The appearance of the Deutsch-Langhaar has changed little since its standards were
first defined in 1879. You can find the Deutsch-Langhaar today in colors ranging from brown, brown roan , and brown and white.
Strict standards apply to the breeding of the Deutsch-Langhaar. The foremost
goal of the breeding program is a versatile hunting dog with all around great performance. Only healthy and strong dogs with
the determination to complete the most difficult hunting tasks may be used for breeding. Of course, they also may not have
any visible or hidden physical defects. Every breeder must comply with the breeding regulations established by the Deutsch
Langhaar Verband.
Before a dog may be bred, it must pass a series of hunting tests under the
uniform testing system of the JGHV. These tests evaluate natural ability and trainability. A Deutsch-Langhaar is required
to demonstrate good pointing ability, show passion in the water, hunt loud when it encounters furred game, be tough on predators,
demonstrate willingness to track and consequently track wounded game reliably. Deutsch-Langhaars must be certified clear of
hip dysplasia, have a scissor bite with a complete set of teeth, and must be rated in a breed show with at least “good”
in type, conformation and coat in order to become certified for breeding.
As is mandated by the parent club’s
breeding regulations, all data on health, coat and conformation ratings, and results of JGHV hunting tests for Deutsch-Langhaars
are collected each year by the club’s official registrar who publishes the data in a breed book yearly for use by members.
The collection includes data on Deutsch-Langhaars whelped in the US as well. The president of DL-GNA in the US reports the
information to the same registrar in Germany.
ONLY
Tested and Proven Dogs Will Be Approved For Breeding. One of the requirements for a dog to be certified for breeding is to pass once at least two of these JGHV tests
specifically for versatile dogs: The natural ability (VJP) in the spring and the advanced test in the fall (HZP).
For a dog to be considered
a “finished” versatile hunting dog, it must also successfully pass the Utility Test (VGP). This ultimate performance test has 38 individual test
subjects takes two days to complete. A
dog that has passed this test can be expected to fulfil any versatile hunting task reliably if it is handled properly and
hunted regularly.
The Deutsch-Langhaar can be seen hunting beyond Germany
in growing numbers. In countries where the national kennel clubs are affiliated with
FCI in Belgium, breed clubs for the Deutsch-Langhaar have formed and sponsor the breed in accordance with the official breed
standards. Over the years breed clubs outside Germany noticed that their dogs had undergone a change in temperament and deterioration
in performance. This disconcerting development in the breed was attributed to the overemphasis of breeding for “show
qualities” and a testing level reduced to the minimal demands of hunting as a sport or no performance standards at all.
Breed clubs, such as Deutsch Langhaar-Gruppe Nordamerika, of the Deutsch-Langhaar outside Germany are now making a concerted
effort to re-establish the original qualities of this breed both in temperament and performance through targeted breeding
and exclusive rights to select imports from Germany. A sure method to accomplish this is for clubs outside of Germany to adopt
and implement the German breeding regulations in their countries, and test their dogs under the uniform JGHV system.
This was accomplished successfully in 2008 when a Deutsch-Langhaar–Gruppe
Nordamerika (DL-GNA) was formed by some dedicated supporters of the breed in the USA. DL-GNA and its members have vowed to
continue the proven German tradition of breeding and testing the Deutsch-Langhaar in full compliance with the rules and regulations
of the German parent club (Deutsch Langhaar Verband). DL-GNA is proud to report success with the regulated breeding program
and is determined to continue its work under the auspices of the parent club. Consequently, these performance tested hunting
dogs have increasingly raised the interest of the American hunter who is looking for a dependable and versatile hunting companion.
Deutsch-Langhaar owners/breeders throughout Europe recognized
a deterioration of hunting ability and temperament in dogs whelped outside of Deutsch Langhaar Verband regulations. Therefore, individuals within Finland, The Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, and the Czech
Republic founded The International Deutsch-Langhaar Association in 2010. The International clubs’ purpose is to support
its member clubs worldwide and safeguard the breeding objectives on a global scale by representing the breed’s interests
towards national kennel clubs and FCI.
The Deutsch-Langhaar Verband is faced with yet another
challenge which is to maintain its high standard internationally. In some countries, supporters of this breed have united
in clubs where they change the name of the breed or modify the official breed standards. The German parent club does not endorse
such clubs and does not consider their dogs to be true Deutsch-Langhaars. FCI has been asked to help in this matter and is
in the process of taking measures to stop such activities.
The Deutsch Langhaar Verband takes it mission seriously
to promote and preserve the breed through performance breeding and testing. Any compromise in pursuing the traditional goal
for the breed which was then and still is today “Bred by the hunter for the hunter” will affect the quality of
the dogs. Member countries of the International Deutsch-Langhaar association are committed to the original breeding regulations
from Germany which will ensure that the dogs of this fine breed are of the same high performance quality worldwide.
Currently, the versatile Deutsch
Langhaar hunts game in more than 21 states and provinces across North America.
