About Deutsch langhaars

The Deutsch Langhaar is bred to be a versatile hunting dog capable of working with the hunter in the field, water, and forest. They are expected to perform as well after the shot as they do before the shot. They are active, high-drive hunting dogs that require a serious commitment to hunting and year-round training. They are not for casual hunters.

These dogs are truly versatile hunters with an equal love of fur and feather, land and water. They are at their best when they get to hunt a variety of game animals in a variety of environments. If you’re looking for a specialist bird dog or waterfowl dog, this breed probably won’t be a good fit for you. Ideal Deutsch Langhaar owners hunt all season long and enjoy pursuing birds, rabbits, waterfowl, and blood tracking big game.

Deutsch Langhaar breeding is strictly governed by the Deutsch Langhaar Verband in Germany and, subsequently, by the Deutsch Langhaar Gruppe Nordamerika here in the United States and Canada. Priorities are placed on versatile hunting performance, good health, and balanced temperament. Before a dog can be bred, it must demonstrate that it meets or exceeds basic performance and physical standards through testing and evaluation. Deutsch Langhaars used in breeding must pass a series of hunting tests under the JGHV system, which test for both natural and trained skills such as pointing, water work, retrieving, and tracking. They must also pass a conformation evaluation at an official breed show as well as health assessments of the hips, teeth, and eyes.

Is it a German Longhaired Pointer?

Yes and no. Deutsch Langhaar is the German-language name for the breed and, while it translates to German Longhair, the language distinction is made to separate dogs that are bred, tested, and certified within the German versatile dog system.

Designating a dog as a Deutsch Langhaar means that both of its parents (and all prior ancestors) were performance- and health-tested in accordance with the German requirements. These strict requirements ensure that very specific hunting skills remain present within the breed, all conformation requirements are met, and that all breeding dogs are certified clear of hip dysplasia and other relevant health concerns.

In contrast, “German Longhaired Pointers” are not held to any particular standards or performance requirements. There are no prerequisites for breeding a GLP. If at any time a DL is bred outside of our system, the offspring will lose the Deutsch Langhaar designation and can only be considered German Longhaired Pointers. This is, of course, strictly prohibited within the breed club.

The German versatile hunting dog system can sometimes seem complicated and perhaps overbearing, but it is proven to produce a very consistent outcome of talented hunting dogs. The hard work and dedication by all club members truly pays off in these dogs, which is why we participate and believe in the value of this system.