At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
harsh, wiry
A sturdy pointer with a stiff, bristly coat about 4 cm long, a modest beard and bold eyebrows, and a broad head.12
Personality what they are like
A steady, calm and brave gundog with good self-control, neither shy nor sharp. It can be reserved with strangers.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A versatile hunting dog that needs plenty of outdoor work or exercise every day.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Occasional brushing and hand-stripping keep the harsh coat weatherproof.1
Home where they are happiest
Suited to hunting or outdoor-active homes in the countryside.12
Company who they like around
A loyal working partner that likes to be close to its handler.1
The story where it all began
Rough-coated pointers existed across Germany in the early 1800s. In 1888 Hans von Kadisch set out the breed's identity and re-developed it from the few dogs left, and the breed club was founded in 1892. It is the oldest German rough-coated pointing breed.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 232, Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.1 (Continental pointers, braque type), with working trial; standard published 29 Nov 20011
- VDH
- National breed standard2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a German Roughhaired Pointer. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 232 Deutsch Stichelhaar fci.beused for classification, size, coat, colour, temperament, history
- German Roughhaired Pointer - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, history, rarity, facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.