Gundog Large size 25-34 kg
German Rough Haired Pointer
A rugged wire-coated German pointer bred to work all day, best for an active hunting home rather than a quiet pet setting.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Large
Size
25-34 kg, 60-70 cm
High
Activity
High; needs real daily exercise and a job
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Prefers company; struggles with long days alone
Easy
Trainability
Eager and quick to learn
Moderate
Coat care
Weekly brushing keeps the coat in order
Very good
Fit with kids
Good family dog with children
Very good
Other pets
Generally good with other dogs and pets
Light
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia
The German Rough Haired Pointer typically weighs 25-34 kg, stands 60-70 cm, and lives 11-13 years.
Consider this breed if…
you hunt or want a hardy, versatile working gundog,
you are active and can give daily exercise plus a job,
you enjoy training an eager, capable dog,
someone is home often, as it dislikes long solitude.
Do not consider this breed if…
the dog would be alone most of the work day,
you want a placid, low-energy house companion,
you cannot commit to real daily exercise and training,
you have no outdoor access for a stamina-bred worker.
A typical day with a German Rough Haired Pointer
- 6:30 · MorningLong walk, run, or field work to start
- 9:00 · MidmorningRest near the family after exercise
- 12:30 · NoonShort walk plus a training refresher
- 16:00 · AfternoonRetrieve or scent games
- 18:30 · EveningSecond longer walk or a hike
- 21:00 · NightSettles calmly indoors with its people
Family and environment
Kids Good
Friendly and steady; a reliable family dog with children.
Dogs Good
Sociable and even-tempered with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Hunting instinct is present; introduce carefully and early.
Apartment Conditional
Only with heavy daily exercise and outdoor access.
House with a yard Suitable
Space plus family company suits this active worker.
City Conditional
Workable for an active owner near open ground.
Countryside Ideal
Room to run and work matches its gundog heritage.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Light
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Dental Disease Very common; routine brushing and cleanings help
Hip Dysplasia Joint malformation; screen breeding stock
Chronic Ear Infections Drop ears trap moisture; keep them clean and dry
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Inherited retinal disease; DNA test available
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Closely related wire-coated German gundog
German Wire Haired Pointer
A hardy, all-purpose wire-haired gundog for a very active owner, needing a real job and lots of exercise to stay balanced.
View profile →
Similar rugged versatile wirehaired pointer
Czech Fousek
A versatile wirehaired pointer with huge hunting drive - superb for active hunting homes, too much dog for a sedentary one.
View profile →
Another hardy wire-coated hunting breed
Italian Spinone
A patient, affectionate wirehaired gun dog that suits active families - the trade-off is a slow, deliberate learning pace and a beard that drips water everywhere.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a German Rough Haired Pointer cost?
The Deutsch Stichelhaar is very rare, kept almost entirely by German hunters, so US availability is minimal and importing or a long waitlist is likely. Expect the puppy plus transport to run into the low thousands of dollars. The lifetime cost is larger: food, routine vet care, and any health issues for a large working dog add up to many thousands of dollars over its life, so budget for the long term.
Is a German Rough Haired Pointer a good family dog?
It is friendly, steady, and usually good with children and other dogs, so it can fit a family, but it is first and foremost a hard-working gundog. It needs a great deal of daily exercise and a job, so it suits an active, outdoorsy household rather than a quiet one or long days alone.
How much grooming does the wiry coat need?
Moderate. The harsh, weather-resistant coat needs regular brushing and periodic hand-stripping or tidying to stay in condition, plus checks for burrs and debris after time in the field. It is not high-maintenance, but it is not wash-and-go either.
How much exercise does it need?
A lot. Bred to work all day across rough terrain, it needs vigorous daily exercise plus mental tasks like retrieving or tracking. Without enough activity it can become restless and difficult to live with.