German Long Haired Pointer

Gun Dog Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

The German Long Haired Pointer is descended from a combination of bird and water dogs as well as scenthounds, making it a very versatile breed. Pure breeding has been carried out since 1879.

The German Long Haired Pointer was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006.

General Appearance

Strong and muscular, with flowing lines. Small dogs must have plenty of substance, but overly massive or clumsy dogs are not desirable.

Characteristics

Good natured and easily trained, with a calm nature.

Head

The beautiful Long Haired head is of special value. It is long and has a noble appearance.

SKULL

The skull and muzzle are of equal length. The skull is slightly rounded, and the stop is gently rising, not deep or sharp.

MUZZLE

Not too slender, with a slightly arched bridge. The lips overlap slightly.

TEETH

The German Long Haired Pointer has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite.

NOSE

Brown, with slightly lighter spots permitted.

EYES

As dark brown as possible, with close fitting lids.

Fault: Yellow eyes.
Disqualifications: Entropion or ectropion.

EARS

Not set on too low, turned slightly forward.

Neck

Clean and fairly long, tapering gradually in width towards the head.

Forequarters

The shoulders are close fitting. The shoulder blade and upper arm form an apparent right angle.

FORELEGS

Seen from the front, the legs are perfectly straight down to the foot. The elbow is close fitting, and the pastern is slightly sloping.

Body

The chest is broad and deep, with well developed forechest. The back is straight and firm, not too long.

The topline slopes gently from withers to croup. The loin is especially muscular and the croup is long and sloping.

Hindquarters

Seen from behind, the bones of the hip, upper and lower thigh and foot should form a vertical line.

HIND LEGS

There should be good angulation at the hock joint. Dewclaws should be removed.

Feet

Oval, with tight toes and coarse pads.

Tail

The tail should be carried horizontally, with the last third turned up.

Faults: Curled or hooked tail.

Coat

On the back and sides of the body, the hair is shorter and close fitting, dense with good undercoat. On the underside of the neck, on the chest and on the belly, it is longer. The ears, tail and back of the legs are nicely feathered. On the head, the hair is short and smooth.

Fault: Curly coat.

Color

Solid colored brown, or brown and white in many combinations, roaned, patched, mottled or speckled. Occasionally, fawn markings occur as a throwback to the hounds.

Height And Weight

Ideal height at the withers for males is 25-26 inches. For females, it is 23½ to 24½ inches. The average weight is approximately 65 pounds.

Gait

Ground covering, with strong drive.

Disqualifications

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism. Entropion or ectropion.