German Wirehaired Pointer

The German Wirehaired Pointer is the perfect companion for outdoor adventures, ready to conquer all kinds of landscapes with enthusiasm. This strong dog has a tough, wiry coat that protects it from thorns and different weather conditions. Beyond its impressive skills, this breed has a delightful personality, highlighted by its wise-looking eyebrows and distinctive beard.

Quick Info

Size
Large
Colours
Liver and white, solid liver, and black and white
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Height
22 to 26 inches
Type
Sporting
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
45 to 75 pounds
Family
Gun Dog

Personality

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a tough and active dog that makes a great friend. These dogs are full of energy and require plenty of exercise each day to prevent them from treating your home like a play area. Generally, they are eager to please, but some may show a hint of stubbornness. They still have strong protective instincts, which can make them somewhat reserved or cautious around new people and other dogs.

History

The main ancestor of the German Wirehaired Pointer is the Pudelpointer, which is a blend of the German Pudel and the Pointer. This breed was combined with the German Shorthaired Pointer, Griffon, Stichelhaar, and Polish Water Dog to develop a dog that could handle tough terrain and perform many tasks, including being a family pet. This breed was officially acknowledged in Germany during the 1920s and made its way to the United States around that time, receiving formal recognition in 1959. It continues to be the most favored breed in Germany.

Ideal Owner

The perfect person for a German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP) is someone strong, energetic, and passionate about the outdoors. This breed does best with an owner who loves spending long days outside and requires a dog that can match their high energy levels.

Exercise Needs

The GWP breed needs regular exercise, and it’s best to include activities like hiking or chances to run and discover the outdoors.

Space Requirements

This energetic dog, which is medium to large in size, enjoys being outside in any kind of weather. It is ideal for a home in the countryside or suburbs that has a big, safe yard and nearby walking paths. The German Wirehaired Pointer breed has a strong passion for adventure and exploration.

Training

The German Wirehaired Pointer learns effectively when you grasp what drives them and regularly demonstrate that collaborating with you is beneficial. Training should be a continuous effort instead of just a few random classes. Emphasize recall and retrieval skills, since these dogs are independent and were specifically bred to fetch and hold onto objects.

Grooming

The German Wirehaired Pointer features a dense undercoat and a coarse outer coat that can reach lengths of over 4 cm. To keep their coat healthy, it’s important to brush it a few times each week and remove dead hair at least twice a year, or more frequently if necessary. Also, make sure to inspect the areas between their paw pads every day for any dirt and clean their ears several times a week to ensure this lively dog stays in great condition!

Suitability for Family Life

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a great fit for a lively family with older kids who enjoy taking long walks and have a passion for training dogs.

Did You know?

The German Wirehaired Pointer is recognized for its lively expression, thick eyebrows, and beard, which together create a unique and wise appearance. This facial hair enhances their special appeal.

Similar Breeds

German Shorthaired Pointer
Golden Retriever
Pointer

Need to Know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Large dog
Some drool
Requires frequent grooming
Quiet dog