Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview:
The German Stichelhaar is an old pointing breed that developed in Germany from local rough-coated hunting dogs. Its formation involved the Pudelpointer, the Deutsch-Drahthaar, and other versatile gun dogs, which contributed to its endurance, stable temperament, and ability to work in demanding field conditions. The Stichelhaar was valued as a universal assistant for hunting feathered game, larger animals, and for tracking wounded game. Systematic breeding began in the early 20th century, fixing its strong build, harsh coat, and high working capacity. Today the breed is rare, yet it maintains its status as a reliable, versatile working pointer.
General Appearance:
The German Stichelhaar is a strong, harmoniously built pointing dog of medium to large size, combining substantial bone, developed musculature, and balanced proportions. The outline is slightly elongated; the body is robust, with a deep chest and strong topline. The neck is powerful but dry, the head elongated without coarseness, with a defined but not sharp stop. The limbs are straight and stable, providing confident, free movement. The coat is harsh and close-lying, offering reliable protection in various weather conditions. Overall, the Stichelhaar gives the impression of a hardy, versatile working dog with a balanced temperament.
Important Proportions:
The German Stichelhaar has a slightly elongated format: the body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers. Chest depth is approximately half the dog’s height, supporting endurance and consistent breathing during work. The head length should be about 40% of the dog’s height at the withers, with skull and muzzle approximately equal in length, forming a harmonious profile. The neck is proportional to the body and sufficiently long for free movement. The length of the croup and loin is balanced, providing strong drive. The proportions of fore and hind limbs support a correct topline and stable movement.
Behavior and Character:
The German Stichelhaar is a balanced, courageous, and reliable working dog with a strong hunting instinct and high trainability. It is known for its steady temperament, attentiveness, and willingness to cooperate with its handler. In the field it works confidently, persistently, and methodically, maintaining contact and control. At home it is usually calm and unobtrusive, but energetic during work and exercise. It has a developed guarding instinct, showing natural alertness toward strangers without unjustified aggression. The breed is loyal, affectionate, and often strongly bonded to one owner. It requires both physical and mental stimulation to maintain stable behavior.
Head:
The head is elongated, dry, and harmonious, with a moderately broad skull and a smooth but noticeable stop. The skull is slightly rounded; the muzzle is strong, equal in length to the skull, with a straight nasal bridge. Lips are tight without looseness. Cheeks are not prominent. The occipital bone is moderately defined. The overall head type emphasizes the breed’s working purpose.
Facial Part:
The muzzle is elongated and strong, with a straight or slightly convex nasal bridge. The nose is large, well developed, usually dark. Lips are dry, tight, without pendulousness. Jaws are strong, with a full set of teeth and a scissor bite. Whiskers are moderately developed and accentuated by the harsh coat.
Eyes:
The eyes are medium-sized, oval, deep-set, and secure, with an expression of alertness and confidence. The color is predominantly dark hazel or dark brown, matching the coat. Eyelids are tight, well fitting, without drooping. The expression is lively and work-ready, reflecting the breed’s balanced character.
Ears:
The ears are medium-sized, set high and evenly, lying close to the cheeks. They are triangular with slightly rounded tips. Their length reaches the corners of the mouth or slightly lower. During movement the ears maintain a stable position, contributing to the dog’s neat, composed appearance. The hair on the ears is short and dense.
Neck:
The neck is medium in length, dry, muscular, and blending smoothly into the withers. The upper line is slightly arched, emphasizing strength and elegance. There is no dewlap; the skin is tight. The neck allows free head movement and stability in motion, which is essential for a working pointer.
Body:
The body is strong and slightly elongated, with a deep chest, well-arched ribs, and a pronounced withers. The topline is straight and firm; the loin is short and muscular. The croup is moderately sloping and broad, providing powerful drive. The abdomen is tucked up but not excessive. The overall body structure highlights the breed’s working endurance.
Tail:
The tail is set level with the topline, straight or slightly sabre-shaped. When relaxed, it hangs down; during work it is carried higher but without excessive curvature. It is natural in length and not docked. The tail is covered with dense, harsh hair. It serves as an indicator of the dog’s mood and complements its confident, composed appearance.
Forequarters:
The forequarters are straight, strong, with well-developed bone. The shoulder blades are long and well laid back, forming correct angles with the upper arm. The shoulders are muscular, providing wide reach. The forearms are straight; pasterns slightly sloping and elastic. Feet are oval, compact, with firm pads and strong nails.
Hindquarters:
The hindquarters are powerful, well muscled, with well-defined angulation. Thighs are broad and strong; lower thighs long and firm. Hocks are stable and set low. Metatarsi are straight without turning in or out. Feet are compact, slightly oval, with firm pads. The strong drive provides energetic, confident movement.
Gait and Movement:
Movement of the German Stichelhaar is free, confident, and energetic, with good reach and strong hindquarter drive. The stride is even and stable, without body sway. The preferred gait is a wide, efficient trot with clear coordination. The dog must maintain a straight topline and natural ease when transitioning between gaits.
Coat:
The coat is harsh, dense, and close-lying, forming reliable protection against moisture and cold. The outer coat is of medium length, straight, without waves or curls. The undercoat is thick and well developed, especially in cold weather. The hair is shorter on the head and ears and coarser on the body.
Acceptable Colors:
Acceptable colors include brown, brown roan, brown with white markings, and white with brown patches. Darker shading and slight lightening of the coat on the muzzle and limbs are permitted. The color must be clear and even, without undesirable mottling.
Size:
Male German Stichelhaars reach 60–67 cm at the withers; females 58–64 cm. Weight is proportional to size and build, usually between 25–35 kg. The dog must appear strong and enduring, without heaviness or excessive refinement. Size should underline the breed’s working nature.
Faults:
Faults include deviations that disrupt harmony of conformation or working ability. These include light or loose bone, insufficient musculature, looseness in the body, excessively long or short format. Weak withers, soft or arched topline, narrow chest, barrel-shaped or flat ribs are undesirable. Head faults include coarseness, excessively long or short muzzle, weak chin, light eyes, or loose eyelids. Ears that are too long, high- or low-set also break breed type. Insufficient angulation, weak pasterns, toeing in or out impair movement. A soft, wavy, or sparse coat, or insufficient undercoat reduces protective qualities. Uneven or mottled color is also considered a fault.
Disqualification:
Disqualifying faults include any traits that severely impair breed type or the dog’s functional ability. Dogs showing aggression or pronounced fearfulness are disqualified, as these traits are incompatible with the breed’s working purpose. Serious anatomical defects—cryptorchidism, incorrect bite (overshot or undershot), multiple missing teeth, skull or limb deformities—are grounds for disqualification. Movement disorders caused by orthopedic issues are unacceptable. Signs of albinism, fully blue eyes, severe depigmentation of the nose or eyelids are not permitted. A coat that is too soft, long, curly, or otherwise incorrect excludes the dog. Colors outside the standard—black, black and tan, or pronounced mottling—lead to disqualification. Surgical alterations intended to falsify conformation also result in disqualification, as does participation without valid ICCF documentation.
Important Notes:
As a working pointing breed, the German Stichelhaar must be evaluated with emphasis on preservation of hunting type, endurance, and correct behavior. Minor seasonal coat changes due to shedding are acceptable if coat structure remains intact. Young dogs may show some lack of muscle or body fill appropriate for their age, as long as overall harmony is preserved. Special attention is given to mental stability: excessive excitability, timidity, or aggression are serious faults. Females after whelping may temporarily lose body shape or coat. Color assessment should remain flexible within allowed variants, considering natural lightening on the muzzle and legs. Any attempt to disguise faults with cosmetic alteration is prohibited. Participation in breeding and shows is allowed only with valid ICCF documents.
Conclusion:
The German Stichelhaar is a versatile working pointer combining endurance, a balanced character, and a stable hunting type. The breed remains valuable for its harmonious structure and reliable working qualities, making it an excellent partner for hunters and active owners. In the ICCF system, particular attention is given to purity of origin, stable behavior, and conformity to the standard. Participation in shows and breeding is allowed only for dogs with official ICCF documents confirming origin, identification, and breeding eligibility. Adherence to the standard and ICCF requirements ensures preservation of the breed’s type and functional value, maintaining high quality and reliability within the German Stichelhaar population.
