German Wirehaired Pointer: Personality, Health, Grooming

Group: AKC Sporting Dog, KCGB Gundog

AKC Ranking: 73

Also Known As: German Wire-haired Pointing Dog

About German Wirehaired Pointer Origin and History of the Breed This breed was developed in Germany in the beginning of the 20th century. Contributing breeds include German Pointer, Wirehaired Griffon, Poodle, Foxhound, and Bloodhound.

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A General Appearance of the Dog

The German Wirehaired Pointer has a distinctive appearance. It is a well-muscled, medium-sized dog with a weather resistant wiry coat and a square face with facial furnishings (mustache-like and longer fur over the face). The Wirehaired Pointer has bushy eyebrows, a mustache, and a full but not overlong beard. His wiry coat protects him from the weather and from brambles. The beard, forehead hair, and whiskers protect his face. His tail is docked.

Coat Color

German Wirehaired Pointer is liver and white, solid liver, black and white, solid black, or tri-colored. He may be spotted, roan, or ticked. The nose is dark brown and his head and ears should be brown.

Coat Type

The outer coat is about 1.5 inches long, thick and harsh. There is a dense undercoat, (undercoat more prevalent in winter than summer). It should not hide body shape but it should be long enough to give good protection. The coat should lie close to the body. The hair on head and ears is thick and short, but not too soft. The Wirehaired Pointer has bushy eyebrows, a mustache, and a full but not overlong beard.

Height

Males: 24 – 26 inches
Females: 22 – 24 inches; not under 22 inches

Weight: 60 -70 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The German Wirehaired Pointer is friendly with all they know but aloof with those they do not know. They like to be kept busy and enjoy working for and with their owner. They can be rather willful and should be thoroughly socialized and obedience trained starting at an early age. They need to be trained with a firm, not harsh, owner.

German Wirehaired Pointers are intelligent, active and affectionate. They like to learn. They are loyal to their families. They do best with older, considerate children. They can be very jealous if their owner pays attention to other dogs or children. Most get along with other animals they have known since puppyhood. They can be good watchdogs.

If they do not get enough exercise, German Wirehaired Pointing Dogs will be hard to handle. They are powerful and energetic and like to roam and run. They get bored easily and can become destructive or jump a fence and go on a run.

With their good nose, they love to track and hunt, point, and retrieve. Water and all types of terrain are okay with them.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

German Wirehaired Pointers want to live inside but have plenty of outdoor exercise.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

They do best with older, considerate children. They can be very jealous if their owner pays attention to other dogs or children.

Activity Level

How active is the Breed?

This breed is not recommended for apartment living as they are very active both indoors and outdoors. They also tend to be high strung.

Exercise Need

This is a very active breed. They are high strung. They are active and get bored easily if left in the house. They must have a large, very securely fenced yard and access to it throughout the day.

This breed is more than a match for even the most active family and they should not be taken on as a family pet unless they can guarantee plenty of vigorous exercise. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk or jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. They are excellent jogging companions and love to swim and retrieve.

Grooming

Twice a week brushing with a firm bristle brush is necessary. Some stripping of the coat by hand plucking will be needed in the spring and fall. Bathe only when necessary.

Check the ears often for cleanliness and infection.

This is an average shedder.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

Problems include hip dysplasia, genetic eye disease, and skin cancers.
German Wirehaired Pointers are prone to ear infections.

Life Span: 12-14 years.

National Breed Clubs

British – German Wirehaired Pointer Club (UK) – www.gwpclub.co.uk
US – German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America – www.gwpca.com

Rescue Link: www.gwpca.com/phpBB2/adverts.php