Background:
German Wirehaired Pointers give new meaning to the phrase “multitasking.” They were developed to do it all: locate and point to game, work well alongside a gun, be fearless when hunting, act as devoted companions, retrieve on land and in the water, and be fearless in the presence of dangerous prey.
GWP’s were developed in Germany in 1880, The goal had been to create a bold and hearty hunting dog that didn’t specialize in any one aspect of hunting. To create the breed the Pudelpointer was crossed with the griffon, Stichelhaar, and German Shorthair. German Wirehaired Pointers surpassed all expectations and are still the most popular hunting dogs in Germany.
The German Wirehairs were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1920.
Sizing up:
- Weight: 45 to 75 lbs.
- Height: 22 to 26 inches
- Coat: Harsh, double coat
- Color: liver and white
- Life expectancy: 14 to 16 years
What’s the German Wirehaired like?
The German Wirehaired has a high level of energy. The first thing you should consider before adopting a dog of this breed is whether or not you have an active enough lifestyle to keep him happy. German Wirehairs require a minimum one hour of exercise every day. They could easily go longer than that and would love to run alongside a horse all day. They’ll do best if they have access to the outdoors and would probably prefer not to live in an apartment. They are durable dogs and no stranger to dense brush.
Wirehairs are intelligent and training might actually be too easy for them. If they get bored with it they’ll lose interest so try and keep your training sessions challenging and rewarding. German Pointers will excel at agility, fly ball, and rally.
German Wirehairs might choose one family member as their favorite, but they will be loyal and caring towards everyone in the family. Strangers are a different story. The GWP might shy away for them or even display aggression. Early socialization will be pivotal in preventing this type of behavior.
It’s important to give your GWP jobs to do every day. If the GWP feels valuable and occupied, you’ll avoid a multitude of behavioral issues including barking and household destruction.
Health:
The German Wirehaired Pointer could be susceptible to any of the following:
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart disease
Takeaway Points:
- The Wirehaired Pointer needs lots of exercise.
- The Wirehaired Pointer won’t like strangers.
- The Wirehaired Pointer is intelligent.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.