German Setter (Old German Pointer): The Rare Gundog

If you've spent any time around pointing dogs, you've likely met an English Setter, an Irish Setter, or a German Shorthaired Pointer. But ask even seasoned hunters about the German Setter—more accurately known as the Old German Pointer or Alter Deutscher Vorstehhund—and you'll probably get a blank stare. That's because this breed exists in a fascinating gray zone of canine history: a landrace-type pointing dog that predates many of today's popular gundog breeds, yet never achieved the standardized kennel club recognition that would have made it a household name.

Whether you're a dedicated hunting dog enthusiast, a rare-breed collector, or someone who stumbled across the term "German Setter" and wants to understand what it actually refers to, this guide covers everything you need to know about this uncommon European pointing dog.

What Exactly Is a German Setter? Untangling the Name

The term "German Setter" is not recognized as a formal breed name by any major international kennel club. Instead, it's a colloquial label that historically referred to several things:

• Old German Pointing Dogs (Alter Deutscher Vorstehhund): The ancestral landrace pointing dogs of Germany, which existed before modern breeds like the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) and German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP) were standardized in the late 1800s.
• Regional pointing types: Various local strains of versatile hunting dogs found in German-speaking regions, some of which had longer, setter-like coats.
• Confusion with established breeds: Occasionally, the name is mistakenly applied to the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Large Münsterländer, both of which share ancestry with setter-type dogs.

For this profile, we'll focus on the Old German Pointer lineage—the historical "German Setter" type—as well as what prospective owners need to know if they encounter dogs marketed under this name today.

Origin and History: From Medieval Hunting Fields to Modern Obscurity

The story of the German Setter begins with the versatile hunting dogs of medieval and early-modern Germany. Unlike England, where setters and pointers were developed as specialists (the English Setter for bird-finding, the Pointer for standing game), German hunters favored all-purpose gundogs that could point, retrieve from land and water, track wounded game, and even guard the homestead.

These early German pointing dogs were not a single standardized breed but rather a collection of regional types. Some had the longer, feathered coats associated with setters; others were shorter-coated. The Vorstehhund (literally "stand-up dog," referring to the pointing stance) was prized for its hunt, point, and retrieve abilities across varied terrain—from the dense forests of Bavaria to the open marshlands of northern Germany.

When the German kennel establishment began standardizing breeds in the late 19th century, the versatile shorthaired type was consolidated into what we now know as the German Shorthaired Pointer. The longer-coated variants contributed to breeds like the Large Münsterländer and the Longhaired German Pointer (Deutsch Langhaar). The original, unstandardized "Old German Pointer"—the true German Setter—was essentially bred out of existence as a distinct population.

Today, a handful of preservation breeders in Germany work to maintain remnants of these old lines, but the breed remains extraordinarily rare. You will not find it listed in the FCI's official breed registry, nor in the AKC or UKC studbooks.

Physical Characteristics: What Does a German Setter Look Like?

Because the German Setter was never formally standardized, physical appearance can vary. However, historical descriptions and modern preservation-line dogs share consistent traits:

German Setter (Old German Pointer) — Breed Information

Attribute	Details
Weight	50–70 lb / 23–32 kg
Height (at withers)	22–26 in / 56–66 cm
Coat	Medium to long, slightly wavy; feathering on legs, chest, and tail. Ranges from short-smooth to setter-length depending on lineage.
Colors	Brown roan, liver and white, black and white, solid liver or brown with white markings
Head	Broad skull, moderate stop, long muzzle; pendant ears set high
Build	Athletic, medium-boned, slightly longer than tall; deep chest for endurance
Tail	Medium length, carried horizontally or slightly below backline; historically docked in some lines
Lifespan	12–14 years (estimated; limited population data)
Energy Level	High — bred for all-day field work
Grooming Needs	Moderate — weekly brushing; more during shedding seasons
Family Fit	Best for active, experienced households with access to outdoor space

What sets it apart: The German Setter's most distinctive feature is its versatility of coat type within a single lineage. Unlike modern breeds locked into one coat standard, preservation-line Old German Pointers may produce both shorter-coated and longer-coated puppies in the same litter—a throwback to their landrace origins. Their overall silhouette is more rustic and less refined than a show-bred English Setter, with a stockier build and a broader head reminiscent of the German Shorthaired Pointer but with longer furnishings.

Temperament: What Surprises New Owners

Most people who acquire a German Setter-type dog (typically through a European preservation breeder or a specialized gundog importer) expect something similar to an English Setter: gentle, soft-mouthed, and easygoing. The reality is more nuanced.

The Continental Mindset

German pointing breeds, including the Old German Pointer lineage, are bred for independent problem-solving in the field. Unlike British setters, which were developed to work closely with the hunter and freeze in a classic pointing stance while awaiting direction, continental dogs are expected to make decisions: track, flush, retrieve, and even hold game. This means the German Setter tends to be:

• More independent than an English or Irish Setter — they think for themselves and may not check in with you as frequently off-leash.
• Higher prey drive — they will chase squirrels, rabbits, and deer with genuine intensity. Recall training is essential but may never be 100% reliable in high-distraction environments.
• More intense at home — while English Setters are known as "couch potatoes" outside of hunting, the German Setter often maintains a restless, watchful energy indoors unless given sufficient physical and mental outlets.
• Naturally protective — many owners report a wariness with strangers and a guarding instinct that's unusual for setter-type dogs. This isn't aggression, but it does mean early and ongoing socialization is critical.

What Owners Love

For the right handler, these traits are features, not bugs. The German Setter's intelligence makes it exceptionally trainable for complex tasks (search and rescue, advanced obedience, field trial work). Their loyalty is fierce—they tend to bond deeply with one person. And their versatility means a single dog can serve as a bird dog, a tracking companion, and a hiking partner.

Real owner insight: "My Old German Pointer is nothing like the English Setter I grew up with. She's sharper, more opinionated, and she'll stare at me until I get up and take her out. But her ability to read the field and adjust her approach to different terrain is something I've never seen in any other breed." — Field trial handler, Bavaria

Care Requirements: What This Breed Actually Needs

The German Setter is not a low-maintenance dog. If you're considering this breed, here's what daily, weekly, and seasonal care looks like in practice:

Training Approach

The German Setter responds best to positive reinforcement methods with high-value rewards (real meat, tug toys, retrieve opportunities). Harsh corrections or force-based methods backfire badly—this breed is sensitive to handler frustration and will shut down or become avoidant. Force-free, reward-based training builds the trust and cooperation this independent thinker needs to thrive.

Start socialization early (8–16 weeks is the critical window) and continue it throughout life. Expose your puppy to diverse people, surfaces, sounds, other dogs, and livestock in controlled, positive settings.

Health Concerns: Breed-Specific Predispositions

Because the German Setter / Old German Pointer exists in a very small gene pool, comprehensive health statistics are limited. However, based on known predispositions in closely related breeds (German Shorthaired Pointer, Large Münsterländer, Longhaired German Pointer), prospective owners should be aware of the following:

German Setter — Health Risk Overview

Condition	Description	Estimated Prevalence	Screening
Hip Dysplasia	Malformation of the hip joint leading to arthritis	~8–12% in related breeds (OFA data)	OFA/PennHIP radiographs
Elbow Dysplasia	Developmental abnormality of the elbow joint	~5–8% in GSP populations	OFA elbow radiographs
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)	Life-threatening stomach torsion; deep-chested breeds at higher risk	Risk elevated in deep-chested sporting breeds	Preventive gastropexy may be advised
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Degenerative eye disease leading to blindness	Documented in related German breeds	CERF/OFA ophthalmologist exam; DNA test available for some forms
Hypothyroidism	Underactive thyroid causing weight gain, lethargy, coat issues	~3–5% in pointing breeds	Annual thyroid panel
Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)	Chronic ear canal inflammation, common in drop-eared breeds	Very common; estimated 30%+ lifetime incidence	Regular ear checks; veterinary cytology if symptomatic

Important: Because the breeding population is so small, inbreeding depression is a genuine concern. Always ask a breeder for the coefficient of inbreeding (COI) for any litter—ideally this should be below 5%. A veterinary geneticist can help interpret DNA panel results if you're evaluating a specific dog. Always consult your veterinarian about an appropriate health screening schedule for your individual dog.

How Rare Is This Breed — And Where Can You Find One?

The honest answer: extremely rare. There is no centralized breed registry for the Old German Pointer / German Setter, and the global population is estimated to be in the low hundreds at most. Most preservation breeding occurs in Germany, Austria, and parts of Eastern Europe.

Availability and Sourcing

• Germany: A small number of preservation breeders maintain Old German Pointer lines, often affiliated with niche hunting dog clubs rather than the VDH (German Kennel Club). Finding these breeders requires German-language research and patience.
• North America: Virtually nonexistent as a recognized breed. You may occasionally find imported individuals through gundog networks or European import brokers.
• United Kingdom: Similarly rare. Some hunting dog enthusiasts have imported related types, but no established breeding population exists.

Cost Expectations

German Setter — Estimated Cost Breakdown

Expense	Estimated Cost (USD)
Puppy purchase price (European breeder)	$1,500–$3,000
International shipping/import fees	$1,500–$4,000
First-year veterinary care (vaccines, spay/neuter, screening)	$800–$1,500
Annual ongoing care (food, preventives, insurance)	$1,200–$2,200/year
Training (professional positive-reinforcement trainer)	$500–$1,500 (first year)

Total first-year cost estimate: $5,500–$12,200, depending heavily on import logistics and your region.

Breeder Red Flags

Because this breed lacks formal kennel club oversight, the risk of encountering irresponsible sellers is elevated. Watch for:

• No health testing documentation: Reputable preservation breeders will provide OFA/PennHIP results, eye clearances, and DNA panels for parent dogs.
• "Rare breed" premium pricing without substance: Some sellers exploit rarity to charge inflated prices for poorly bred or mixed-breed dogs marketed as "German Setters."
• No take-back clause: A responsible breeder will contractually require the dog be returned to them if you can no longer keep it, at any point in the dog's life.
• Inability to provide pedigree or lineage records: Even without AKC/FCI registration, a legitimate preservation breeder will have multi-generation pedigree documentation.
• Puppies always available: Genuine preservation breeders produce 1–2 litters per year at most, often with waiting lists.

German Setter vs. Similar Breeds: How Does It Compare?

If you're drawn to the idea of a German Setter but are concerned about availability, here's how it stacks up against more accessible alternatives:

Breed Comparison: German Setter vs. Related Breeds

Trait	German Setter (Old German Pointer)	German Shorthaired Pointer	Large Münsterländer
AKC Recognized	No	Yes (1968)	No (FCI recognized)
Weight	50–70 lb / 23–32 kg	55–70 lb / 25–32 kg	55–75 lb / 25–34 kg
Coat	Medium-long, variable	Short, dense	Long, feathered
Temperament	Independent, intense, protective	Energetic, eager, bold	Calm, steady, versatile
Exercise Needs	90–120+ min/day	60–90+ min/day	60–90 min/day
First-Time Owner Friendly	Not recommended	Challenging but possible	More forgiving
Availability (US)	Extremely rare / import only	Widely available	Rare but findable
Puppy Price (US)	$1,500–$3,000 + import	$800–$2,000	$1,500–$2,500

Bottom line: If you want the German Setter experience with better availability and breeder infrastructure, the Large Münsterländer is the closest match—same continental heritage, similar versatility, longer coat, and a slightly more manageable temperament. The GSP is more readily available but shorter-coated and generally more hyperactive. The AKC's Large Münsterländer page provides additional context on this related breed.

Is the German Setter Right for You?

This breed is best suited for:

• Experienced dog owners who have handled high-drive sporting breeds before
• Active hunters or field sport participants who can give the dog real work
• Rural or suburban homes with fenced acreage—not apartments or urban settings
• People comfortable with a dog that thinks independently and may not be biddable in the way a Golden Retriever is
• Those willing to navigate the complexities of importing a rare breed from Europe

This breed is not ideal for:

• First-time dog owners
• Families with very young children (the dog's intensity and size can overwhelm toddlers)
• Households with cats or small pets (high prey drive is a serious concern)
• Anyone looking for a casual companion dog that's content with short neighborhood walks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the German Setter the same as the German Shorthaired Pointer?

No. The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is a modern, standardized breed recognized worldwide. The "German Setter" typically refers to the older, pre-standardization landrace pointing dogs of Germany—the Old German Pointer—which had more variable coat types, including longer, setter-like coats. The GSP absorbed much of the Old German Pointer's gene pool during breed development in the late 1800s.

Can I find a German Setter in the United States?

It is extremely unlikely. There is no established breeding population in the US. Acquiring one would require importing from a European preservation breeder, which adds $1,500–$4,000 in shipping and import costs on top of the puppy price.

Are German Setters good family dogs?

They can be, in the right family. They are loyal and affectionate with their own people but tend to be intense, high-energy, and sometimes wary of strangers. Families with older children (10+), an active outdoor lifestyle, and prior experience with sporting breeds will have the best experience. They are not recommended for first-time owners or homes with small pets.

What is the German Setter's lifespan?

Based on related breeds and limited population data, the estimated lifespan is 12–14 years. As with any breed, longevity depends on genetics, nutrition, exercise, and preventive veterinary care.

Do German Setters shed a lot?

Moderately. They have a double coat that sheds seasonally, with heavier shedding in spring and fall. Weekly brushing with a slicker brush and undercoat rake keeps loose hair manageable. Longer-coated individuals shed more noticeably than shorter-coated ones.

What should I feed a German Setter?

A high-quality, AAFCO-approved diet formulated for active or sporting breeds is ideal. Look for a named animal protein as the first ingredient (chicken, lamb, fish), minimum 22–26% protein for adult maintenance, and appropriate fat levels (14–20%) to support their energy demands. Split daily rations into two meals to help reduce bloat risk. Always consult your veterinarian for individualized nutrition guidance.

Sources referenced: American Kennel Club — German Shorthaired Pointer; FCI Breed Nomenclature; Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). For breed-specific health guidance, always consult your veterinarian.