The longhaired german pointer originates mainly from crosses between german shorthairewd pointer and the wachtelhund (german spaniel). The british setter breeds were found in Germany even back in the 1700s and are believed to have been crossed with these dogs as well, in order to make them faster on the field. The old breed french spaniel is believed to be in the family tree as well.
The german longhaired pointer has gotten the least amount of attention among the german gundog breeds, but in the late 1900s hunters have begun to notice it, for its excellent hunting abilities.

The longhaired pointer should have a robust, powerful body, with a rather short back but still rectangular in shape. It should appear firm yet elegant. The head should elongated and the ears set rather low. A slightly convex nose shape is typical. The coat is longer on the htroat, chest and underside, and its longest at ears, backside of the legs and tail. It is shorter on the back and sides, and smooth on the head, nose and frontside of the legs. It should be straight or slightly wavy.