German Longhaired Pointer

German Longhaired Pointers share the nutritional needs of other sporting breeds. Feed a high-quality food matched to the life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) and to the dog's activity level. The breed standard recommends a twice-daily ration, and clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

What you feed is an individual choice. Working with your veterinarian or breeder is the surest way to set meal frequency for a puppy and to choose an adult diet that supports a long, healthy life.

To keep your dog at a healthy weight, monitor food and treats each day. As a guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.

The medium-length double coat is easy to maintain day to day. An occasional brush removes loose hair and dirt, and a bath as needed keeps the coat in good shape.

Hunting through varied terrain calls for more upkeep. The long coat picks up burs afield, which may need trimming to remove, the base of the ears is prone to knots, and the full tail can develop abrasions in heavy cover.

The long ears make this breed more prone to ear infections, so check them regularly and clean them to keep wax and debris from building up. Trim nails as needed with a clipper or grinder to prevent overgrowth, splitting, and cracking.

Brush the teeth regularly. Brush the teeth at home alongside professional dental cleanings.

This is a high-energy breed with a strong prey drive and deep hunting desire. It needs a considerable amount of exercise and attention, and it suits the households of avid bird hunters rather than occasional ones.

Hunting and retrieving are its preferred ways to stay active. Beyond the field, good outlets include play time in a fenced backyard, walks several times a day, and swimming or hiking to burn off energy.

Training for dog sports such as agility, obedience, and rally is another strong way to provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

German Longhaired Pointers are eager to please, intelligent, and very trainable. Positive reinforcement paired with a firm, consistent approach keeps any stubborn tendencies at bay.

Early socialization helps German Longhaired Pointers grow into well-adjusted adults. Their calm, family-oriented nature suits a busy household, provided their high energy gets the attention and exercise it deserves.