German Wirehaired Pointer is a German hunting dog and was developed in the late 1800s from crossings of the German Shorthaired Pointer, Pudelpointer, Pointer, Foxhound, and other breeds. It is an excellent hunting dog both on land and in water.
The German Wirehaired Pointer is an active, hard-working dog with a strong desire to both point and retrieve. Although there are similarities between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer, and the Shorthaired Pointer is an ancestor, the Wirehaired Pointer should not be considered a Shorthair with a different coat. This is an entirely different breed.
The German Wirehaired Pointer stands 22 to 26 inches tall and weighs 45 to 75 pounds. He is medium-sized, lean, and athletic. He has brown eyes, a brown nose, and dropped ears. The tail is docked. His coat is wiry and weatherresistant, with a dense undercoat. The coat is liver and white, with spots, ticking, or roaning. This dog breed’s wiry coat needs regular grooming. A breeder can demonstrate correct grooming techniques. The undercoat does shed, and between grooming sessions, the coat should be brushed twice weekly.
The German Wirehaired Pointer is an active dog breed who needs vigorous daily exercise. He will enjoy a run alongside a bicycle or a jog with you. All exercise should be on leash or inside a fencedin yard, as this breed enjoys hunting and can be gone in a flash. Training should begin young because this breed can be somewhat independent and stubborn. The breed does take to training well, however, if the training is structured and firm yet fun. Socialization should also begin young, as Wirehairs can be wary of strangers.
This breed does best with an active owner who will keep the dog active as well. Left alone too much, these dogs can get into trouble. With socialization and training, German Wirehaired Pointers can be good with kids, although young dogs may be rowdy. The breed is not always good with smaller dogs, cats, or other small pets. Health concerns include hip dysplasia and von Willebrand disease.
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The AKC Standard says, “An intelligent, energetic, and determined hunter.”
“Hunter” is a key word there. The German Wirehaired Pointer is steady and sensible, but also rugged and busy. He has a high energy level and belongs with an equally athletic owner who will take him running, biking, and hiking and preferably work him in the field.
Too much confinement and too little attention can lead to barking, hyperactivity, and destructive chewing.
Though some German Wirehaired Pointers are outgoing and friendly, most are rather aloof with strangers and can be protective (though not usually aggressive). With people, that is! With strange dogs, the German Wirehaired Pointer CAN be aggressive (or at least dominant and bold), and with his strong hunting instincts, some individuals are sharp with cats.
This breed is strong-willed and determined and needs an owner who knows how to lead. Usually he is more serious and discriminating than his German Shorthair cousin, though many do have a clownish side.
German Wirehaired Pointers are not for the fastidious household: They are sloppy drinkers, their beard soaking up water and depositing it as a trail of drips across your floor.