Description

The German Wirehaired Pointer has a coarse, wiry, weather-resistant coat. It is about 2 inches long with a thick undercoat. The dog's coat is basically water-repellent and protects him from brambles. The beard, forehead hair and whiskers protect his face. The neck is strong and slender and the chest is wide and deep. The lips are not pendent and the muzzle is long, wide and robust. The eyes are dark and transparent. It has a strong scissors bite. The color is liver & white, spotted, roan or ticked. Sometimes an individual will be solid liver. The nose should be dark brown. The head and ears should be brown, sometimes with a white blaze. The pendent ears hang down limply beside the head. The tail is moderately docked.

Origin

The German Wirehaired Pointer was developed in the beginning of the many other breeds. Sources differ on the exact lineage, though the dog that can fully respond to the needs of its hunter.

Temperament

The German Wirehaired Pointer is very affectionate, active and intelligent. Eager to learn and loyal to its family, it needs a handler who is consistent in approach. They like to be occupied and enjoy working for their owner. They are friendly with those they know, but are naturally aloof with strangers and should be socialized at an early age. Can be rather willful and they like to roam. Powerful and energetic they can become bored and hard to manage without enough exercise. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a good all-around gun dog, able to hunt any sort of game on any sort of terrain. This dog has a good nose and can track, point, and retrieve on both land and water. Steady, lively and vigorous. They do best with older, considerate children; very affectionate with its master and can become jealous. Some may try to dominate other animals but most will get along well with other dogs and household animals. They make good watchdogs.

Height

Height: Dogs 24-26 inches (60-67 cm.) Bitches 22-24 inches (56-62 cm.)

Weight

Weight: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg.)

Known Health Problems

Some lines are prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, genetic eye disease and skin cancers.

Conditions for Living

The German Wirehaired Pointer is not recommended for apartment life. They can be somewhat high strung and very active indoors; needs plenty of exercise to prevent extreme indoor restlessness. They will do best with at least a large yard.

Exercise Requirments

This dog is extremely energetic and tireless. It is very important that it gets daily vigorous exercise to prevent extreme indoor restlessness. 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, excellent jogging companions and love to swim and retrieve.

Life Expectancy

About 12-14 years.

Grooming

The coat of the German Wirehaired Pointer should be brushed about twice a week with a firm bristle brush. Some stripping of the coat is needed, but this isn't very difficult. The hairs should be hand plucked occasionally depending on the condition of the coat. It is usually thinned in the spring and fall. Bathe only when necessary. The hair of the coat should be as hard as possible but must not look untidy. Check the ears to make sure they are clean. The feet should be checked after the dog has been out working. This breed is an average shedder.

Group

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting Recognition CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, GWPCA, NZKC, VDD/GNA, ANKC, APRI, ACR CKC = Continental Kennel Club FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale AKC = American Kennel Club UKC = United Kennel Club KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain CKC = Canadian Kennel Club NKC = National Kennel Club GWPCA = The German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club VDD/GNA = Verein Deutsch-Drahthaar/Group North America ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club