German Longhaired Pointer

The German Longhaired Pointer, which is related to the German Shorthaired Pointer, is a dog with brown eyes, a sturdy body, and large ears. They are known for their glossy, distinctive brown and white coat that can be smooth or slightly wavy. They have an almost regal appearance, pointing to their European history. These dogs love to swim and excel in all manner of sports.

German Longhaired Pointer Breed Overview

The German Longhaired Pointer, also known as a GLP, combines a wizened face with boundless energy. They are down for adventure, especially if it involves their owners. Teamwork makes the dream work for them, and they are enthusiastic about just about everything, but especially outdoor activities. The breed is one of the oldest Pointer breeds, dating to the late 19th century, and is one of the most versatile.

German Longhaired Pointer Facts

• They come in shades of brown and white.
• They have a distinctive smooth or wavy coat. 
• The German Longhaired Pointer is one of three types of German Pointers: Longhaired, Shorthaired, and Wavyhaired.
• The GLP is one of the oldest and most versatile gun dogs.
• They are descended from French and Spanish Spaniels. 
• They first came to America in the 20th century.

How to Care for Your German Longhaired Pointer

Here’s what you need to know about caring for your German Longhaired Pointer, including nutrition and feeding, health and wellness, grooming and hygiene, and living with the breed. 

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a German Longhaired Pointer

The German Longhaired Pointer dog is a sturdy and athletic dog that needs enough food to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Look for size-specific foods, such as Purina Pro Plan Large Dog Breed foods, or ones that cater to their high activity level, such as the Purina Pro Plan Sport line. The best food for these dogs will have a high-quality protein listed first, followed by moderate carbohydrates and good, healthy fats.

How Much to Feed a German Longhaired Pointer

How much to feed your German Longhaired Pointer dog depends on their weight, stage of life, and other factors. Check the back of your dog’s food label or consult with your vet to get recommended amounts, or try the Purina Feeding Calculator. There, you can enter their age, weight, stage of life, activity level, and more to get an accurate food amount. GLPs do well with at least two scheduled feeds a day to help them keep their energy levels consistent.

Treats & Supplements

German Longhaired Pointers can enjoy low-calorie, high-protein treats as part of their positive reinforcement training. This breed’s weight needs to be managed carefully to ensure they do not become obese and put pressure on their joints. Treats should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Talk to your vet to see if they could use supplements such as glucosamine for joint health.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

The German Longhaired Pointer can have a few health conditions that will need to be monitored by your vet, such as hip dysplasia, obesity, or ear issues. Establish a good relationship with your vet and make sure your dog is seen regularly to discuss things like vaccine schedules, parasite prevention, and spaying or neutering your dog. They can also advise you on dental care, which is essential to the longevity of your dog.

German Longhaired Pointer Enrichment & Exercise Needs

Used to being outside and working, the GLP is a highly active dog. They’ll enjoy free running, hiking, swimming, field work, scent games, puzzles, and anything you can think of that can tire their bodies and minds. They have seemingly endless energy reserves, so the mental stimulation part of their day is equally important as physical exercise. Without proper stimulation, these dogs can become destructive.

Understanding Your German Longhaired Pointer’s Behavior

These dogs love to work, but are equally enamored with their “off” time with their families. They are highly devoted dogs and can relax once they are tuckered out, but need a lot of energy burned off to get there. Their high scent drive means that they might have selective hearing when it comes to recall, so consistently work on training with them. They can be a sensitive breed, so training methods need to be gentle.

What to Expect as Your German Longhaired Pointer Ages

A healthy German Longhaired Pointer can live to be between 12 and 14 years old. Switch them to a senior dog food when your vet recommends doing so, as multiple senior dog food formulas can help with joint health, mental clarity, and more.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

These dogs have a double coat with a dense undercoat and wavy or smooth top coat. Frequently brush your dog’s hair, especially during shedding seasons, to prevent matting. Because they are outdoors a lot, make checking their hair for burrs, twigs, and other debris a part of your grooming routine. You can bathe them only when they are really dirty, so as not to strip their coats of essential oils.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

The GLP’s drop ears can be prone to ear infections. Check their ears regularly for signs of infection, like redness and discharge, and wipe them with a vet-approved regimen. Keep their nails trimmed to prevent painful splitting and cracking, and check their paw pads for debris regularly. Dental care is extremely important to a dog’s overall well-being and longevity, so make brushing their teeth and offering dental chews if appropriate part of your grooming routine.

Anal Gland Care

Your German Longhaired Pointer dog may or may not be able to naturally express their anal glands. If there is a blockage, it can lead to an abscess, and you’ll need to call your vet for help. You’ll know your dog is having trouble if they are scooting, straining to go to the bathroom, emitting a foul-smelling odor, or licking excessively.

Living With a German Longhaired Pointer

Living Space

These dogs thrive outdoors and ideally would live in a rural or suburban setting with a fenced-in yard. They are scent-driven, so it’s important that they are supervised when off-leash in a contained area. They prefer highly active owners who can match their enthusiasm for being outside and exercising.

Socialization

To build up their confidence around unfamiliar people and places, socialize them early and frequently. This can help curb their scent instincts, as can obedience training. They are good family dogs, but due to their size, they might be best suited for families with older children or no children, and families that can devote lots of time to their mental and physical needs.  

Climate Considerations

The German Longhaired Pointer is a highly versatile dog that is used to being outside in all sorts of weather conditions. They can handle cooler temperatures thanks to their coats, but don’t do as well with hot and humid climates. To prevent overheating, make sure you are offering plenty of shade and water and exercising them during the coolest parts of the day. If they have been outside in damp weather, it’s important that their coats, and especially their ears, are dried thoroughly so that moisture does not become trapped and turn into an ear infection.

Potential Challenges

For high-energy families who love spending a lot of time outdoors, the German Longhaired Pointer is an excellent choice. They have high physical and mental stimulation needs, and if those needs aren’t met, they can be destructive. They are scent dogs, so a well-secured fence is a must to keep them from darting off in pursuit of something they smell. This breed must also maintain a healthy weight to prevent obesity and pressure on their joints.

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