German Wirehaired Pointer

Gundog

Size:

Grooming:

Exercise Level:

Trainability:

Barking Level:

Good with Children:

Good with other pets:

Affectionate:

Protective:

Height: 61 - 66cm M | 56 - 56cm F

Weight: 27 - 32kg M | 27 - 32kg F

Life Expectancy: 8 - 10 Years

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Introduction

The German wirehaired pointer originated in Germany and was developed in the late nineteenth century as a hunting dog. It excels in hunting any water or land game. The German wirehaired pointer is officially registered in the Kennel Club as a gundog.

As a loyal and protective companion, the German wirehaired pointer loves spending his time with his family. Expect him to act aloof and wary when meeting strangers. Because of its high intelligence and eager-to-please personality, the German wirehaired pointer is highly responsive to training.

The German wirehaired pointer is an excellent companion dog for families with an active lifestyle. At least two hours of exercise and other fun activities is needed to expend his energy. The German wirehaired pointer has a weather-resistant double coat that requires minimal grooming.

History

The German wire-haired pointer (GWP), often referred to as Drahthaar, is a known bird dog from Germany. It was originally bred in the 1800s by German hunters looking for a rugged-looking dog that can hunt game birds on any terrain. Contributing to its lineage and its qualities are the poodle, the foxhound, and the pointer (believed to be the earliest version of the German short-haired pointer).

In 1928, the German Kartell for dogs admitted and recognised the GWP. At the same period, the breed was imported to the United States and later the German Drahthaar Club of America was formed in 1953. In 1959, the German wire-haired pointer was recognised by the American Kennel Club when the parent club was changed to officially become the German Wire-haired Pointer Club of America. The United Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1948.

Appearance and Grooming

The German wire-haired pointer is a naturally built pointer: nicely balanced, well-muscled, tough, alert, and generally developed to hunt in rough terrains all day long. One of its trademarks is its harsh wire coat that protects against thorny brushwood and bad weather. Another distinct feature is its bushy full beard and eyebrows, which are typical of many German breeds, adding to its intelligent and knowing expression. It closely resembles its cousin, the German short-haired pointer, except that it is larger, longer, and with a wiry coat. The GWP stands 56–67 centimetres at the withers and weighs 60–70 pounds.

When it comes to details of its physical appearance, the GWP is well-proportioned with slightly-rounded, broad head. It has a moderate stop with a muzzle that is the same length as its skull. Its eyes are medium-sized and oval-shaped with a nice dark colour. Likewise, the ears are medium-sized and set high on the GWP’s head. The neck has a nice slope that adds to its powerful appearance, together with well-muscled shoulders and well-sprung, deep ribs. No doubt the GWP is an athletic-looking dog breed with its firm back and muscular front legs.

The German wire-haired pointer sports a functional double coat that is water- and weather-resistant. The coat is comprised of a very dense, harsh, and wiry outercoat and soft and thick undercoat. Accepted breed colours are liver and white, solid liver, black and white, and solid black. Matching its coat colours are a liver-coloured nose and lips. In the grooming front, the GWP's coat is low-maintenance, but it should remain clean with regular brushing. Its coat sheds minimally all-year round and is water-repellent, so bathe him only as needed. Routinely trim the nails to avoid painful overgrowth. Brush its teeth at least twice to thrice in a week to remove tartar build-up and prevent gum disease. Its ears should also be checked for any signs of infection such as redness or bad odour.

Temperament and Intelligence

The German wire-haired pointer is a remarkable-looking dog breed that is known to be gentle and affectionate. It is people-oriented, enjoys human companionship, and likes nothing more than to be a part of a family. The GWP is a bit mischievous and often clownish as it seeks attention from people. Since it is a gun dog that is bred to be a hunting companion, the GWP is happiest when it is out in the field. But it doesn't complain when it gets praises, treats, and belly rubs inside the home.

This type of dog breed is extremely loyal and protective. It is a little wary around strangers, but rarely exhibits any aggressive behaviour and will prefer to keep its distance. This makes it an excellent watchdog. The GWP isn't the best choice for families with toddlers, but it will do well with older children that are willing to play outdoors, can stand up to its size, and keep up with its energy levels. Still, strict supervision by an adult is essential for the safety of both. When it comes to other animals, the German wire-haired pointer may be aggressive toward other dogs, but it can coexist with them when raised together, including cats.

The German wire-haired pointer is a good choice for new dog owners because of its kind nature and people-pleasing temperament. However, the owner must be prepared to spend a lot of time with the breed, giving it an adequate amount of physical and mental stimulation. Early socialisation is crucial, as it is with any dog breed, to curb negative habits and make it a well-adjusted dog.

Nutrition and Feeding

A typical serving for an adult German wire-haired pointer is 2.5–3 cups of premium dry dog food daily. Make sure that it is divided into two meals—morning and afternoon. However, don't rely too much on information you find online. It is best to consult with a veterinarian since each dog has different nutritional requirements depending on its size, age, metabolism, health, and activity level.

Nevertheless, here is guide to the typical calorie needs of an adult German wire-haired pointer weighing 65 pounds:

Senior and less active: up to 1,420 calories daily
Typical adult: up to 1,600 calories daily
Physically active/working dog: up to 1,775 calories daily

Feed your German wire-haired pointer with a nutritious meal that lists meat as the first ingredient. It is also recommended to feed the dog with home-made diet composed of protein, fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals for a well-balanced diet.

Health and Exercise

The German wire-haired pointer is generally healthy. If properly cared for and given the right amount of exercise and balanced diet, it can live up to twelve to fourteen years. Regardless, it pays to consult a veterinarian to make sure that it doesn’t develop certain genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia, entropion, cataracts, and von Willebrand disease.

The GWP is an active, outdoor breed that requires adequate amount of exercise of at least two hours daily. Keep it busy with tasks or some mentally stimulating activities to avoid boredom and becoming excitable and destructive. With this said, the German wire-haired pointer is best suited with families committed to an active and outdoorsy lifestyle. When outdoors, make sure that it is on a lead, or when off-lead, it must be within a secure, fenced yard.

Cost of Ownership

Getting hold of a German Wire-haired Pointer may take some time as very few puppies are registered with The Kennel Club every year. If you are looking to own a German wire-haired pointer, prepare to go on a waiting list and pay anything from £550 to over £750. Part of keeping a dog is ensuring that it stays healthy and well-fed. When it comes to feeding, you will need to spend £40 to £50 a month on high-quality dog food. You also need to factor in the initial cost for dog accessories and equipment such as food bowls, leads, collars, and beds, which will likely be about £200 depending on the brand.

As to healthcare you need to be prepared in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. You can offset some bills if you get a pet insurance, which can range from £25 for a time-limited cover up to £60 for a lifetime one. These prices vary depending on your dog’s health and age, the type of cover you choose, and whether it has pre-existing conditions.

Other outgoings to consider are veterinary expenses that may not be included in a pet insurance coverage such as vaccinations, routine checks, neutering or spaying, and annual boosters, which can have a combined cost of £1000-£1200 annually. Roughly, you will be setting aside £70–£120 a month for recurring expenses, depending on the type of insurance cover you choose for your dog.

German Wirehaired Pointer Breed Highlights

The German wire-haired pointer is people-oriented and enjoys human companionship.
The GWP is an active breed that is best suited for families committed to an active lifestyle.
It can coexist with dogs and cats, but only when it is raised alongside them.
It is low-maintenance on the grooming front.
It is incredibly loyal, protective, and an excellent watchdog.
The GWP requires at least two hours of rigorous exercise.