German Wirehaired Pointer Breed Info




Energy *****
Trainng ****
Watchdog *****
Grooming ***

German Wirehaired Pointer is originated from Germany and also known as Deutscher drahthaariger vorstchhund
Size: max: 26 inches (H) and 70 lbs (W)
Color: liver and white, which can be spotted, roaned or ticked
Coat: weather-resistant, wiry outer coat, with dense, insulating undercoat
Personality: loyal, affectionate, territorial, aloof with strangers, has a strong work drive
Care: exercise, attention, fenced yard, grooming, socialization, training
Known health problem: hip dysplasia, orthopedic problems, von Willlebrand's disease
Group: sporting dogs

Good with children? yes with socialization
Good with other pets? It has a strong prey drive


There was a time when game bird hunting was not accessible to the average man. But soon enough all levels of society were able to freely hunt and spot birds for prey. For such a day's hunt, an excellent hunting breed was needed. The quest for a talented and versatile hunting dog made its popularity known in Germany, which produced the German Wirehaired Pointer - one of Germany's most successful sporting breeds.

The German Wirehaired Pointer was created out of the hunter's desire to have a dog that could find and point to upland game, track injured game, face tough prey, retrieve from land or water, all the while making an excellent watch dog. In addition to function, the breed needed to maintain a rough, durable and wiry coat that could protect the dog when hunting through heavy brush and bristle.

The most heavily influential ancestor of the breed was the Pudelpointer, which was a combination of the Pointer and the German Pudel. It was then crossed with the Griffon, the early German Wirehaired Pointer, Polish Water Dog, and the Stichelhaar. Although officially recognized in Germany during the late 1920s, the German Wirehaired Pointer did not make its way to the United States for recognition until 1959.

The German Wirehaired Pointer is both an amiable companion and a tough bird dog. Like all sporting dogs, this canine has seemingly endless energy and can roam the land and run for hours. Because of this high energy out-put, the German Wirehaired Pointer must have daily exercise and live with a family that enjoys spending time outdoors.

Considered to be a bit stubborn (in a good way), the German Wirehaired Pointer makes an excellent watchdog and guard dog. Because of these qualities, the breed tends to be quite overprotective of its owners and does not fare well with people it doesn't know. The same goes for strange dogs that crosses paths with a German Wirehaired Pointer.

But despite it's protective personality and aggressive attitude towards strange people and animals, the German Wirehaired Pointer makes an excellent family pet that can be playful with children (so long as the children are not overly aggressive during play). This breed requires an active owner in a rural or suburban home.

Taking Care of Your German Wirehaired Pointer

As mentioned in the beginning of this breed profile, owning a German Wirehaired Pointer means providing the dog with tons of daily exercise. Typical walks on the leash will not be enough to expend the energy this canine needs each day.

The best living situation for the German Wirehaired Pointer to have is plenty of property to run around on during the day. This dog can do quite well when living outside. Because of its rough, wiry coat it can far well in colder temperatures, but as with any dog, sleeping inside with the rest of the family is advised.

Health Concerns

Occasionally seen in the German Wirehaired Pointer is CHD, but overall this is a very healthy breed. Minor issues that could show up are hypothyroidism. Rarely seen, but possible, are elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, entropion, seizures, and heart disease. Veterinarians suggest having your German Wirehaired Pointer tested for potential cardiac, elbow, hip, and thyroid problems. Healthy German Wirehaired Pointer dogs show an average lifespan of between twelve and fourteen years.

German Wirehaired Pointer Club

German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America
www.GWPCA.com

German Wirehaired Pointer Rescue Organization

German Wirehaired Pointer Rescue
www.GWPrescue.com

German Wirehaired Pointer House Training Tips