The German Wirehaired Pointer is one of the most popular dog breeds in Germany. It is among the best hunting dogs but also makes a good-natured family pet. Everything you need to know about the origin, temperament, and care of the breed can be found here in the profile.

History of the German Wirehaired Pointer

The German Wirehaired Pointer emerged in Germany at the end of the 19th century with the aim of creating a working and wire-haired versatile hunting dog. As the development of modern weapons rendered the original hunting dogs unnecessary, new hunting dogs with different tasks had to be created. The new hunting dogs had to indicate game and be able to retrieve the shot prey. Versatile hunting dogs capable of performing all tasks before and after the shot were in demand. Thus, breeds such as the Small Münsterländer, the Weimaraner, and the German Wirehaired Pointer were developed.

The basic idea for the breed was brought forth by the hunting cynologist Sigismund von Zedlitz and Neukirch, who is known under the pseudonym “Hegewald.” He crossed existing rough-haired breeds such as the Griffon Korthals with the German Stichelhaar, the German Shorthaired Pointer, and the Pudelpointer. In May of the year 1902, the breeders founded a unified breeding club, which then established the standard for the breed in 1924. The Wirehaired Pointer has been classified into FCI Group 7 “Pointing Dogs” Section 1.1 Continental Pointing Dogs since 1954. A “Pointing Dog” is a hunting dog that indicates discovered game to the hunter. It behaves calmly and points with its nose in the direction of the potential prey. For years, the breed has enjoyed great popularity worldwide as a hunting and family dog. In Germany alone, over 3000 puppies are born annually.

Traits and Characteristic Features

As the Wirehaired Pointer is specifically bred for hunting, it combines all the traits of a versatile hunting utility dog. It has a balanced and reliable character and learns extremely quickly. In addition, the robust dog is enduring and has an excellent sense of smell. The loyal German Wirehaired Pointer forms a strong bond with its owner and loves to be part of a family. It is important for him to build a good relationship with all family members. They are reserved towards strangers and promptly warn when someone enters the property. They generally get along well with other dogs. With too little exercise and mental stimulation, active dogs quickly become bored. Since they sometimes show stubborn behavior, the dogs need consistent leadership.

Appearance of the German Wirehaired Pointer

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a large dog with a withers height of up to 68 cm and a weight of 27 to 32 kg. A special feature of the breed is the expressive head with distinct eyebrows and a striking beard. The distinctive, wiry coat consists of two to four centimeter long guard hairs and a short, dense, and water-repellent undercoat. The coat can appear in the colors brown roan, black roan, and light roan in various variations. White markings are allowed or may be completely absent.

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Consistent Puppy Training

Training a demanding dog like the German Wirehaired Pointer is not easy. Good socialization from the breeder is the foundation for a well-trained puppy. He needs consistent guidance from an experienced owner with whom he builds a close bond. Especially if you do not use the dog for hunting, it is important to control the hunting instinct early on. With enough consistency and assertiveness, you can even “control” this hunting dog off-leash. However, he will never behave submissively but will act as an equal partner. With patience and calmness, you can quickly teach the eager-to-learn dog what is allowed and what is not. Aggression and violence are out of place. It is best to take the puppy to a dog school where he can meet other dogs and play with them.

How much exercise does the German Wirehaired Pointer need?

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a true all-rounder and suitable for all hunting tasks, from retrieving to tracking work. If he is not in the hands of a hunter, he needs appropriate substitute activities. Daily long walks or hikes make the breed fascinating companion dogs. With the right training, the dog can easily accompany you horseback riding, jogging, or cycling. Thanks to its weatherproof coat, it also copes well with rain and snow. So, he needs his exercise in all weather conditions. The active hunting dog particularly enjoys splashing and swimming or retrieving toys from the water. An ideal way to exhaust the eager-to-work dog is to engage in dog sports such as agility.

Health and Grooming

The wiry and robust coat of the dogs is extremely easy to care for. Nevertheless, it is advisable to regularly brush the coat and remove dirt. Especially after a long walk in tall grass or dense forest, you should check the dog for parasites. Most dogs enjoy the additional caresses, which further strengthens the relationship between dog and human. As an active breed, the German Wirehaired Pointer always has a big appetite. However, you should always adjust the amount of dog food to the individual needs of the dog and the daily activity level.

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Interesting and Worth Knowing

Does the German Wirehaired Pointer fit me?

Today, the German Wirehaired Pointer is not only suitable for hunters. It is also a loyal companion for nature lovers who enjoy hiking and spending a lot of time outdoors. However, you should always keep in mind that he is a purebred hunting dog. Accordingly, much experience in dealing with hunting dogs is advantageous for the Wirehaired Pointer. Due to his strong urge to move, he will not be happy in a tight city apartment. Ideally, a house with a large, fenced garden where he can guard his territory would be perfect.

If you are completely sure that the Wirehaired Pointer fits you, you should visit a reputable breeder. The price for an untrained puppy with papers is around $900. You can also find German hunting dogs or mixes looking for a new home in animal shelters.

Do you also have a German Wirehaired Pointer or are you planning to get one soon? Share with me in the comments what makes him so special!