Dogs - Puppies - Pets

Breed Profile

German Wirehaired Pointer

BREED GROUP: Sporting
WEIGHT: 45 to 75 lbs
HEIGHT: 22 to 26 inches
COLOR(S): Liver and white, solid liver, black and white in UK.
SIZE:
GROOMING NEEDS:
EXERCISE NEEDS:
GOOD WITH DOGS:
WATCHDOG ABILITY:

DESCRIPTION

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a powerful, study, well-muscled, well-balanced, medium sized dog. It has a coarse, wiry, weather-resistant coat, bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard. It’s responsive, gentle, affectionate, and even-tempered. It is very active and energetic, it does not do well in apartment as it needs extensive exercise. This breed is an all-around gun dog; it likes to hunt birds and small animals. It makes an excellent watchdog.

TEMPERAMENT

The German Wirehaired Pointer thrives on human companionship; it is very affectionate, loyal, active and intelligent. It is steady, lively and vigorous. It is responsive, eager to learn and enjoys working for its owner. This breed is very affectionate with its owner and can become jealous. It does best with older, considerate children. It needs a consistent, experienced handler. Socialization and obedience training at an early age is a must. The German Wirehaired Pointer is naturally aloof with strangers. It makes an excellent watchdog. It can be rather willful; it likes to roam. This breed is a perfect gun dog; it is able to hunt any sort of game on any sort of terrain. This dog has a good nose and can track, point, and retrieve on both land and water. Usually it gets along well with other dogs and household pets, though some may try to dominate other animals.

GROOMING

Thick and harsh, no longer than 1.5 inches with a dense undercoat. Brush the coat a couple of times a week. Thinning is necessary in the spring and fall. Bath when necessary. Regular attention to the ears is needed.

HEALTH

This breed has been relatively healthy over the years. There have been cases of hip dysplasia and entropion. Sometimes hormone problems affect their coats.

EXERCISE

German Wirehaired Pointers need a considerable amount of exercise as they are an energetic hunter. Vigorous rough-housing combined with daily walks or runs are good for this breed. Their coat should never have to be clipped.

TRAINING

German Wirehaired Pointers need to be taught basic obedience and socialized early to other dogs and humans. They do, however, enjoy learning and training. They require firm training.