Frequently Asked Questions About Deutsch Langhaars

What is unique about Deutsch Langhaar Gruppe Nordamerika?
The Deutsch Langhaar Gruppe Nordamerika believes that the Deutsch Langhaar exhibits true versatility in pure breeding since 1879 as a result of years of collective experience of the Deutsch Langhaar Verband (DLV) and Breeding Commission. Gruppe Nordamerika is the only officially sanctioned Deutsch Langhaar group in North America that follows the breeding rules and regulations of the Deutsch Langhaar Verband. Only dogs certified for breeding under the DL Breeding Rules and Regulations are used in Gruppe Nordamerika breeding programs. All Deutsch Langhaar are not certified for breeding and simply because a dog has entered and / or passed a JGHV sponsored test does not mean it is breed certified as there are other qualifications that must be met. There are also dogs in North America that have been certified by an exception to the DL Breeding Rules and Regulations, but they are exceptions by definition and should not be pursued in lieu of following regular procedures of the DLV.

What is the difference between a Deutsch Langhaar (DL) and a German Longhair Pointer (GLP)? See answer following and detailed comparison list HERE.
The English translation of Deutsch Langhaar is “German Longhair” but the similarities end there. Much like the Deutsch Drathaar (DD) is distinguished from the German Wirehair and the Deutsch Kurzhaar is not considered to be the same breed as the German Shorthair; the term German Longhair is often used interchangeably with Deutsch Langhaar, however they are technically separate breeds. German Longhairs are also known as German Longhair Pointers or German Longhaired Pointers (GLPs). The Deutsch-Langhaar Breed Association defines “pure-breeding” as the preservation of the breed’s appearance conforming to type and of its demonstrated hunting abilities. A Deutsch-Langhaar dog is certified to be a pure-bred if it is registered in the Deutsch- Langhaar Breed Register (ZDL), is issued a pedigree and was tattooed as a puppy and has been bred in accordance with the Breeding Regulations of the Deutsch Langhaar Verband (DLV). The Deutsch Langhaar is bred to standards set by the JGHV and the (DLV). It is because of this solid breeding program established in 1879 that quality versatile hunting Deutsch Langhaars exist today. The German Longhair Pointer is the result of breeding uncertified dogs out of regulation of the parent breed club, the DLV. See following examples:

Certified DL bred to Certified DL= DL puppies. These DL puppies are the offspring of certified DLs bred in accordance to the DL Breeding Regulations set forth by the Deutsch Langhaar Verband (DLV). All puppies whelped in Deutsch Langhaar Gruppe Nordamerika are registered with the DLV in Germany, receive a registration number from the DLV, along with an official German pedigree (Ahnentafel) issued by the DLV, under the umbrella of the VDH and JGHV. DL puppies are tattooed with that registration number in their right ear before they leave the breeder's kennel . These are Deutsch Langhaars. In order for DL puppies to receive an Ahnentafel, the breeder must be a member of Gruppe Nordamerika and thereby agree to the bylaws, rules and regulations and breeding rules and regulations.

Certified DL (or Non-Certified DL) bred to Certified DL (or Non-Certified DL) = GLP puppies. These puppies are the offspring of DLs, of which one or both parents were or were not certified for breeding by the Deutsch Langhaar Verband (DLV) AND/OR the breeding did not meet DLV Breed Regulations AND requirements set forth by the DLV. These puppies therefore are NOT Deutsch Langhaars, but German Longhair Pointers and CANNOT BE REGISTERED under a sanctioned and regulated breed club. These GLP puppies ARE NOT registered with the DLV in Germany, they WILL NOT receive a registration number from the DLV AND WILL NOT receive an official German pedigree (Ahnentafel) issued by the DLV. Since all breed related activity must be processed through Gruppe Nordamerika, those breeding outside of Gruppe Nordamerika and thereby against DLV Breeding Regulations, will not receive Ahnentafels for puppies. Puppies born out of German regulation can only be registered as GLPs by an unaffiliated registry.

DL bred to GLP= GLP puppies. The DL was bred out of German regulation. Puppies are GLPs.

GLP bred to GLP = GLP puppies. Unregistered dogs or dogs bred under an unaffiliated registry outside of the Deutsch Langhaar breed standards and regulations.

Can a DL-GNA member import Deutsch Langhaars from other countries, including Germany and other European nations and have them certified for breeding? YES

Different breeders have different objectives and a breeder can breed a “dog of all nations” supposedly better suited to "North American hunting conditions" within the flux of the German system if one so wished. The JGHV system is about preserving instincts and works because while individual breeders may focus on individual goals, a dog must pass an entire spectrum of tests to remain versatile and a "consistent producer" for future generations.

Isn't any breed club that has standards going to produce quality hunting dogs? Possibly, depending on the integrity of the breed club, its breeders and the minimum standards. In any breed club there are many breeder types that breed according to preferences and goals with some only meeting the minimum requirements. Differences among breed clubs lie in those minimum standards as well as continuity, leadership and membership. DL-GNA as a member club of the DLV, follows it's rules and regulations that have been in place since 1879.

What registered dogs are eligible for testing in the JGHV and can they be breed certified through the Deutsch Langhaar Verband? According to the Deutsch Langhaar Breeding Regulations, the successful completion of JGHV(Jagdgebrauchshundverband) performance tests is required to identify the dog’s natural abilities and suitability to hunt. Dogs registered in a recognized breed book of a breed club affiliated with the JGHV are eligible for entry in a JGHV test. Dogs bred in foreign countries that possess a pedigree recognized by the FCI and are a member of a breed book or registry recognized by a JGHV member club are eligible for admittance to a JGHV test.

According to the Deutsch Langhaar Breeding Regulations, Deutsch-Langhaar dogs in other countries are defined as those Deutsch-Langhaar Pointing Dogs that are from purebred litters whelped in other countries. Other countries may have breeding requirements different from those in Germany. Their DL dogs in terms of type may differ from those bred in Germany. For this reason, Deutsch-Langhaar dogs from other countries are to be screened carefully for their natural abilities, performance, hardness, type, conformation, coat and temperament before any such dog may be used for breeding in Germany.

The approval of the Breeding Commission is required before a Deutsch-Langhaar dog from another country may be used for breeding in Germany. This requirement is to guarantee that no undesirable traits will be imported to the domestic breed by importing foreign blood into the gene pool. This rule also applies to foreign litters that are raised in Germany.

Does membership in Deutsch Langhaar Gruppe Nordamerika require that members own Deutsch Langhaars exclusively? NO. Several members own other breeds of dogs other than the DL, including Chesapeke Bay Retrievers, Drathaars, Flat Coat Retrievers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, etc. Deutsch Langhaar Gruppe Nordamerika bylaws state in accordance with the policies of the DLV, that breeding outside of rules and regulations of the DLV and Breeding Commission is forbidden. Therefore a Gruppe Nordamerika member cannot maintain nor support a breeding program for the GLP, or breed a Deutsch Langhaar out of regulation. Members who own GLPs are welcome as members of Gruppe Nordamerika as long as they do not breed their GLPs. A Gruppe Nordamerika member is permitted to maintain another breeding program of an unrelated breed, such as Deutsch Kurzhaars, English Pointers, etc. The DL-GNA membership is primarily comprised of hunters first and foremost and all are welcome as members regardless of what dog breed they hunt behind.

Can a member of Deutsch Langhaar Gruppe Nordamerika test with and belong to other organizations? Gruppe Nordamerika adhering to the guidelines of the JGHV and DLV, is the only breed specific club exclusively for Deutsch Langhaars in North America. Performance and breed tests recognized by the JGHV and DLV ensure the continuance and integrity of the Deutsch Langhaar.
It is permissible for DL owners to belong to other testing organizations. Members are encouraged to join other testing organizations for training and testing in different venues. Although these tests are not recognized by the JGHV and DLV for breed certification, each experience lends itself to a better-rounded versatile hunting companion. Several members also belong to NAVHDA and NSTRA.

As a new puppy owner am I required to test my dog?
The primary objective of Deutsch Langhaar Gruppe Nordamerika is to place quality versatile hunting dogs in hunting homes. New owners are asked to respect the fact that the Deutsch Langhaar is excellent versatile hunting companion as a result of stringent testing and breeding regulations. A breeder relies on results from a VJP puppy test to evaluate the inherited natural abilities and level of consistency among the litter. Although testing is not required, Gruppe Nordamerika strongly encourages you to at least prepare for and run your pup in a VJP which will aid in puppy development as it is exposed to game and learns how to use its nose, concentrate, search and point and hunt for and with its handler. Training for the HZP advanced puppy test will result in a useful versatile hunting companion for many seasons to come. Regardless as to whether or not you have any interest in breeding, completing the necessary steps to have your dog certified will not only enhance the bond between you and your better trained hunting partner, it is an achievement to be proud of.