Above you will see Why pointer is in the title of Wiredhaired Pointer Dogs
The striking coat of liver and white, roan, ticked or spotted that covers this wiry-haired dog is usually one of the first things that a person will notice on this breed; the next is the strong neck, robust body and intelligence that are shining in the German Wirehaired Pointer’s brown eyes.
And that is what will draw you in to this breed; the intelligence that they have, which usually makes them very eager to learn and also able to really think for themselves when they are out in the field. Designed to work in rough terrains, the German Wirehaired Pointer is a hard working and versatile hunting dog that can be used for both large game and birds. They thrive when they are working and will be happy in the field where they can track, point and retrieve.
Despite their ability in the field, they are a dominant breed and are not suited for a new or timid owner who is not willing to set firm rules and stick to them. If for any reason, they feel that their owner is being passive, they will gladly step into the role of dominant. They can be quite aggressive with other dogs and without proper exercise and stimulation; they can become very hard to manage.
Even with these negatives, hunters and sportsmen alike have found a rare gem in this loyal breed and the popularity of the breed is growing.
Pro’s and con’s of owning an German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer is an active breed that is full of life, energy and attitude. This is a strong breed, in both build and temperament and they will do their best to take control of the home. They are very friendly, but usually only with those they know and they are a born leader that proves itself to be a versatile hunting dog that can be used to hunt a variety of quarry in the roughest of terrains. While this breed is energetic and has been ranked as an ideal field dog, it is not for everyone. They have a variety of pros and cons and it is important to weigh each one before you choose whether a Flat Coated Retriever is the right breed for you.
The Pro’s
There are many good points about the German Wirehaired Pointer breed and they do have a lot of popularity in Europe, especially in Germany. If you are looking for a confident dog that is happy to work, then you will find the perfect companion in the German Wirehaired Pointer.
• They have a steady temperament that really suits a lot of people. While they can be rambunctious as puppies, they are a hardworking breed that is very dependable.
• They don’t accept everyone and are much more discriminating of who they befriend than other hunting breeds.
• German Wirehaired Pointers are a versatile hunting dog that can be used to hunt large game and fowl.
• They are considered to be a hardy breed.
• Their coat makes them ideal for working rough terrain.
• Since they are usually suspicious of strangers, they make an excellent watchdog.
• They are very intelligent and will quickly pick up training; however, they may not always listen.
The Con’s
All dog breeds have a few cons about them but the German Wirehaired Pointer is a breed that is known for their dominance. This can pose a lot of problems for a lot of owners and can be a constant struggle to own. They are not the right breed for everyone so make sure you do some research into the breed before you purchase one.
• They are average shedders so expect a fair amount of hair in the house.
• The German Wirehaired Pointer is an active breed of dog and requires vigorous exercise every day. Be prepared to exercise your dog about 30 to 60 minutes per day.
• They can be very aggressive to other animals if they are not properly socialized at a young age.
• German Wirehaired Pointers are very strong-willed and is not recommended for new or timid owners since they will take over as the dominant very quickly.
• They enjoy being with their family and will often suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone too much.
• They do require a fair amount of grooming.
• While they can be affectionate with children, their dominance issues can cause problems and they aren’t really recommended for homes with younger children.
Health Issues:
The German Wirehaired Pointer is considered to be a very hardy breed with very few health concerns. However, there are still a few that are present and it is important to choose puppies from responsible breeders to ensure that the breed remains hardy. Make sure that you research your breeder and that they are only using dogs who have been properly screened for health problems. Some issues that are seen in the German Wirehaired Pointer are:
• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Von Willebrand’s Disease
• Ear Infections
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Cataracts
Height & Weight:
A medium sized dog that was made for agility and endurance, the German Wirehaired Pointer is a breed that exhibits both of those traits. This is a breed with a balanced appearance that is solidly built but not too large to seem rough. In addition, it has a distinctive appearance that has a working quality about it. The body of the German Wirehaired Pointer is slightly longer than it is tall, at a ratio of 9 to 10, to form a slightly rectangular shape.
The size of a German Wirehaired Pointer is:
Males: 24 to 26 inches (61 to 67 cm) tall.
Females: 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm) tall.
Both Males and Females range in weight from 60 to 70 pounds (27 to 32 kg).
Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog.
Grooming:
The German Wirehaired Pointed is an average shedder but it has a coat that does require quite a bit of care, making it a breed that isn’t best for first time owners who are unsure how to deal with the wirehaired coat.
Generally, the coat should be brushed about twice a week to remove any dead hair and debris. In addition, the coat should be stripped several times a year, either by hand or with a stripping brush to remove any mats that may be occurring.
Bathing the coat is actually only done when it is absolutely necessary and with good care of the coat, that should only be about once or twice per year. After the bathing and brushing, the hair should be checked on the feet and any that grow between toes should be trimmed short. Toes should also be kept trimmed and ears should be kept clean and tidy to avoid any ear infections from occurring.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years, although 16 years of age is not unheard of.
History:
The German Wirehaired Pointer can trace its history back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s when a need for a versatile hunting dog became evident. Sportsmen in Germany found that while the German Shorthaired Pointed was an excellent hunting breed, they did not have the robustness to handle larger game and their coat did not offer them the protection they needed to work rugged terrain.
With that realization came the development of the German Wirehaired P0inter that met all of their needs in both coat and build. Although many people suspect that a terrier breed was introduced into the lineage, the German Wirehaired Pointer was developed by cross breeding several other breeds including the Pudelpointer, the Polish Water Dog and the German Shorthaired Pointer.
While the breed was fairly unknown in other parts of Europe and North America, its intelligence, hunting ability and energy made it very popular in both Germany and Scandinavian countries, although in those countries, as well as many European countries, it is called the Deutsch Drahthaar, which means “German Wirehair.”
Even though they are not as well known in North America, they have begun to see more popularity over the years, mainly due to their versatility as a hunting dog. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959.
Grouping:
Gun Dog, AKC Sporting
Recognition:
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, GWPCA, NZKC, VDD/GNA, ANKC, APRI, ACR
For more info visit the UK’s GWP Club