German hunters created the German wirehaired breed in the late 1800s.The ancestors of the breed include the foxhound, pointer and poodle. By combining these three breeds, the Germans were able to create a new one that was able to both point and retrieve effectively. These dogs work equally well on land and in water. People unfamiliar with the breed often confuse them with the German shorthaired pointer. The German wirehaired pointer has a longer body and is slightly larger overall. If you look closely at the two breeds, you will also notice a difference in head shape. The first German wirehaired pointers were introduced to the United States in the 1920s. The German Drahthaar Club of America formed in 1953, and the breed was recognized officially in 1959. Today, the breed is used primarily as a hunting companion. While the German wirehaired pointer can be a good family companion, they should be raised with children if they are expected to live happily with them. Bringing an older dog into the family can be difficult if it has not been socialized with children previously.
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a muscular dog that was originally bred to hunt the outdoors. Breed characteristic of this dog is its wiry short coat that is weather resistant. It has a double coat with a dense, insulating undercoat and a wiry, straight outer coat. It also has hairy eyebrows and whiskers. Although it sheds only lightly, its coat requires some attention in terms of brushing and cleaning.
Personality
Like most pointers, the German Wirehaired is an energetic, active hunter who loves the outdoors. This dog needs plenty of exercise on a daily basis. It loves to roam and run and should be given sufficient exercise otherwise it can get bored and hard to manage. It's an obedient dog but sometimes stubborn and strong-willed. They are very affectionate towards children and their own family but aloof with strangers and other dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Family: | Pointer |
| Life Span: | 12-14 years |
| Nicknames: | No nicknames known |
German Wirehaired Pointer Build Information
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a muscular dog that was originally bred to hunt the outdoors. Breed characteristic of this dog is its wiry short coat that is weather resistant. It has a double coat with a dense, insulating undercoat and a wiry, straight outer coat. It also has hairy eyebrows and whiskers. Although it sheds only lightly, its coat requires some attention in terms of brushing and cleaning.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Like most pointers, the German Wirehaired is an energetic, active hunter who loves the outdoors. This dog needs plenty of exercise on a daily basis. It loves to roam and run and should be given sufficient exercise otherwise it can get bored and hard to manage. It's an obedient dog but sometimes stubborn and strong-willed. They are very affectionate towards children and their own family but aloof with strangers and other dogs.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The German wirehaired pointer does not require heavy grooming. If used for field work, the dog should be bathed when dirty. When kept as a family companion, a weekly brushing will help to remove loose hairs from the dog's coat and keep it clean. Trim your dog's nails routinely, clean its ears weekly, and brush its teeth daily. Yearly veterinary exams will help to ensure the overall health of your dog.
| Shedding: | Little |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
German Wirehaired Pointer Common Health Conditions
Like any breed of dog, the German wirehaired pointer is prone to specific health issues. These issues include hip dysplasia, entropian, cataracts, and Von Wildebrand's disease. Some of these issues are inherited. Be sure to purchase your puppy from a breeder who certifies the sire and dam against hip problems and eye abnormalities.
German Wirehaired Pointer Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
If you don't keep a German wirehaired pointer active, it will quickly find ways to entertain itself. It's not uncommon for this breed to develop separation anxiety. Potty training this breed can sometimes be difficult. The German wirehaired pointer is not mentally mature until about two years of age. These dogs love their families but wary of strangers. The breed enjoys the ability to keep its mind engaged; formal training classes are highly recommended. The dog is a good one with older children, but can knock down smaller ones. The German wirehaired pointer is not known by any other name.
| Training: | Easy |