Langhaar

Breed Description

The German Longhaired Pointing Dog, or Langhaar, is a medium-sized hunting dog, specifically a pointer. Even in ancient times, the behavior of some hunting dogs in Germany was deliberately utilized: when they detected game, such as birds or rabbits, they would freeze and direct their nose towards the prey. Spaniels and setters behaved this way. Others, like the longhaired breeds, remain still and point their head and usually front paw towards the game. This is called “pointing,” and an entire group of specialized hunting dogs is named in its honor.

Longhaired pointing dog breeds originated from old bird breeds about 150 years ago. This includes the German Longhaired, large and small MГјnsterlanders, Wachtelhunds, and formerly small Vogtlanders. Just a century ago, many of these were difficult to distinguish even for specialists. Today, they have evolved into highly skilled hunting dogs.

Nowadays, pointing dogs can do more than just indicate. They are excellent browsers and trackers; in short, they are the first to find a pheasant or a hare. They are also good retrievers.

The German Longhaired Dog is a very popular and versatile hunting dog. It possesses excellent tracking skills and retrieves game equally well after the shot. All essential breed characteristics were defined as early as 1879. Since then, pure breeding of German longhaired breeds has been conducted based on these criteria.

A significant contribution belongs to Baron von Schorlemmer, who developed breeding according to sound criteria and created the foundation for us to have this healthy, energetic, and highly effective hunting dog today. The annual performance tests, the autumn selection tests of Schorlemmer, named in honor of the baron, are important elements for ensuring the quality of breeding work. Here, the best young dogs of the year are presented and their hunting abilities evaluated. A proven breeding suitability is a mandatory condition for participation. Many other performance tests have been added.

Clubs of breeders of German Longhaired Dogs have been organized within the German Association of Longhaired Dogs since 1926. The Langhaar is a member of the German Dog Association (VDH) and the Hunting Dog Association (JGHV). Annually, 500 to 600 puppies enter the German Association of Longhaired Dogs.The price for a puppy ranges from 35,000 to 40,000 rubles.

Appearance

The German Longhaired Pointer is a strong, muscular, and yet elegant dog with harmonious body shapes. As the name suggests, it has long, ideally medium-length fur. This is what gives the Langhaar its attractive figure. The official standard describes the breed as: “Strong, muscular, with deep, smooth lines. Smaller dogs require a lot of substance. Oversized and clumsy dogs are not welcomed.”

The Langhaar breed is distinguished by its graceful, appealing, and noble appearance. The German Longhaired Pointer typically sports a solid brown coat. However, other colors are also acceptable, such as brown and white, or brown and fawn. The brown shading can range from light to dark, and the speckled pattern is rarely seen. Its fur should be of medium length and not overly fluffy. It has brown eyes, long tails with good feathering, and a tail that resembles a beautiful flag.

The German Longhaired Pointer stands between 63 to 66 cm at the withers for males and 60 to 63 cm for females. The weight should be around 30 kilograms.

The association for longhaired dogs takes exemplary care of the breed. Therefore, it is not surprising that many dogs with strong conformation can live up to 12-15 years.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the Langhaar is elegant and elongated, proportionate to the body, with noble lines. The skull is slightly convex, of medium width, emphasizing the breed's refinement. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is smooth, not sharp, giving the dog an expressive and gentle appearance.

Морда

The muzzle is long and tapers towards the nose, but without a pointed tip. The nose is large, most often black or brown, with well-developed nostrils that provide excellent sense of smell. The lips are tight-fitting and dry, emphasizing the neatness of the muzzle.

Уши

The ears are long, drooping, low-set, and closely adhered to the cheeks. They are covered with long, soft fur, which gives the breed its distinctive refined appearance. The ears are mobile and react actively to sounds, highlighting the attentiveness of the Langhaar.

Глаза

The eyes are oval-shaped, medium-sized, and slightly slanted. Their color ranges from light brown to dark brown, highlighting the breed's good-natured and attentive character. The gaze is lively, smart, and gentle.

Зубы

The teeth are strong, with a proper scissors bite. The jaws are powerful, ensuring a reliable grip. The teeth require regular care to prevent the buildup of tartar and maintain oral health.

Корпус

The Langhaar body is elongated, strong, yet elegant. The chest is deep and moderately wide, with well-curved ribs. The back is straight and strong, transitioning into a short and powerful loin. The line of the belly is slightly tightened, emphasizing the breed's athleticism.

Конечности

Конечности лангхаара сильные и прямые, с хорошо развитой мускулатурой. Передние ноги прямые, параллельные, с крепкими суставами, задние — с умеренно выраженными углами сочленений, что обеспечивает энергичные и плавные движения. Лапы компактные, овальные, с крепкими подушечками, что делает их устойчивыми на любой местности.

Хвост

The tail is of medium length, set at the level of the back. When at rest, the tail hangs down, but when in motion, it can be lifted and slightly curved. The tail is covered in long, thick fur, which emphasizes the overall elegance of the breed.

Шерсть

The longhaired coat is long, thick, and silky, with a soft texture. It evenly covers the body, forming "tufts" on the ears, chest, abdomen, and tail. The coat not only protects the dog from harsh weather but also emphasizes its noble appearance.

Окрас

The color of the Langhaar is most often dark brown or liver with white spots. Variations with ticking and marbled markings are also found. The contrasting color gives the breed brightness and individuality, highlighting its natural beauty.

Character

The first thing to keep in mind is that the German Longhaired Pointer is a hunting dog in every sense. In the hands of an experienced handler, the German Longhaired Pointer becomes a valuable hunting companion as well as a very good family dog. The German Longhaired Pointer loves children and enjoys family outings. However, this should not be misunderstood. A family dog does not mean a couch potato. Rather, it is a true working dog. The German Longhaired Pointer has a strong desire and drive to work, whether it be hunting or, when necessary, participating in various dog sports. For many hunters, it is the best versatile hunting dog of all: it feels confident in every area of activity, be it in water or forest, working after a shot, tracking, or in any body of water.

The German Longhaired Pointer is not a dog for beginners, nor for those who do not want or cannot work with it intensively. In hunting practice, Longhaired Pointers are particularly praised for their exceptional calmness. This is a manageable, enduring dog with a calm, balanced character. It is a gentle, peace-loving friend with a high threshold for stimulation. However, it requires consistent, expert, and sensitive guidance to channel its high intelligence, keen instincts, and strong willingness to act in the right direction. In a temperamentally suitable environment, the German Longhaired Pointer becomes an excellent friend to children, a great family companion even outside of hunting or sports, and is always a wonderful experience of partnership between humans and dogs.

Care and Maintenance

The Longhaired German Pointer is a hunting dog. If it is occasionally offered merely as a family or apartment dog, such providers should be approached with great caution. Such offers almost certainly come from questionable sources. Generally, the longhaired pointer is in the hands of a hunter who works with it professionally. If the dog is not kept for hunting, it needs to be engaged through long walks in nature or dog sports. It absolutely requires close personal contact with its owner and family. If a hunting dog lacks physical or mental stimulation, this will lead to serious behavioral issues in the long run. It is not suited for an apartment or a big city. Otherwise, it is problem-free and easygoing in its demeanor.

Training a German Longhaired Pointer should be done only by an experienced owner. The dog must come from a recognized breeder within the longhaired association, where the parents and puppies have been socialized for their tasks from birth.

Additionally, it is essential that the German Longhaired Pointer is properly trained in hunting or sporting skills. Only dogs that have successfully passed the challenging autumn breeding tests of Shorlemer may be allowed for breeding. You should consult with longhaired dog breeding clubs.

Caring for a German Longhaired Pointer does not require special efforts. Regular grooming, as well as monitoring the condition of the teeth, claws, and ears, is sufficient.

The German Longhaired Pointer generally has no issues with feeding. Naturally, the dog’s diet should be properly balanced and enriched with minerals and vitamins.

Training and Education

Training and education for the Longhaired German Pointer breed are crucial parts of preparing these dogs for active roles in hunting or as household companions. Longhaired Pointers possess an energetic and intelligent nature, making them excellent learners during the training process. Successful training and education of a Longhaired Pointer require patience, consistency, and understanding of their specific needs.

It is important to begin the training process with a Longhaired Pointer as early as possible, ensuring they socialize with other dogs and people. This will help them develop a friendly and balanced temperament. Attentive and structured training using positive reinforcement and praise can lead to successful outcomes and strengthen the bond between the dog and its owner.

Due to their hunting instincts, Longhaired Pointers may be prone to making independent decisions during training. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with a variety of stimuli and tasks to ensure their active participation in the training process and enhance their focus.

Additionally, considering their high mental and physical activity levels, Longhaired Pointers require ample physical exercise and mental challenges. Regular physical activities and mental workouts, such as agility and scent searching, will help keep them in optimal shape and maintain their mental stability.

Thus, the training and education of a Longhaired Pointer represent a complex yet rewarding process that helps uncover all their outstanding abilities and makes them ideal companions in various fields.

The Longhaired German Pointer is a hunting dog in every way. Hunting is essential for their way of life, typical of this breed. Zoonika offers elite breed puppies with a complete set of documentation.

How to Choose a Puppy

Before considering the possibility of acquiring a German longhaired dog, if you are not a hunter, you should carefully think about and answer the question of whether you can meet the demands of keeping this hunting dog for its lifetime, which can be 12 years or more. If your answer is yes, then you should reach out to local breeders who are members of the German Longhaired Dog Association. You can find reputable breeders and kennels on the federal portal Zoonyka.

When it comes to choosing a puppy of the breed Langhaar, it is important to consider several factors to ensure the health and well-being of your future pet. Consulting reputable and responsible breeders who specialize in the Langhaar breed is the first step in selecting a puppy. Reliable breeders provide the necessary medical documentation and can inform you about the breed’s genetic traits.

When choosing a puppy, the future owner can meet the parents. This opportunity allows you to assess their health and ensure their positive behavior. It also provides information about potential hereditary diseases that could be passed on to the offspring.

Potential owners should pay attention to the condition of the puppies, including their behavior, socialization, and overall health. It is important to note their level of activity, curiosity, and friendliness.

It is also essential to inquire about care recommendations, vaccinations, and feeding to ensure that the future puppy receives proper care in the early stages of life.

Ultimately, a thorough and informed approach to choosing a Langhaar puppy will help ensure a happy and healthy life for the future pet in a loving home. Zoonyka is a site featuring the best breeders with verified pedigrees.

Health and Diseases

The German Longhaired Pointer is exemplary cared for by breeding clubs organized by the German Longhaired Association. Consequently, the health condition of these dogs is not a cause for concern.

The Longhaired Pointer is a breed with outstanding health and a long lifespan. However, like any other breed, they have potential health issues.

One common condition that may be observed in Longhaired Pointers is hip dysplasia. Therefore, the parents of the puppies should be screened for this disease to minimize the risk of passing on hereditary aspects of the condition. Additionally, these pointers may face joint pain, allergies, eclampsia, and tumors. This makes it important to have regular veterinary check-ups and monitor any changes in the dog’s behavior or health status.

To maintain optimal health, proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and preventive measures such as vaccinations and hygiene care play a crucial role. Regular visits to the veterinarian for preventive examinations and medical check-ups are also necessary for timely detection and treatment of potential illnesses.

With proper care, regular medical check-ups, and a loving environment, Longhaired Pointers can enjoy a healthy and long life, delighting their owners with their loyalty and joyful nature.