Stichelhaar

The Deutsch Stichelhaar is one of Germany's rough-haired pointing breeds — the oldest of them, and much the rarest.

History

It was standardised in the late nineteenth century from old German rough-coated pointing stock, at the same moment German hunters were assembling the Wirehaired Pointer and the Griffon. The Wirehaired Pointer became one of the most popular gun dogs in the world; the Stichelhaar stayed with a small circle of German hunters and remains there, kept as a working dog and bred to performance tests.

Temperament

The breed is known for being steady, biddable with its handler and reserved with strangers, with a strong hunting drive and the protectiveness German hunters expect of an all-round gun dog.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and real hunting work. The harsh, wiry coat needs brushing and occasional hand-stripping.

Health

Generally sound, with hip dysplasia among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.