HISTORY

ORIGIN GERMANY

GROUP SPORTING GROUP


The German Wirehaired Pointer originated in 19th century Germany, where they were used as all around hunters, pointers and retrievers. Their ancestors are a mix of pointers and hounds of the past. This breed is still one of the most popular bird dogs in use today, and they are considered to excel in both land and water retrieval.

APPEARANCE(S)

The German Wirehaired Pointers are large yet compact dogs with a square head and drop ears. They have amber to brown eyes and docked tails.

COLOR(S)


This breed is most commonly seen in liver and white or solid liver. It common to see ticking or roaning throughout the coat. The distinctive features of this pointer are the arched bushy eyebrows, and the short beard or whiskers on the face.

COAT


The outercoat of the German wirehaired pointer is short, wiry, and harsh. It provides protection against branches and thorny bushes when retrieving. The undercoat is thick in the winter and thin is the summer.

PERSONALITY

ACTIVITY LEVEL


High

POSITIVES


This breed is loyal and loving to their families. They enjoy working, swimming and playing, and they need a family that can be as active as they are. This breed excels at canine sports. They are quite territorial, and for this they make good watchdogs.

THINGS TO CONSIDER


The German wirehaired pointer does better with some obedience training early in life. They have been known to chase cats and other small animals. They will get into trouble if they are not given a job.

*This is not a good breed for the first time dog owner.

IDEAL LIVING SITUATION

This breed would do well in the country.

HELPFUL INFORMATION/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This breed needs daily exercise and really likes to have something to do.

BREED RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS

The following conditions are known to be seen in this breed, please look at our A to Z listing to find out detailed information.

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand’s disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Entropion

NATIONAL CLUBS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS

German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America
617 Taylor St.
Greenville, IL 62246

FUN FACT(S)

The German Wirehaired Pointers coat is fully water resistant.
Written by: PetsMD Veterinary Editorial Staff