German Pointing Dog

The German Pointing Dog is believed to be descended from the strain common to all pointers: the Chien d’Oysel, later called the Chien de Rêts, used for netting birds and for hawking. These pointers attained the courts of German royalty by way of France, Spain, and Flanders. A splash of foreign blood was added through crosses with Spanish, English, and Italian pointers. Today’s model has existed since 1880. France’s German Pointing Dog Club was founded in 1958. This breed is the most popular pointer in Germany and the most widely used pointer in the world.

The German Pointing Dog is a vigorous, strong, fast distance galloper with great endurance who is not afraid of the cold and can hunt on any terrain. He is a hunting dog par excellence, a pointer above all. He specializes in feathered quarry in the field or in the woods and can also be used to track wounded game. Bursting with energy but even-tempered and obedient, he is strong-willed and can be stubborn. He is attached to his owner and loves children, making him a good companion. He is a good watchdog but not aggressive. He needs firm training.

He can adapt to city life but needs space and exercise, including long daily outings. He also needs regular brushing and checking of the ears.

Head:Cleanly cut, neither too lightweight nor too heavy. Fairly large, slightly domed skull. Moderately pronounced stop. Slightly convex nosebridge. Long, broad, thick, and powerful muzzle. Nose brown or flesh colored in white-coated variety. Powerful jaws. Tight, well-pigmented lips.
Ears:Set on high, medium in length, rounded at the tip, pendulous but not twisted, flat against the sides of the head.
Eyes:Medium in size, dark brown.
Body:Slightly elongated. Muscular neck without dewlap. Pronounced withers. Chest taller than it is broad. Well-curved ribs. Short, broad, muscular loin. Broad, well-muscled, sufficiently long, slightly sloping croup. Firm, well-muscled back.
Tail:Set on high, thick at the base, tapering gradually. Docked by about half for hunting. At rest, hanging down. In action, carried level to the ground.
Hair:Short (kurzhaar means «short hair»), dense, crisp, hard to the touch.
Coat:Chestnut without markings. Chestnut with white spots or flecks on the chest and legs. Dark chestnut-roan with chestnut head and chestnut blotches or spots (very good camouflage for hunting). Light chestnut-roan with chestnut head and chestnut spots, with or without chestnut blotches. White with chestnut markings on the head and chestnut blotches or spots. Black with the same shades as for chestnut or roan. Tan markings are allowed. A white flare or blaze with spotted lips are allowed.
Size:Dog: 62 to 66 cm. (24.4-26 in).Bitch: 58 to 63 cm. (23-25 in).
Weight:25 to 32 kg (55-70.5 lb).