Breed Type:Â Gun Dog
Country of Origin: Germany
Size: Large
Also known as:Â GWP, Deutscher, Drahthaar, Deutscher, Drahthaariger, Vorstehhund, Drahthaar
Males: Height: 60-67cm Weight: 27-32 kg
Females: Height: 56-62 cm Weight: 27-32 kg
Exercise Requirements:Â High
Care Requirements: Medium
Lifespan: 9-12 Years
Best Suited as:Â Hunting Dog, Family Pet
The German Wirehaired Pointer was created to be a dog that could do it all. The Germans were successful in creating a versatile, multi-purpose hunting dog that is strong, fun loving and confident. Like most pointers, the German Wirehaired Pointer, is an excellent hunter due to his high intelligence and determined nature. To further improve their hunting abilities, German Wirehaired Pointers have wiry, weather resistant and water-repellant coats.
Appearance
The German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP) is a medium-sized, muscular dog with a body slightly longer than it is tall. They are well balanced and sturdily built. This breed is distinguished by its coat and its facial furnishings. Their broad skull has a moderate stop and a long muzzle.  They have dark brown noses and dark, oval eyes. Their ears are rounded and their teeth meet in a scissors bite.Â
The GWP has an extremely functional coat that works well in any weather. The undercoat is dense in the winter to help insulate against the cold but is so thin in the summer it is nearly invisible. The outer coat is straight, wiry and lies flat and the length is typically one to two inches long. Their coat is thickest on their shoulders and tail. The most common coat colors are liver, black and white ticked, liver and white ticked, roan or spotted, solid black and tri-color.
The GWP also has interesting facial furnishings. Their eyebrows are made of strong, straight hair. Their beard and whiskers are medium length. Their head is liver, with or without a white blaze and their ears are liver.
In countries were tail docking is permitted, the GWP tails is often docked to 2/3 its natural length. Like all German pointers, the German Wired Hair Pointer has webbed feet.
Temperament
The German Wirehaired Pointer is different in both appearance and temperament to its shorthaired cousin. The GWP tends to be wary of strangers and is protective of her family. The breed is intelligent, headstrong, active and determined.
Due to their intelligence and stubborn demeanor, early training is essential for this guy. Eager to learn and loyal to their family, they succeed with a trainer who has a consistent approach. They like to stay occupied and enjoy working for their owner. Without proper training, this otherwise gentle dog can become a handful later in life.
The GWP makes a good watchdog. They are friendly with those they know, but are naturally shy around strangers and should be socialized at an early age. This breed does not do well in a kennel environment. German Wirehaired Pointers are happiest and best behaved when they are part of the family and can spend time with their owners. The breed can be late to mature and requires sufficient exercise to burn off their excess energy.
History
German Wirehaired Pointers were not initially the hunting dogs they were born to be. In order to make an excellent hunting dog that could both point out birds and retrieve them (most dogs were good at one, but not the other) the Germens set out to develop a new dog from a combination of French Griffon, Pudelpointer, Shorthaired Pointer and Brokencoated Pointers. The Germans added Foxhounds and Poodles to the mix until they had finally made the dog they desired. They also succeeded in the perfect outer coat for such hunting tasks.
GWP’s were recognized by the AKC in 1959. The first German Wirehaired Pointer arrived in Australia in 1976.
Care and Grooming
The coat of the German Wirehaired Pointer, who is an average shedder, should ideally be brushed about twice a week. The coat needs some stripping in the spring and fall. This guy needs only an occasional bath but needs ear checks more often.
The GWP, born to run and hunt, is a tireless companion. In order to give them the exercise they need, you should take them on a daily, brisk walk, jog or allow them to run alongside you when you are out on your bike.They also love to swim and play retrieving games.
Health
Some German Wirehair Pointers are prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, and genetic eye disease. They may also be predisposed to Von Willebrands Disease, heart disease and skin cancer. Some dogs develop Entropion (turned-in eyelids) but most Australian dogs have avoided the condition.
Suitability as a Pet
If you love the outdoors or hunting and you are looking for an active dog with a lively spirit, than a German Wirehaired Pointer might be the breed for you. Not for everyone, the GWP is ideally suited those who are experienced dog owners and are extremely active.
The German Wirehaired Pointer is not recommended for apartment life. They can be somewhat high-strung and very restless indoors. They need plenty of exercise and do best with at least a large yard. The breed may be too active for families with young children, with the ability to easily knock down a child. Families looking for a pointer should consider the differences between the quieter shorthaired breed and the more protective wirehaired type.
While your GWP will probably do well with dog siblings, these pointers have a strong prey drive and you may find them chasing the family cat.
German Pointer (Wire-haired) Organisations in Australia No club information listed German Pointer (Wire-haired) Organisations in the UK German Wirehaired Pointer Club German Pointer (Wire-haired) Organisations in the US German Wirehaired Pointer Club GWP Rescue Inc. – Welcome Did we miss your organisation? Let us know. Contact Us
