Many pet owners adore langhaar, or long-haired breeds, because of their exquisite appearance and opulent coats. These dogs and cats draw attention with their flowing fur and distinct charm, making them stand out in a crowd.
But taking care of a pet with long hair takes a little more work. It takes regular grooming to maintain a healthy, glossy, and tangle-free coat. If you’re thinking about bringing a Langhaar into your home, you should be aware of the upkeep and care requirements.
This post will discuss the traits of Langhaar pets, provide grooming advice, and explain how to maintain your pet’s best appearance and well-being.
- General characteristics of the breed
- Pros
- Cons
- Differences from similar breeds
- History of the Langhaar breed
- Appearance
- Head
- Body
- Limbs
- Coat and color
- Character traits
- Education and training
- Nutrition
- Health
- How to buy a puppy
- Video on the topic
- The most effective dog breed for any hunter.
- Obenstaat Kennels – Deutsch Langhaar on his 3rd day of Force Fetch
- Deutsch Langhaar auf der Jagd und Hund 2025 in Dortmund
- Obenstaat Kennels – Deutsch Langhaar closing out Force Fetch
- Deutsch Langhaar Go to Wolfeth
- Deutsch Langhaar (German Longhair) – Pheasant Hunting
- Apportimpressionen Jagdhunde Deutsch Langhaar vom Veybach
- Deutsch Langhaar — Langhaar — Långhårig vorsteh
General characteristics of the breed
Langhaar, also known as the German longhaired pointer, is a breed of dog that is used for short-term land lovers. These are gundogs trained to hunt birds that hide in the dense vegetation next to bodies of water. They track down game and identify it to the hunter by adopting a distinctive stance. They also have an excellent sense of smell.
The Kurzhaar and Drahthaar are also regarded as pointers in Germany. Their coat length was the only thing that separated them at first. The Kurzhaar has short hair and the Drahthaar has wire hair if the Langhaar is a long-haired pointer. The distinctions between the breeds’ characteristics and appearance grew over time. When langhaars and setters interbred, they developed greater grace, composure, and friendliness.
These dogs have a great sense of smell, fast speed, and a ringing voice, which makes them excellent bird hunters. They adopt a distinctive stance and can move through various terrains with ease. However, they are also capable of hunting foxes and hares. They can be used to bring prey both before and after a shot, and they don’t mind climbing into thickets or freezing water.
Langhaars are more adaptable than other pointers; they can guard the home and territory and are more frequently used as companions. But they won’t be a good guard because they lack aggression. They are obedient, courteous, calm, and intelligent. They are occasionally employed in search and rescue missions. In addition, these dogs are skilled in cynological sports like flyball, agility, freestyle, and obedience.
Parameters | Characteristics |
---|---|
Breed name | Langhaar, German longhaired pointer (it. Langhaar) |
country | Germany |
breed group | continental pointers |
use | hunting dog, companion |
life expectancy | 12-14 years |
height | males 60-70 cm, females 58-66 cm |
weight | 25-30 kg |
Pros
This is a wonderful companion as well as a proficient hunter. The majority of owners’ evaluations of the Langhaar are favorable, and they highlight the following benefits:
- attractive appearance;
- high intelligence, intelligence;
- endurance, efficiency;
- cheerfulness, playfulness;
- loyalty;
- friendliness, lack of aggression;
- easy training, obedience;
- good attitude towards children;
- easy care.
Cons
This dog is full of energy, very active, and has a strong hunting instinct. As a result, it is not appropriate for everyone, and you must consider the following drawbacks:
- long active walks will be required;
- you will need to regularly go out into nature;
- cannot be left alone for a long time – the dog can get sick;
- on the street he likes to chase cats and birds.
Differences from similar breeds
With roots in other German pointers, Langhaar is a pointing dog. The differences in appearance became evident because they had been bred apart for a considerable amount of time. Irish setters and langhaars were mated, giving the latter a refined build and longer hair. They resemble wachtelhunds in many ways, but they are bigger and more elegant. They also share a lot in common because the large Munsterlander was bred based on the langhaar.
Images of models of other breeds resembling the langhaar:
- Kurzhaar;
- Drahthaar;
- Irish Setter;
- German Wachtelhund;
- large Munsterlander.
History of the Langhaar breed
German hunters were using longhaired pointers as early as the Middle Ages. They were heavier and more awkward dogs at first. They drove game into snares and assisted in finding it. They weren’t specially bred; selection efforts didn’t start until the late 1800s. Breeders attempted to produce a hunting companion that could move with ease through thickets, swamps, and forests.
To enhance their working abilities, they started mating them with setters and other breeds at the start of the 20th century. More graceful, elegant, and agile dogs—more like the Wachtelhund—were the end result.
The FCI recognized this breed of German pointer as distinct as early as 1954. More than 600 Langhaar puppies are registered annually in Germany, where they are prized and bred carefully. The breed is thought to be the best hunting dog. The German Association of this breed was established at the start of the twentieth century.
However, the Langhaar breed is uncommon and less well-known in other nations. There are currently thirteen breed clubs operating: in the Scandinavian countries, the Czech Republic, Austria, France, and Italy. In the USA and the UK, there are lone breeders. However, the breed is virtually nonexistent and has not gained popularity in Russia.
Appearance
The Langhaar is a large, elegant dog with a muscular, balanced build, unlike other pointer breeds. He has strong bones, long legs, and long feathers on his tail, ears, and thighs. Males should be between 63 and 66 cm tall, though 70 cm is acceptable. Females are more graceful and slightly smaller; at exhibitions, they favor those who are no taller than 63 centimeters. No matter the gender, weight shouldn’t go over 30 kg.
Head
In men, the head is proportionately larger and heavier than in women. The occipital protuberance is clearly defined, and the forehead is not very broad and slightly convex. The muzzle appears rectangular from the side view and is elongated but not pointed. The bite is scissor-like, and the jaws are powerful.
The nose bridge is even, the lobe is big, and the nostrils are wide open. The stop is smooth and small. The color matches the coat, which is usually dark brown and always fully pigmented.
The eyes are wide-set and almond-shaped. They have a brown, ideally dark, alert, and perceptive appearance. The ears dangle and are broad at the base. pressed against the cheeks, set low. thickly covered in lengthy feathers, which obscures their triangular form.
Body
The body is powerful and muscular, with a nearly square shape and a harmonious construction. The neck is long, elegant, broadens smoothly, and ends in well-developed withers. The belly is exquisitely tucked in, and the chest is deep and moderately wide. The croup is rounded, the loin is short and slightly convex, and the back is straight.
The tail is erect, lengthy, thick, and covered in hair in abundance. It is typically lowered and has a saber-like shape. If elevated, the level should not surpass that of the back.
Limbs
The legs are parallel, powerful, and straight. Their joints are clearly defined, and their muscles stand out. The thighs are long, and the elbows point backward. The paws are large and oval in shape. The fingers are compressed, and there is hard hair in between the elastic, large pads and convex claws. The dog moves with grace and dexterity and picks up speed very quickly.
Coat and color
These dogs have dense, double coats with a thick undercoat. He stays dry, shields the body from branches in dense foliage, and keeps warm. The outer hair can be straight, slightly wavy, or somewhat stiff. The length is 3-5 cm on average.
Despite being referred to as long-haired, the dog only has rich feathering on its thighs, ears, chest, and tail. The hair is short on the head and in front of the limbs and medium length on the rest of the body.
Most frequently, the hue is one of several shades of brown, such as chocolate, light brown, chestnut, or white with white patterns. It may have a dark head and be silver-gray with brown markings. Brown flecks and spots on a white background characterize spotted trout, which is also permitted.
Additional images of this breed of dog:
The gorgeous, flowing coats of longhaired dogs and cats need to be regularly brushed to keep them tangle-free and in good health. Although their opulent fur contributes to their allure, improper maintenance may result in increased shedding and possible matting.
Character traits
Langhaars are gregarious, friendly dogs with a well-balanced temperament. They are very intelligent and have stable psyches, making them great companions. They are people-oriented and not at all hostile. They are gentle and loving, enjoy talking, and grow very attached to the owner and all family members. They detest loneliness and enjoy being the center of attention.
These dogs require a lot of movement because they are highly energetic and active. They take pleasure in interacting with kids, are upbeat, and adore active games. Though it is gentle and will never hurt a child, this dog will not be a nanny; if it does not like something, it will just walk away. It is friendly toward animals, but only if they were raised together. It views birds and cats on the street owned by other people as prey.
These dogs never act aggressively toward strangers; instead, they have a calm demeanor. They are unable to attack, but they can protect a home or territory by barking to alert others to the presence of intruders.
The following characteristics describe Langhaars:
- loyalty;
- diligence;
- balance;
- restraint;
- obedience;
- peacefulness;
- good nature;
- ingenuity;
- energy;
- cheerfulness.
Education and training
Langhaars are placid, intelligent dogs. As a result, the breed is good as a first pet because they are simple to train. This dog is curious, active, and enjoys learning new things. It is also easy to train different commands and tricks for it. It acknowledges one person as the leader but obeys every member of the family.
Throughout training, the owner needs to be resolute, firm, and persistent. The pet should find the lessons engaging, regular, and consistent. It is preferable to give it affection and treats more frequently in exchange for obeying commands correctly rather than yelling at it or beating it.
The German Langhaar seeks to please its owner because it enjoys seeing happiness arise from its actions. Although it can be stressful for this obedient dog, strict treatment is not necessary. This dog will require special training and early socialization if its owner does not intend to use it for hunting. This will assist in stifling the intense inclination to hunt.
The German Langhaar is a companion animal that can even adjust to living in an urban apartment. However, a private home with a sizable yard that he can run around and watch over would be better for him. This dog needs a job; if it isn’t going to hunt, you’ll need to find it another one.
Remember that this is a family pet and not a dog that should be chained; you cannot leave it in an enclosure for an extended period of time. If the dog doesn’t communicate with its owner, it will start to exhibit strange mental behaviors and eventually become ill. And after a long period of inactivity, it will begin to ruin things and act strangely.
It is essential to walk a Langhaar two or three times a day if it is kept in an apartment. Active walks that last one to two hours should include outdoor games and mental exercises. These dogs enjoy playing games to find hidden objects and running after a ball and stick.
It is essential to take the pet outside and let it run through the fields at least once a week. Langhaars enjoy taking walks in forests and swimming in ponds. In order to socialize with other dogs and pick up tricks, it’s also a good idea to visit dog parks.
Taking care of this breed’s representatives is not difficult:
- 1-2 times a week, brush their fur;
- regularly check their eyes;
- clean their ears every week;
- bathe them once every 1-2 months;
- brush their teeth every few days.
After walks in the outdoors, more careful attention will be needed. You’ll have to brush twigs, grass blades, and debris from their fur. Examine and clean your ears as needed, and make sure to check the pads of your fingers for injuries. You should comb your pet’s fur and check it for ticks after a walk in the forest, even if they have received treatment for external parasites.
Nutrition
Representatives of this breed can be fed any type of food, though natural products are preferred for hunting dogs. However, you can select premium super-premium food for your pet. It should have a high protein content and be made for medium- and large-sized breeds of active dogs. There must always be unfettered access to clean water.
Lean meat and offal are required in the diet when feeding naturally; occasionally, sea fish and eggs can also be given. Raw or boiled vegetables are added to rice or buckwheat porridge along with protein-rich foods. Adding kefir, cottage cheese, greens, fish oil, vegetable oil, and multivitamins to food is beneficial. Because these dogs are prone to gaining weight, you must closely monitor how much food they are given. You cannot overfeed them.
Health
Individuals belonging to this breed exhibit good health, resilience, and modesty. They have a 13–14 year lifespan with proper care. They can occasionally have the following illnesses:
- dysplasia and other joint pathologies;
- eye diseases;
- otitis;
- liver dysfunction;
- obesity.
A fascinating breed-related video:
Video: The Top 10 Fascinating Facts About German Longhaired Pointers
Video: Pheasant hunting with the German longhair, or Deutsch langhaar
How to buy a puppy
In Russia, German Langhaar are practically nonexistent, and purchasing a purebred puppy is challenging. It is preferable to get in touch with a German or other European nursery. To maintain the purity of the breed, some breeders only provide these dogs to hunters; you simply need to inquire about the conditions of sale beforehand. They cost between 500 and 1000 euros.
Puppies are purchased between two and three months of age; at this point, it is impossible to tell a Langhaar from another breed. As a result, it is essential to review other documents and the parents’ pedigrees. Puppies must also have a passport bearing their vaccination records and veterinary certifications.
Characteristic | Description |
Coat Length | Long, thick, and often requires regular grooming. |
Shedding | High, especially during seasonal changes. |
Common Breeds | Persian, Maine Coon, Himalayan. |
Grooming Needs | Frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles. |
Allergy Potential | Higher due to more shedding and dander. |
Temperament | Often calm and affectionate, but varies by breed. |
Because of their unusually long coats, Langhaar dogs and cats need to be groomed frequently to avoid matting and tangles. Their fur may require additional care, but it’s also one of their most endearing qualities to pet owners.
These breeds are excellent companions for both individuals and families because they frequently have kind and amiable dispositions. But prospective owners need to be ready for the added duty of keeping their coat in good condition.
A Langhaar pet may offer elegance and affection with their exquisite appearance, and they can also add joy and beauty to your home if you’re willing to put in the time to groom them.