German Roughhaired Pointer

The German Roughhaired Pointer is very affectionate, loyal, and moderately calm. This breed gets along well with children but treats strangers with natural suspiciousness and aloofness. When properly trained, the Deutscher Stichelhaariger Vorstehhund is quite friendly to strangers but is still modest and remains a bit reserved. He is very attentive and therefore can become a very capable watchdog.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The German Roughhaired Pointer is one of the first dogs with brindle hair bred in Germany. This breed helped hunters to follow and hunt their prey. Moreover, members of this breed were noted for their endurance and ability to hunt regardless of territory and circumstances.

In Germany, the breed was recognized in the 1920s. At the same time, members of the breed were exported to America. However, the German Roughhaired Pointer is still a rare breed outside the country of origin. This dog did not have many fans, but it was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1959.

Appearance

German Roughhaired Pointers are strong, large dogs. They have stiff coats, expressive beards, and pronounced eyebrows that give them a grim look.

Deutscher Stichelhaariger Vorstehhunds have coarse fur, described as bristly, with pubescent hair around the legs. The hair forms a moderately developed beard on the muzzle and bushy eyebrows.

The color of the German Roughhaired Pointer corresponds to the color of many representatives of the sports class. It comes in several varieties – brown, brown-ochal, or light-ochal. The height of the male Deutscher Stichelhaariger Vorstehhund at the withers is 60-65 cm, while that of bitches is 58-60 cm. The weight of a German Roughhaired Pointer is from 25 to 30 kg. The tail is of medium length, strong at the base, straight, or slightly upward.

Character

German Roughhaired Pointer is very affectionate, loyal, and moderately calm. This breed gets along well with children but treats strangers with natural suspiciousness and aloofness. When properly trained, the Deutscher Stichelhaariger Vorstehhund is quite friendly to strangers but is still modest and remains a bit reserved. He is very attentive and therefore can become a very capable watchdog.

The Deutscher Stichelhaariger Vorstehhund needs to be accustomed to socialization from an early age. However, this breed is prone to dominance and is quite ready to fight for leadership positions. When walking, it is advisable to keep him on a leash. This breed is first and foremost a versatile and tough hunting breed with a developed hunting instinct.

Care

The German Roughhaired Pointer is quite undemanding when it comes to grooming. His owner should brush his dog’s coat several times a week with a brush with stiff bristles. The coat also requires seasonal plucking, which should be done manually. There is nothing complicated about this procedure so that the owner himself can easily do it.

Bathing this breed should be quite rare, as its coat repels not only water but also dirt. Ears and paws should be checked and cleaned after every walk. Molting is moderate.

Training

The German Roughhaired Pointer is quite industrious, so such a pet’s owner will have an easy time. Training such a breed is a sheer delight. Like any other hunting dog, he is quite independent and likes to make his own decisions rather than obey orders. The trainer must have the personality of a leader to train the Deutscher Stichelhaariger Vorstehhund. Such a pet is susceptible to criticism and learns better if it receives praise in tasty treats and encouraging words.

The German Roughhaired Pointer is a powerful breed, so it must be trained regularly. He is an avid swimmer and never misses an opportunity to swim in some local pond. If you live in a small city apartment, you may need to reconsider your decision to purchase this breed.

Common Diseases

In general, the German Roughhaired Pointer is quite a healthy dog. It is worth paying attention to the most common problems of this breed:

• hip dysplasia;
• eye problems;
• Willebrand’s disease;
• ear infections;
• skin cancer.

Nutrition

To meet their nutritional needs, feed your German Roughhaired Pointer a high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level. They may also benefit from diets designed specifically for large breed dogs. In particular, a diet for large breed puppies prevents the breed from developing too quickly physically. It can reduce the risk or severity of hip dysplasia as he ages.

To keep your pet at a healthy weight, oversee his food intake. Avoid accidental overeating by dosing their food portions. Don’t forget to include treats in their daily calorie allowance. Tentatively, treats should account for no more than 15% of your dog’s calories.