the advantage that important ingredients are already included. Minerals, vitamins, trace elements, carbohydrates, fats and proteins are already present here.
Depending on your taste, you can use dry or wet food. Of course, you can adjust your own food mixtures to suit your dog. However, this is very time-consuming. The ratio of vitamins and minerals is important. Therefore, as a "dog food chef", you should have a good knowledge of dog feeding.
For older and non-working hunting dogs, you should make sure they don't get too much food. They should receive an adapted diet, because otherwise they tend to get fat.
In any case, the food should be of high quality, species-appropriate and balanced.
German Longhaired Pointer Care
To make the dog's coat shine beautifully, a German Longhaired Pointer needs Regular care. This means that you have your dog Brush regularly should. Because in the process you remove annoying knots, dirt and loose hairs. You can remove them especially well with a special metal comb for dogs. If your dog gets wet, you should dry him thoroughly.
Very important are also regular checks of ears, eyes and paws.
Once a week you should check your dog for parasites and injuries. Especially after the hunt can Ticks on the dog. The best way to remove ticks is with a suitable tick remover.
After long walks and after hunts you should shower your dog. Most dogs are happy to put up with this. It's best to practice this when your dog is still a puppy. This way your dog gets used to it and can be washed later without any problems.
Since it is a real hunting dog, the German Longhaired Pointer requires Enough run. Also sufficient occupation is necessary, so that he remains balanced. So it is recommended that you spend as much time as possible with your dog.
Your dog needs the exercise, so you should load him accordingly. If you are not a hunter, there is nothing wrong with that. However, you should give your dog Various sports offer. Your breeder will be happy to advise you on this.
You should start with the education already in the puppy age. Please note that a German Longhaired Pointer is not a dog for beginners. Should you still decide to get one, intensive training in a dog school is almost indispensable for both of you.
Suitable accessories
In general, the German Longhaired Pointer does not require special accessories. However, it is necessary to train the pedigree dog hunting or sporting. You should let the dog work in any case.
For this purpose, special hunting lures are suitable for training. These are available for purchase in specialized stores.
Otherwise also a German Longhaired Pointer needs a Basic equipment like any dog.
Origin & History
Even in ancient times, people successfully used the behavior of hunting dogs. When the dogs have tracked down a hare or bird, they lie down very still and point in the direction of the prey.
In this so-called pointing, these dogs remain as if rigid and point with the head and one front leg in the direction of the prey. Because of this particular behavior, these special hunting dogs were called "Vorsteherhunde".
So it can be said that this breed dog has a very long ancestral history. The German Longhaired Pointer is considered the descendant of the oldest known hunting dogs, the so-called "Bracken". These dogs were already present in the ancient Celts.
Other ancestors are the "Quail and hawk dogs". These were used in the Middle Ages with the French "Epagneul" crossed. The dog breed "Epagneul" came to Germany around the 16th century already. There they spread mainly in the northern parts of the country.
Then, at the end of the 19th century, the pure breeding of today's German Longhaired Pointer was started. English hunting dogs like the Irish Setter as well as the Gordon Setter had their genetic share in this breed.
Finally, the breed standards were established. Thereby the former Deutsch Langhaar dogs were clearly more robust and stronger than today's dogs. There is also a close relationship to the "Great Münsterländer.
In Germany, the German Longhaired Pointer dogs are bred for performance. Dog breeders get approval for the dogs only when his animals have successfully passed the test of the Hunting Dogs Association.
The breed was first recognized by the FCI in 1954.
