German Wirehaired Pointer: temperament, size, care and health

About the German Wirehaired Pointer

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a medium-large, rugged hunting dog with a straight, hard coat, a bearded muzzle and pronounced eyebrows. The coat is usually liver and white, either spotted, roan or solid liver, and its harshness protects the dog from brush, brambles and cold water. Beneath it is a dense undercoat that insulates against winter weather.

The breed was created to be a utility dog for hunters who wanted a single animal able to point, retrieve on land and water, track wounded game and guard the property. It remains a favorite of working hunters. In the home it is a keen and loyal companion for people prepared to meet its demands.

Temperament and family life

A German Wirehaired Pointer is devoted to its family and can be reserved with strangers, sometimes more so than the shorthaired German pointer. It makes an attentive watchdog and may bark at unfamiliar sounds. Once it accepts a person it is warm, even clownish with those it trusts.

Many GWPs are good with children they grew up with, but their strength and exuberance require supervision around small kids. Dog-to-dog behavior varies, and some are dominant with other dogs of the same sex. Prey drive is high, so cats and small animals may be at risk. The breed bonds closely and may suffer when left alone without exercise and company.

Exercise and training

This is a dog for people who like long, vigorous days. It needs at least an hour and a half of hard activity, such as running, swimming, hunting or field training. A pet that does not hunt can use trail running, retrieving and scent games.

The GWP is intelligent and tries hard to please, but it can be stubborn and strong-willed. Training should begin early, be firm without cruelty and include plenty of socialization with people, places and sounds. Many excel in hunt tests, tracking and obedience. Reliable recall takes patience, and a securely fenced yard is highly advisable.

Grooming and shedding

The wiry coat sheds little compared with many sporting breeds, but it should be brushed weekly and cleaned of burrs. Twice a year, most owners strip out dead hair by hand or with a stripping knife. Clipping will soften the coat and weaken its weather resistance.

The beard collects water and food and should be wiped after meals. Check the ears regularly, since moisture and debris can lead to infection, and inspect the feet and skin after outdoor work. Nails and teeth need ordinary attention. Because its coat repels dirt well, frequent baths are seldom needed.

Health

The breed is typically hardy, but some conditions are seen. Hip dysplasia is the main orthopedic concern. Von Willebrand disease, a bleeding disorder, can be tested for, as can some eye and eyelid problems. Hypothyroidism, ear infections, skin issues and bloat in deep-chested dogs are also reported. Responsible breeders test hips and relevant genetic traits. What is written here is general; for a specific dog, ask a veterinarian.

History

German hunters in the late 1800s and early 1900s wanted a wire-coated pointer that could handle every kind of ground and game, and they developed the breed from older pointing breeds, griffon types and other rough-coated dogs. The German name Drahthaar means wire hair. The breed was organized under strict performance testing in Germany, and it was brought to the United States in the 1920s. The American Kennel Club recognized it in 1959.

Is the German Wirehaired Pointer right for you?

A GWP suits an active, outdoorsy owner who hunts or does comparable fieldwork and has room for a large, busy dog. It rewards firm and patient training with loyalty and versatility.

It is a poor fit for apartments, sedentary households and first-time owners who want an easygoing pet. The German Shorthaired Pointer has an even easier coat and a more outgoing nature. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is softer and shaggier. The Spinone Italiano is slower and calmer in the house.