German Wirehaired Pointer

The German Wirehaired Pointer, known in its native Germany as the Deutsch-Drahthaar, is a versatile gundog developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. German hunters and breeders sought to create the ultimate all-purpose hunting dog – one that could work effectively on land and in water, track wounded game, point birds, and retrieve, all while possessing a rugged, weather-resistant coat that could withstand harsh conditions and dense cover. They aimed for a dog that could do it all.

To achieve this, various breeds were meticulously crossed, including the German Shorthaired Pointer (for its pointing and retrieving abilities), the Pudelpointer (a cross of Poodle and Pointer, for its intelligence and water skills), the Griffon (likely Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, for its coat and scenting ability), and possibly other German hunting breeds like the Stichelhaar. The focus was on creating a dog with a functional, wiry coat (“Drahthaar” means wire-hair), keen intelligence, strong prey drive, and a robust constitution. The official breed club, Verein Deutsch-Drahthaar, was established in Germany in 1902. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959. Today, the German Wirehaired Pointer remains a highly valued gundog and an active, engaging companion for experienced owners.

The German Wirehaired Pointer is known for its keen intelligence, affectionate nature with its family, and strong working drive. They are typically loyal and devoted companions, forming strong bonds with their people. While serious and determined when working in the field, GWPs can also be playful and even clownish at home. They are generally good with children they have been raised with, though their energy and size may require supervision with very young children.

As hunting dogs, they are alert, courageous, and possess a natural prey drive. They can be somewhat reserved or aloof with strangers, making them decent watchdogs. Early and consistent socialization is important to ensure they are well-adjusted and confident in various situations. GWPs are intelligent and eager to please their trusted handler, but their intelligence can also lead to an independent or stubborn streak if training is not engaging or consistent. They thrive when they have a job to do and an owner who understands their working heritage.

The German Wirehaired Pointer’s most distinctive feature is its harsh, wiry, and weather-resistant double coat. The outer coat is straight and lies flat, about 1 to 2 inches long, while the undercoat is dense in winter for insulation and much thinner in summer. They have characteristic facial furnishings: bushy eyebrows, a beard, and a mustache, which protect their face from thorns and briars.

Their wiry coat is relatively low-maintenance compared to some other coated breeds but does require regular care to keep it healthy and functional. They are considered average shedders. Weekly brushing with a slicker brush or stripping knife (used as a comb) will help remove loose dead hair and prevent tangling. To maintain the correct harsh texture, the coat is often hand-stripped two to three times a year, especially for show or working dogs. Clipping is generally discouraged as it can soften the coat and compromise its protective qualities. Their beard and furnishings may need occasional cleaning. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care are also essential.

German Wirehaired Pointers are high-energy, athletic dogs with considerable stamina, bred for long days of active work in varied terrain. They require a significant amount of vigorous daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. This is not a breed suited for a sedentary lifestyle or for owners who cannot provide ample opportunity for intense activity.

Aim for at least one to two hours of robust and purposeful exercise per day. Excellent exercise options for a GWP include:

• Actual hunting or field work (their ideal outlet).
• Long, brisk walks, jogging, or running alongside a bicycle (once fully mature and conditioned), especially in natural environments.
• Swimming, which many GWPs enjoy, as they are strong water retrievers.
• Off-leash play in a large, securely fenced area, involving games of fetch or retrieving.
• Canine sports that challenge their intelligence and athleticism, such as hunt tests, field trials, tracking, agility, obedience, or dock diving.

Without a sufficient outlet for their energy and strong instincts, German Wirehaired Pointers can become bored, frustrated, and may develop destructive behaviors or become overly boisterous. They thrive in active homes with experienced owners who can provide them with consistent physical activity, mental challenges, and ideally, opportunities to engage their natural hunting abilities.

The German Wirehaired Pointer is generally considered a hardy and robust breed, having been developed primarily for working ability and soundness. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock. Potential health concerns include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A common concern in many sporting and large breeds, involving malformation of the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia can also occur. OFA or PennHIP certification is crucial for breeding stock.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD): An inherited bleeding disorder. DNA testing is available.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland.
• Eye Conditions: Such as cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Eye certification by a veterinary ophthalmologist is important.
• Heart Conditions:** While not widespread, cardiac issues can occur.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV):** A risk for deep-chested breeds.