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Gundog · Germany

German Roughhaired Pointer

A walker's guide to the German Roughhaired Pointer: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Large, 25 to 32 kgHigh energyHPR gundogWire coatVery rare
Exercise a day2 hours plus
Energy4 of 5
Walk styleWorking pace, scans cover
With other dogsSteady, a little aloof

Overview

The German Roughhaired Pointer is one of the least common gundogs you will ever be offered. It is a sturdy, wire-coated hunt-point-retrieve dog, usually brown roan, with a beard and bushy eyebrows and a serious expression to match. Even in Germany numbers are small, and it is kept almost entirely by hunters.

Treat it as a close cousin of the German Wirehaired Pointer in body and purpose, with a reputation for being a touch quieter and more reserved with strangers. Expect an independent worker that is devoted to its family and takes a little while to accept a new handler.

Exercise and walking needs

Plan for two hours a day with as much free running as the owner permits. A rough-coated pointer was built for a full day in field and marsh, and a short lead walk around the block will not scratch the surface.

Give it tasks: a retrieve across rough ground, a search for a hidden dummy, a steady heel through distractions. The dog settles best when it has used its brain as well as its legs.

Daily minimum120 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeQuiet areas, long line first

On the walk

  • Scent and birds: The dog will stop and point when it finds game. Let it hold for a moment, then call it on; dragging a pointing dog off a bird teaches nothing useful.
  • Strangers: Reserved rather than friendly. Give it time with you before the first walk and do not force greetings with people on the path.
  • Water: Most will swim readily and the coat sheds water well. Check banks and currents before allowing it in.
  • Other dogs: Usually tolerant but not especially playful. It will walk with a group rather than romp with one.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Arrive early for the first few walks so the dog can get used to you at home.
  2. Carry a dummy or ball and finish each walk with a short retrieve and a calm sit.
  3. Brush out the coat after walks through brambles; the harsh hair catches seeds.
  4. Walk away from game-rich areas until you trust the recall.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Is the dog worked on a shoot, and does it have a whistle or voice recall you can use?
  • How does it behave around strangers and children on a walk, and how should you introduce yourself?
  • Are there any joint or eye issues the vet has mentioned that would limit running?
German Wirehaired PointerA beardedPudelpointerA German hunting all-rounder bred from Poodle and PointerČeský fousekThe Czech rough-coated pointer: a beardedSlovak Rough-haired PointerA grey