German Wirehaired Pointers are medium to large-sized dogs standing at 26 inches at the shoulder. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a taller and heavier version of the German Shorthaired Pointers. They are known for their facial beard and a docked tail that quivers when excited.
They are hunting dogs but make excellent family pets as well. They have great versatility that will join you in your morning runs and late-night TV watching. If you are looking for a companion dog in your everyday adventures, German Wirehaired Pointers might be the dog for you.
German Wirehaired Pointers Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Sporting |
| Breed Size | Medium to Large |
| Height | 24-26 inches (male); minimum 22 inches (female) |
| Weight | 50-70 pounds |
| Lifespan | 14-16 years |
German Wirehaired Pointers Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
History
German Wirehaired Pointers were bred in Germany in the late 1800s. They were created by German hunters searching for excellent hunting dogs that function well on all kinds of terrain. For this, they crossbred a Pointer, Poodle, and a Foxhound to develop a dog that can point and retrieve on both land and water.
The name German Wirehaired Pointer came from the English translation of the german version – Deutsch-Drahtaar.
The dog breed was included in the German Kartell for dogs by 1928. It was also around this time when the dogs were imported to the US. By 1953, the German Drahthaar Club of America was founded.
The American Kennel Club only recognized the breed by 1959. Their popularity didn’t rise well, but they remained one of the most popular dogs in Germany.
Temperament
German Wirehaired Pointers are described as affectionate, eager, and enthusiastic by the American Kennel Club. They are hunters; extremely active but even-tempered dogs. They would do well with people who also love outdoor activities.
When given too little attention, they can become destructive. Excessive barking and hyperactivity will also be expected.
These dogs are affectionate and loyal to their family. They are good with children they grew up with, too, so if you have one, there’ll be no problems. They are generally friendly with everyone but can be aloof towards strangers.
These dogs are also excellent watchdogs. They bark when he sees someone suspicious passing by or going in your yard. This is nothing for you to be worried about because they are not aggressive, and they will not charge unless the need arises.
German Wirehaired Pointers can be aggressive towards other dogs he didn’t grow up with. They are possessive with their toys and will do great if there are no other pets beside him.
To make them well-rounded, early socialization is highly encouraged. Training should also come easy with these intelligent dogs. Be firm and consistent about what’s okay and what’s not, and never treat them harshly.
Care Requirements
- Nutrition: No matter what dog breed you have, it’s essential that you feed your dogs high-quality foods. Other than that, you should also only feed them enough and not let them get overweight. A well-balanced meal should contain all the essential nutrients needed by your German Wirehaired Pointer. That should include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. You must use high-quality ingredients only. And if you’re going for commercial dog food, then make sure it doesn’t contain any fillers that your dog might find hard to digest.
- Grooming: German Wirehaired Pointers have harsh, wiry coats that shed regularly. These coats require minimal maintenance, but if you don’t want loose hair scattered all over your floor, regular brushing is needed. This will also help in keeping your dog looking his best. You can give this dog occasional baths, depending on how dirty he is. But, ears should be inspected and cleaned regularly to avoid infection. Nails should be kept short also to ensure your dog is comfortable.
- Exercise: German Wirehaired Pointers are highly energetic, and therefore need lots of activities. They highly enjoy outdoor activities, especially if they spent it with you. So, take your dog out for hiking or long walks as frequently as possible. Play sessions should also be scheduled. But make sure to keep them inside a secured fence. You can also let them participate in activities that help exercise their skills such as hunting, obedience, tracking, agility, and rally.
- Health: German Wirehaired Pointers are generally healthy dogs, and there are only a few diseases known they are prone to. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects their hip joints. It would be best if you also watched out for eye diseases like entropion and cataracts. Von Willebrand’s disease is another heritable condition common to the breed. There are screening tests available for some of these diseases, so have your dog take one so you can rule out any of them. Regular check-ups are highly recommended, too, so that you can prevent diseases from early stages.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of the German Wirehaired Pointer is 14-16 years.
Fun Facts about German Wirehaired Pointers
- German Wirehaired Pointers were first bred in Germany.
- These dogs were bred to hunt.
- Many dogs were involved in their breeding – German shorthaired pointer, Griffon, Stichelhaar.
- Their coats are weather-resistant; the coat makes them competent on land and water.
- They are highly intelligent dogs, which makes them very easy to train.
Check Out Other Sporting Dog Breeds:
American Water Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, Brittany, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, Golden Retriever, Gordon Setter, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Setter, Irish Water Spaniel, Kooikerhondje, Labrador Retriever, Lagotti Romagnoli, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Pointer, Spinoni Italiani, Sussex Spaniel, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Wirehaired Vizslas