The German Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile, multi-purpose dog that was bred out of the need of a dog that could do it all. This is a strong and medium-sized dog with the typical personality of a pointer but with a distinctive wiry coat.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Germany
Used for: Hunting, retrieving, tracking and field trials
Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Color: Liver and white with a roan and ticking, solid lover with white blaze
Coat: Wiry, weather-resistant, straight and flat
Average Height: 24-26 inches
Average Weight: 60-70 pounds
Group: Gun dog, AKC sporting
History and Domestication
This dog is a split of the Deutsch Drahthaar when they were imported into the US in early 50s. The early Wirehaired Pointers represented a combination of Griffon, Pudelpointer (a cross breed of pointer and poodle), Stichelhaar (combinations of Foxhound, Pointers and Polish Water dogs) and German Shorthaired. This breeding ran on until the German had developed what we now know as the German Wirehaired Pointer. The breed was tough and courageous that was capable of pointing and retrieving in land and water, equally well.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a medium-sized, powerful and strong-muscled dog. It has a broad skull with moderate stop. The muzzle is straight and long reaching the dark brown nose. The oval eyes are medium in size and dark brown in color. The round ears hang close to the head. The chest is wide and deep with a strong and slender neck.
Care, Grooming and Health
The wiry coat of the German Wirehaired Pointer requires upkeep. It must be brushed at least twice a week with a firm bristle brush. Sometimes, you might have to hand pluck the dead hair. The hair usually thins out during spring and starts shedding. Bathe only when necessary. The hair on coat should be hard but not untidy. Take proper care of their feet. The breed sheds moderately.
This dog is extremely energetic and tireless and hence a lot of exercise is recommended for it. This breed can often be challenging for even the most active families. The dog needs to be taken on long daily walks, runs, jogs and swimming.
Some of them are prone to hip dysplasia, skin cancer, genetic eye diseases and ear infections.
Living Conditions
These dogs are active and intelligent and are eager to learn. They are loyal to their families and need leaders with a firm and consistent approach. These dogs prefer to stay occupied with a task. They are friendly but can be reserved and distant with strangers and hence proper socialization is necessary. They also need lots of exercise or else can be unmanageable and high-strung. This is a steady, lively and vigorous dog but can often become dominating and pushy without proper leadership.
Temperament
This is one of the most athletic and energetic breeds and is a hunting dog by nature. This dog has ha protective, clever and eager temperament and is always willing to please its human family. This dog is happy-go-lucky and loves indulging in constructive activities like running, jogging or playing. These dogs are not meant for kennel life. GSPs are faithful, friendly and spirited dogs and mix well with children. Their dominancy and energy levels vary. They need strong minded and active leaders.
