General Information

Dog NameGerman Wirehaired Pointer
Other NamesVorstehhund
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePointer
GroupSporting
Breed ForHunting birds and animals
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginGermany

Physical And Size

SizeMedium
Min Life Span14
Max Life Span16
Min Ideal Weight for male25
Max Ideal Weight for male28
Min Ideal Weight for female22
Max Ideal Weight for male28

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentAffectionate, Loyal, Energetic
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyMedium
Cat FriendlyLow
Dog FriendlyHigh
Office FriendlyLow
Apartment FriendlyLow
Senior Citizens FriendlyLow
Service DogLow
Search and Rescue DogLow
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginGermany
Nicknames and Other NamesGWP
Vorstehhund
Deutsch Drahthaar
Drahtthaar
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupGun Dog
Sporting Group
Bred ForHunting both birds and animals
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, CKC, ANKC, AZKC, KC
Life Span14-16 years
Ideal Weight50-70 pounds (male and female)
Ideal HeightMale: 24-26 inches
Female: 22-24 inches
Fur TypeWeather resistant, dense undercoat,
long outer coat
Common ColorsBlack and White
Liver
Liver and White
MarkingsSpotted
Roan
Ticked
Roan and Ticked
AvailabilityWidely available
AchievementsWon Field Championship and
Master Hunter titles
Suitable for ApartmentsNot Suitable
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToGerman Shorthaired Pointer

German Wirehaired Pointer is the combination of the best features of the Foxhound, Pointer, and Poodle. The Medium sized dog is the hunter’s best friend who can point and retrieve on land and in water. They have a functional coat that protects from weather extremes and they have a keen nose for tracking and pointing.

The German Wirehaired Pointer requires extensive exercise so it can be an excellent jogging companion. It likes to swim and retrieve, both good ways to provide the level of activity he needs to burn off all that energy. The German Wirehaired Pointer loves having job to do.

Origin and History

German hunters created the German Wirehaired Pointer in the late 1800s who could hunt any kind of game on any terrain. In the dog they blended the best qualities of the Pointer, Poodle, and Foxhound to develop an all-purpose dog who could point and retrieve on land and in water , no matter what the weather or environment.

The German Wirehaired Pointer was registered into the AKC in 1959 when the parent club was officially changed to the German Wirehaired Pointer club of America. The dog remains a well-loved hunting companion today.

Are German Wirehaired Pointer child friendly?

Yes, German Wirehaired Pointer dogs are child-friendly but for older children who can stand up to his size and energy level but he can be overwhelming for younger children who can be easily knocked down while playing.

Proper supervision of any interactions between a dog and children is essential for safety. The German Wirehaired Pointer does better with children if it is raised with them but an adult Wirehaired who is adopted into a family with children can learn to get along with them if supervised properly.

facts of German Wirehaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointer with kid.
Picture source:bobandsuewilliams.com

Behavior, temperament and personality

The behavior of the German Wirehaired Pointer dog is friendly toward people he knows but aloof with strangers. When raised with a family, it is devoted to everyone but may have one person who is favorite. They are an excellent hunting dogs but can be a great house dogs too.

The Temperament of the German Wirehaired Pointer is affected by early socialization because socialization includes exposure to new things, sights, and experiences. German Wirehaired Pointer is a good watchdog and barks when strangers approach its property. It is possessive of his things and people and may be aggressive toward strange dogs.

Early training enhances the personality of a German Wirehaired Pointer dog who has high intelligence to learn. Positive reinforcement training should be given to treat them properly and it makes them a better family dog.

Trainability

The well trained German Wirehaired Pointer is very good in scaling obstacle courses and in tracking exercises. When you are patient with them , they can be quite eager pleasers.

Exercise should be the daily ritual because your German Wirehaired Pointer dog requires an hour of regular exercise. Running, biking, tracking and field exercises are good ways of giving training. Even scientific training method can also be applied for German Wirehaired Pointers.

Facts of German Wirehaired Pointer

Some of the facts related with German Wirehaired Pointers are as follows:

  • German Wirehaired Pointers are breeds of the Sporting group
  • German Wirehaired Pointers have nicknames GWP or Wirehair
  • The activity level of German Wirehaired Pointers is high so need regular exercises
  • German Wirehaired Pointers are smart, curious and determined dogs
  • The German Wirehaired Pointers’ coat is weather-resistant
  • German Wirehaired Pointers are identified by their distinctive facial features of bushy beard and eyebrows
  • German Wirehaired Pointers have lifespan of 12 to 14 years
  • Males of German Wirehaired Pointers have height of 61 to 68 cm and females have height of 57 to 64 cm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmhuGABR7uo
Amazing facts of German Wirehaired Pointer

Health Issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesEntropion, Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts,
Obesity, Bloat, Patellar Luxation
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Distemper,
Leptospirosis, Canine Parainfluenza,
Canine Parvovirus, Kennel Cough,
Canine Coronavirus
SheddingModerate Shedder
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingAverage Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage
Separation AnxietyModerate Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 25%
Fat: 10%
Multivitamins
Digestive Enzymes
Probiotics

German Wirehaired Pointers are generally healthy but like other breeds they are prone to certain health issues. Some of the health problems are as follows:

  • Hip Dysplasia: It is a condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit into the hip joint
  • Entropion: It is a condition in which the eyelid is rolled inward
  • Cataracts: It is characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens
  • Von Willebrand’s disease: It is a blood disorder that interferes with the blood’s ability to clot

Colors

German Wirehaired Pointers are found in following colors:

  • Liver
  • Liver and white
  • Roan
  • Black and white

Puppies

facts of German Wirehaired Pointers
German Wirehaired Pointer puppies source: instagram@ central_basin_wirehairs

Cost

The average cost of the German Wirehaired Pointer puppy is about $700 to $800 USD

Size

The males of German Wirehaired Pointers have height of 61 to 68 cm and females have height of 57 to 64 cm. The males have weight of 27 to 32 kg and females have weight of 27 to 32 kg.

Which dogs breed are they similar to?

Some of the dogs breed similar to German Wirehaired Pointers are as follows:

Visit Doglime to know more about different dogs breed.

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