German Longhaired Pointer characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very High | 18% of breeds |
| Shedding | High | 15% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the German Longhaired Pointer right for you?
The German Longhaired Pointer is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. In terms of temperament, it suits families with children particularly well and is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly. Day to day, the German Longhaired Pointer requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The German Longhaired Pointer requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. With very high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the German Longhaired Pointer to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The German Longhaired Pointer demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The German Longhaired Pointer takes to training fast and works willingly and speaks up only now and then. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the German Longhaired Pointer
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the German Longhaired Pointer genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Shedding: High — the German Longhaired Pointer sheds more than most breeds, year-round rather than just seasonally. Only 15% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: Very high — the German Longhaired Pointer needs more coat work than almost any breed here — this is a standing weekly commitment. Only 18% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Prey drive: Very high — the German Longhaired Pointer has one of the strongest prey drives in the catalogue, which shapes recall and life with cats. Only 25% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a German Longhaired Pointer actually costs you
| Exercise | Two or more hours of real exercise a day, most days, plus something that occupies its mind. This is the single commitment that decides whether the match works. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Daily brushing plus regular professional grooming. Skipping it does not just look bad — coats in this class mat, and matting hurts. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the German Longhaired Pointer fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | High shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Perfect for
- Dedicated hunters
- Show enthusiasts
- Active families
- Grooming enthusiasts
Things to consider
- Requires extensive grooming
- High exercise needs
- Can be sensitive
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the German Longhaired Pointer good with children?
- Yes — the German Longhaired Pointer is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the German Longhaired Pointer shed a lot?
- The German Longhaired Pointer has high shedding.
- How much exercise does the German Longhaired Pointer need?
- With very high energy, the German Longhaired Pointer needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the German Longhaired Pointer live?
- The German Longhaired Pointer typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the German Longhaired Pointer live in an apartment?
- The German Longhaired Pointer is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the German Longhaired Pointer easy to train?
- The German Longhaired Pointer takes to training fast and works willingly. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the German Longhaired Pointer be left alone during the day?
- The German Longhaired Pointer copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.