German Wirehaired Pointer Basics

Loving, easily trainable, independent, amiable, and responsive – all of these things describe the German Wirehaired Pointer. An excellent protector, this breed may need to be watched when first introducing it to strangers and other dogs. Tireless, intelligent, and weather-proof companion, the German Wirehaired Pointer is an energetic hunter that needs daily exercise with either a run or a hunting game that lets it to explore. Because it loves human companionship, you find that the German Wirehaired Pointer is a wonder friend and family pet.

If you’re thinking about bringing a German Wirehaired Pointer into your home, make you have plenty of room for it to run around. This dog has a lot of love to give and it may just be the right fit for your family. Read on to find out more about this interesting breed.

Loving, easily trainable, independent, amiable, and responsive – all of these things describe the German Wirehaired Pointer.

Origin

A German dog that originated in the 1800s, breeders wanted a versatile hunting dog that hunters could follow on foot through various terrains. This breed can hunt in mountains, dense forests, and open areas with farms and small towns. As well, the German Wirehaired Pointer was bred with a coat that would protect it while hunting in heavy cover or in cold water, yet it is still easy to maintain.

Pedigree

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a mixture of Griffon, Stichelhaar (both mixtures of Pointer, Foxhound, Pudelpointer and Polish water dog), Pudelpointer (a cross of Poodle and Pointer) and German Shorthair.

The German Wirehaired Pointer was recognized by the AKC in 1959.

Food / Diet

You should always feed your German Shorthaired Pointer a nutritious and balanced diet. Go with a premium quality dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient or a homemade diet that consists of a proper balance of protein, carbs, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Tireless, intelligent, and weather-proof companion, the German Wirehaired Pointer is an energetic hunter that needs daily exercise with either a run or a hunting game that lets it to explore.

Training

Training should start for German Wirehaired Pointer when it is a pup, and it needs to be persistent. You may find that house training this dog can be demanding, and that’s why crate training is a must. Restrict your German Wirehaired Pointer during housetraining so it learns where it can and can’t do it business. As well, socialization is an important part of the training process, so expose your dog to different people and places, as it helps to prevent shyness.

If you’re planning to use the German Wirehaired Pointer for hunting, it can be trained to hunt all types of game, and it can be used on land and water. This type of training is a great form of exercise, as this breed loves to perform when it comes to agility, tracking and retrieving.

Even though the German Wirehaired Pointer is intelligent, you may find this dog can be somewhat frustrating to train. It is known to be a resistant breed that will require training carried out in a firm, yet compassionate manner. You’ll need to strike a balance between being strict and affectionate that will help prevent adverse behaviors from developing. Don’t be afraid or reluctant to call in a professional trainer to help out, as this process requires extreme patience and time, which can prove to be too much for some owners.

Weight

Both male and female German Wirehaired Pointers weigh 50 to 70 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

An intelligent and active breed, the German Wirehaired Pointer is affectionate and likes to please its owner. At heart, it’s a work dog that needs plenty of activity, and it can get bored easily and be stubborn. Be sure to hang out with your dog and give it plenty of attention, as the German Wirehaired Pointer can suffer from separation anxiety.

You’ll find that the German Wirehaired Pointer is loyal, but can also be jealous and protective. This breed will be loving towards family, but can be dominant when interacting with other animals and dogs. Because it is unsure of strangers, you’ll need early and persistent socialization to prevent shyness.

Common Health Problems

There are a few health issues you should be aware of when it comes to the German Wirehaired Pointer. Your dog could develop hip dysplasia, a common canine disorder which produces arthritis type symptoms and can lead to lameness. Your dog could also suffer from entropion, an eyelid disorder that requires surgery, as well as cataracst. Finally, your German Wirehaired Pointer could suffer from Von Willebrand’s disease, which is a blood clotting problem.

Life Expectancy

German Wirehaired Pointers have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Exercise Requirements

A high-energy dog, the German Wirehaired Pointer never seems tire. If it doesn’t get enough exercise, your dog will bored and problematic. Daily exercise can include running, swimming and games like catch. Since it is a hunting dog, the German Wirehaired Pointer can also get its exercise through hunting.

Because it loves human companionship, you find that the German Wirehaired Pointer is a wonderful friend and family pet.

AKC

The American Kennel Club says this about the breed: “When the Germans wanted a dog that could do it all, they created the German Wirehaired Pointer, a versatile, multi-purpose hunting dog. Strong and medium-sized, with a typical Pointer personality, the breed’s most distinctive feature is its functional wiry coat. Weather resistant and water-repellant, the outer coat is straight, harsh, wiry and flat lying, which helps to protect the dog against rough cover while hunting. The coat must be liver and white in color.”

Coat

The German Wirehaired Pointer is, of course, characterized by its wiry coat. It is water repellant and will protect the dog from adverse weather conditions. Its dense undercoat keeps the German Wirehaired Pointer warm in the colder months and cool in the warmer months. The short outer coat lies flat to the body. Even its eyebrows stand out, thanks to its straight hair, and finishing off the look is a beard and whiskers.

The German Wirehaired Pointer needs moderate grooming because it is a shedding breed. You should brush this dog at least two times per week.

Puppies

As soon as this puppy comes home, training will have to begin. Start your German Wirehaired Pointer’s socialization to other animals and children as early as possible.