Pet Wiki

German Roughhaired Pointer

Also called Deutsch Stichelhaar, Deutscher Stichelhaariger Vorstehhund, German Broken-Coated Pointer

Rare breedFCI group 7Short profile

From Germany12

At a glance the quick version

Height, male60 to 70 cm12
Height, female58 to 68 cm12
Sizelarge
calm and balanced
courageous
easy to train
1

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

Coloursbrownbrown with white chest patchbrown roanlight roan12

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

  1. 1

    It is considered the oldest German rough-coated pointing dog.1

  2. 2

    An old regional name for it is Hessischer Rauhbart, 'Hessian rough-beard'.2

  3. 3

    Its bold eyebrows and broad head are said to come from old German shepherd-dog ancestry.2

  4. 4

    It is rarely seen outside Germany.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The word 'stichelhaariger' in the breed's German name translates to 'rough-haired,' reflecting the introduction of old German shepherd dog blood into the breed's development.2

Name ideas for your new friend

HugoTrudiKlausAnnelieseGuntherMarthaRolfErikaVolkerIlseBertramGertrud

A day in the life told by a German Roughhaired Pointer

I greet the dawn with a steady gaze. My human and I walk through fields where my rough coat brushes the grass. I point at a pheasant, still as stone, then relax when they call me on. We cross a stream, I love the chill on my paws. At home, I lie by the door, calm and watchful. Strangers get a quiet look; family gets a tail wag. A day of purpose, then rest.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

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 a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a German Roughhaired Pointer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Simple Apple & Carrot Crunchies

Crunchy, low-calorie treats that help clean teeth and provide vitamins. Apple and carrot are safe for dogs in moderation and are naturally sweet.

You need

  • 1 medium apple (cored, seeds removed)
  • 1 medium carrot

How

  1. Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
  2. Core the apple and remove all seeds (seeds contain trace cyanide).
  3. Slice both into thin, bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog’s size.
  4. Serve raw as a crunchy treat, or lightly steam the carrot if your dog prefers softer textures.

How much: Give a few slices per day for a large/giant dog, ensuring treats make up no more than 10% of daily calories.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my German Roughhaired Pointer, and at what times?

Feed your German Roughhaired Pointer at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Consistent meal times help their digestion, so try to feed at the same times each day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.13 Pet Wiki plan

What should a German Roughhaired Pointer eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially harmful to dogs. Always check with your vet for a tailored diet plan.14 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I bathe a German Roughhaired Pointer?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty from outdoor activities. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their harsh coat healthy. Over-bathing can strip natural oils, so stick to a routine that suits their lifestyle.15 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a German Roughhaired Pointer need brushing?

Brush your German Roughhaired Pointer weekly to keep their wiry coat in good condition. Occasional hand-stripping every 84 days helps maintain the weatherproof texture, though clipping is also an option. Regular brushing removes loose hair and prevents mats.15 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a German Roughhaired Pointer's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.15 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a German Roughhaired Pointer need?

This breed needs plenty of outdoor work or exercise every day, as they are a versatile hunting dog. Daily walks and play sessions are essential to keep them happy and healthy. They thrive in active homes with space to run.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a German Roughhaired Pointer's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth at least two to three times a week, ideally daily, using dog-safe toothpaste. Check and dry their floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture buildup and infections. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer ear gently.15 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a German Roughhaired Pointer live?

Lifespan varies by individual, but generally, German Roughhaired Pointers live around 12 to 14 years with good care. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can support a long life. Senior years usually start around age 7.1 Pet Wiki plan

Is a German Roughhaired Pointer good with children and other pets?

This breed is steady, calm, and brave with good self-control, making them generally good with children when properly socialized. They can be reserved with strangers, so early socialization is key. With other pets, their hunting instincts may vary, so introduce them carefully and supervise interactions.12

Can a German Roughhaired Pointer be left alone?

This loyal working partner likes to be close to its handler, so they may struggle with long periods alone. They are best suited to homes where someone is around most of the day. If left alone, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand, and consider crate training for short absences.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 232 Deutsch Stichelhaar fci.beused for classification, size, coat, colour, temperament, history
  2. German Roughhaired Pointer - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, history, rarity, facts
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.