Portrait of a German Rough Haired Pointer (Deutsch Stichelhaar), a large pointing dog breed

German Rough Haired Pointer (deutsch Stichelhaar)

  • Large
  • FCI Group 7 (Pointing Dogs)

The German Rough Haired Pointer, or deutsch Stichelhaar, is a rare German gun dog standing 22 to 27 inches. Self-assured and loyal, this large, hard-coated pointer is calm at home yet carries real energy in the field.

Height
22 to 27
inches at the shoulder
Weight
60 to 70
pounds, adult
Life expectancy
12 to 14
years, median 13
Senior from
9.8
years, about

Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.

About the breed

Origin
Germany
Recognized
1961

The German Rough Haired Pointer, known in its native Germany as the deutsch Stichelhaar, is a strong, large pointing dog bred to work in field, water, and forest. A stiff, hard coat, a distinguished beard, and pronounced eyebrows give the breed a grim look.

In temperament these dogs are self-assured, loyal, and intelligent, with a balanced, calm, and courageous nature that suits a versatile gun dog. They are even-tempered at home but carry a lot of energy, so they do best with plenty of mental and physical activity.

The German Rough Haired Pointer dates to 1888. Despite the name, it is a variety of the German Partridge Dog rather than the German Shorthaired Pointer. Breeders used no English pointing breeds in its development, and the breed remains uncommon among versatile German gun dogs.

Care

The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.

Nutrition

Feed a high-quality food suited to your dog's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. A diet formulated for large breeds can be a good fit, and a large-breed puppy diet in particular helps keep growth steady while your dog matures.

To hold a healthy weight, measure out meals rather than free-feeding, and count treats toward the daily total. As a guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's calories.

Grooming

The hard coat is relatively low-maintenance. A weekly brush with a comb lifts out loose hair and dirt, and an occasional bath is usually all the coat needs.

Trim the nails regularly so they stay short, since overgrown nails can become painful and make walking or running difficult.

Brush the teeth at home and schedule professional dental cleanings.

Exercise

A Deutsch Stichelhaar needs work that challenges both body and mind. Its routine should follow a clear pattern of activity and relaxation.

Hunting work is the breed's specific outlet and should be handled by a hunter who knows how to work the dog. As the dog develops, its hunting training should increase gradually in line with its age and stage of development.

Training

German Rough Haired Pointers are intelligent, eager to please, and hard-working, which makes them relatively easy to train. Early socialization helps German Rough Haired Pointers grow into well-adjusted adults.

Raised in a family setting, they tend to be good with children. As sporting dogs, they may chase or hunt small animals, including cats, other small pets, or wildlife, so introductions and supervision matter around smaller companions.

Sources

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