 |
| german longhaired pointer |
German long-haired basics
The German Longhaired Pointer or GLP is a large breed dog developed in Germany as a versatile gundog. These dogs are closely related to other pointers and they have been bred to be muscular and athletic, capable of performing a wide variety of field tasks. Besides being a talented gundog, the German long-haired pointer is a kind and gentle breed that can do well as a pet, provided that its exercise needs are constantly met.
The German Longhaired Pointer or GLP is a large breed dog developed in Germany as a versatile gundog.
The German Longhaired Pointer or GLP is a large breed dog developed in Germany as a versatile gundog. The German longhaired pointer was originally developed in Germany for use as a pointer. Because the first specimens of the breed were too slow for hunting, they were finally crossed with English pointers and posers during the 19th century to improve their speed. The resulting dog was faster but stubborn and finicky, so additional crosses were needed to improve the temperament of the breed. Eventually, the dog became friendly and stable in temperament, succeeding both in the field and in the ring. The modern German longhaired pointer is a versatile gundog, capable of working as a pointer, retriever, setter and tracker.
Pedigree
The German longhaired pointer is closely related to other German breeds, including the German short-haired pointer, the German hard-haired pointer, and the Large Munsterlander.
Food / diet
As a breed that weighs more than 50 pounds at maturity, the German longhaired pointer should be fed with high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds. These recipes are made with lots of protein to support your dog's lean muscle mass with a moderate fat content to prevent obesity. If you are using your dog for hunting, however, you may want to consider an active or working breed formula to accommodate his high energy needs.
Training
The modern German long-haired pointer is an intelligent and hard-working breed. Developed as a versatile gundog, the GLP has the potential to learn a large number of skills. These dogs have a constant temperament and they like to work, so they are generally quite easy to train. However, they require a firm and consistent hand in training to avoid any lingering tendencies that may persist. These dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training.
Weight
The German Longhaired Pointer is a medium to large breed, measuring 23 to 28 inches tall and weighing 55 to 80 pounds.
Temperament/behavior
The German Longhaired Pointer or GLP is a large breed dog developed in Germany as a versatile gundog. The temperament of the German long-haired pointer has changed throughout the history of the breed. Although the earliest specimens of the breed are stubborn and finicky, selective breeding has led to the modern breed is a gentle and friendly breed of stable temper. These dogs are bred to work hard in a variety of roles, but they also make good family pets as long as their high exercise needs are constantly met. This breed does very well with children and also gets along with other dogs, although you may need to watch it around cats and other pets.
Common health problems
The German longhaired pointer is generally a healthy breed with no known genetic health issues. As a gundog, however, they are prone to injury in the field and their drooping ears can expose them to ear infections. They may also be at risk for gastric torsion or bloating due to their larger size.
Life expectancy
The average lifespan of the German long-haired pointer is 12 to 14 years.
Exercise requirements
As a versatile gundog, the German long-haired pointer is very active and athletic. These dogs have high exercise needs and will not be successful if these needs are not met. They require 30 minutes of vigorous exercise a day, ideally 60 minutes, and will appreciate having a fenced yard in which to run.
AKC
The German longhaired pointer is not currently recognized by the AKC but is a member of the Foundation Stock Service. The breed is recognized by the FCI in group 7 and by the UKC as a gundog.
Coat
As the name suggests, the long-haired German pointer has a long coat that measures between 1 and 2 inches across most of the body with long feathers on the belly and legs. The coat should not be closed, but a slight wave is allowed. The breed usually comes in solid brown with a little white allowed. The texture of the coat is neither silky nor soft but firm with a good shine.
Puppies
The average litter size of the German long-haired pointer is between 4 and 6 puppies. Puppies should be trained and socialized from an early age, especially if you plan to use your dog for hunting. In terms of nutrition, puppies should be fed large breed puppy food to support their growth and development while preventing them from growing too quickly and putting excessive pressure on their developing bones and joints.