German Wirehaired Pointers: A guide to dogs and puppies of the German Wirehaired Pointer breed

The German Wirehaired Pointer!

The most striking characteristic of the German Wirehaired Pointer is its coat. About two inches long with a thick undercoat, the coat is resistant to almost any type of weather and is waterproof to boot. This breed is almost totally brown, with a head, ears and nose in the said color. Its ears are floppy and droop along the said of its head. The German Wirehaired Pointer also has dark and transparent eyes, a long and broad muzzle that reveal teeth that form a strong scissor bite, a wide chest and a slightly docked tail.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
12-14 years

Energy Level:
Average.

Living Conditions:
Needs space, preferably a large yard.

Barking:
Average

Exercise Needs:
Daily vigorous workout; run or yard play.

Breed Group:
Sporting

Size:
Medium-Large

Height:
22 to 26 inches

Weight:
60 to 70 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
Solid liver or liver and white combinations.

National breed club:
German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America

German Wirehaired Pointer Skills

The German Wirehaired Pointer was developed in Germany during the early years of the 20th century. It is said to be a mixture of the German Pointer, Wirehaired Griffon, Foxhound, Bloodhound and Poodle-Pointer breeds. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a good hunter which is able to track game on various terrains. It also possesses a good nose for hunting, tracking and pointing and can retrieve in both land and water, making them good hunting companions.

German Wirehaired Pointer Personality

The German Wirehaired Pointer can be characterized as a working dog, as it loves to perform duties for its owner. The breed is an ideal watch dog, with its physical strength and energetic nature. It is very active and intelligent but can sometimes tend to be jealous when not given ample attention. The German Wirehaired Pointer is also generally friendly, even with other non-canine animals, but can be quite aloof, especially towards strangers.

Exercise Needs

Being an active dog, the German Wirehaired Pointer requires a great amount of exercise. This breed is not ideal for families who cannot afford to give it the vigorous workout that it demands. When not given the requisite exercise, the German Wirehaired Pointer can become bored and destructive.

Living Conditions

The German Wirehaired Pointer is not recommended for people who live in small living quarters, as it can be quite active indoors. It is ideal for those who have a large yard, where the dog can get adequate exercise to prevent boredom and restlessness.

Grooming Requirements

The coat of the German Wirehaired Pointer should be brushed at least twice a week with a firm bristle brush. The coat also needs to be stripped occasionally to maintain a clean natural look. Check the ears and feet thoroughly, especially after exercise. Bathe only when necessary and make sure to dry them properly to avoid chilling.

Health Issues

While the German Wirehaired Pointer is a generally healthy breed, it can also be prone to genetic eye diseases, skin cancers, ear inflections and hip dysplasia.

If you liked this dog…

...you may also take a liking to the German Shorthaired Pointer. Much like the Wirehaired version, this dog is very sweet and affectionate and thinks the world of the owner and its family.