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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

Interim

General Appearance
Medium sized, noble and elegant, powerfully built with overall impression of an energetic, well balanced dog.

Characteristics
Dual purpose Pointer/Retriever, very keen nose, determined hunter and game-finder; equally good on land and in water.

Temperament
Calm, even tempered. Alert, biddable and very loyal.

Head and Skull
Aristocratic appearance, muzzle and skull of equal length. Top of head slightly rounded; medium width nasal bone, showing slight arch in profile and rising gently to forehead with no pronounced stop. The foreface should be of proportionate length to the skull, fairly broad and deep without being coarse, well chiselled below the eyes. Flews fairly deep, but not pendulous or exaggerated. Jaws strong. Nose brown, but slightly flecked markings permissible. Head hair considerably shorter than body.

Eyes
Brown, as dark as possible, of medium size slightly oval shaped, neither deep set nor protruding. Tight eyelids, no visible haw.

Ears
Broad and set close to and quite high on head. Turning slightly forward and leathers reaching to a point half way between corner of mouth and nose. Turning out on the bottom edge; well feathered on the outside with longer hair. Slightly wavy feathering should reach beyond tip of nose. Lower half of inside of leathers covered in hair. Ear leathers twice as long as broad.

Mouth
Jaws strong, with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Full, strong dentition desirable.

Neck
Moderate length, muscular and slightly arched, without dewlap; joining the shoulders and chest smoothly.

Forequarters
Shoulders sloping and muscular with top of shoulder blades close; upper arm long. Elbows set close to body, turning neither outwards nor inwards. Forelegs straight and well feathered, sufficiently muscular and strong but not coarse-boned. Pasterns slightly sloping.

Body
Well developed sternum, visible when viewed from side. Broad, deep ribcage, reaching at least to elbows. Back straight, firm and moderate in length. Very muscular around loins.

Hindquarters
Long croup, slightly sloping. Stifles well bent. Hind legs straight when viewed from rear. Pasterns nearly upright.

Feet
Well arched, compact, close knit, round to oval shaped with strong nails and pads; turning neither in nor out. Tufts of dense short hair between toes.

Tail
Well feathered, slightly scimitar shaped, moderately long, not reaching below hocks. Strong at root, becoming gradually thinner. Carried horizontally or just below line of back. Previously, docking of tip of tail was optional.

Gait/Movement
Free, long-striding, stylish and graceful, with good forward reach and powerful drive from hindquarters.

Coat
Correct coat very important. On back and sides of body, about 3-5cms long (1-2 ins), close fitting and with good undercoat. On throat, chest and stomach, coat may be longer. Body hair sleek and close lying, smooth or slightly wavy. Back of front legs and hind legs to hock joint, well feathered; below hocks significantly shorter.

Colour
Solid brown: white markings permissible especially on chest and feet. Dark brown roan: with varying sized brown patches, brown head with blaze or star. White, ticked: with varying sized brown patches, brown head with blaze or star. Trout-coloured roan: numerous small brown patches on white ground, brown head with blaze or star. Brown & White: either clear, or with large brown patches (e.g. saddle) and very few small patches; brown head with blaze or star.  Black highly undesirable.

Size
Height: Dogs - Minimum height at withers 60 cms (24 ins), maximum 70 cms (28 ins). (Ideal height 63-66 cms (25-26 ins)). Bitches - Minimum height at withers 58 cms (23 ins), maximum 66 cms (26 ins). (Ideal height 60-62 cms (24-24½ ins). Weight: Approx. 30kgs (66lbs).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog, and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - December 2008

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTER CLUB (Provisional). Sec: Mrs E Winser. Tel No: 01487 822366.

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