How does the German Longhaired Pointer work in the field?
The German longhaired pointer is a calm, feathered HPR that hunts, points and retrieves on land and water. It works more deliberately than the shorthaired and wirehaired pointers.
The German longhaired pointer is an HPR with a feathered coat, bred in Germany as an all-round hunting dog that hunts, points and retrieves on land and from water. It is generally calmer and more deliberate than the shorthaired and wirehaired pointers, quartering methodically and holding a steady point, and its coat gives some protection in cover and cold water. Like other HPRs it suits walked-up and rough shooting, where one dog has to find, point and retrieve. The breed is uncommon in Britain, with a small but committed following among handlers who want a steadier HPR. Look for parents with working test or field trial experience, and ask how they are worked.
What is the German Longhaired Pointer like to live and work with?
Affectionate, gentle and even-tempered, with less edge than some HPRs. It still needs daily exercise and work.
German longhaired pointers are affectionate, gentle and even-tempered, with less of the edge sometimes found in other HPRs. They are devoted to their family and generally friendly with people and other dogs. They are still working dogs with real stamina and hunting drive, and they need daily exercise and something to do. Most respond well to calm, consistent training. They suit owners who want an HPR that is easier to live with at home without giving up working ability. Look for parents that are confident, friendly and keen on game, and that stay in touch with their handler.
Which health tests matter for the German Longhaired Pointer?
Both parents should have hip and elbow scores and a current eye certificate, plus any tests the breed club recommends. If the parents were imported, ask about testing done abroad.
Ask for both parents' hip scores and elbow grades under the BVA/KC schemes, and a current eye certificate under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme. With a small population in Britain, breeders often work with dogs from overseas to keep the gene pool healthy, so ask about the parents' origins and any health testing done abroad. The breed club keeps an up-to-date list of recommended tests, and DNA tests for further conditions are available from canine genetics laboratories, so ask which have been done and see the certificates rather than accepting 'health tested' on trust. Results for Kennel Club registered dogs can be checked on the Kennel Club's Health Test Results Finder. Our buying checklist covers what else to check before you pay.
How much training and exercise does the German Longhaired Pointer need?
The full HPR syllabus; their steadiness helps, but finishing still takes time. An adult needs well over an hour of exercise a day.
Training covers the full HPR syllabus: obedience and the stop whistle first, then quartering, pointing, steadiness on point and to flush, and retrieving on land and from water. German longhaired pointers tend to be biddable and steady, which helps, but like all HPRs they take time to finish, often two or three years. Joining an HPR training group is a good way to learn. An adult needs well over an hour of exercise a day. The feathered coat needs brushing a couple of times a week, and the ears, legs and tail should be checked for burrs and seeds after work.
How long does it take to train the German Longhaired Pointer?
For the German Longhaired Pointer, readiness for the intended role matters more than a birthday. Check demonstrated foundations, physical suitability and the support needed for the next stage.
German longhaired pointers follow the usual HPR timeline, with a steady temperament that helps. During early learning, the puppy learns recall, the stop whistle and good manners, and is introduced to the scent of game. After comfortable everyday foundations, it learns to quarter, its point is encouraged, and retrieving is built separately. With reliable foundations, it is steadied on point and to flush, retrieves from land and water, and meets real game. Litters are few in Britain, so keep an eye on the German longhaired pointer puppies for sale. Use the training progression guide to discuss readiness with a reward-based trainer. Ask your vet about physical demands, and plan game, water and gunfire introductions with competent help.