German Wire Haired Pointer

Appearance

German Wire Haired Pointer
German Wire Haired Pointer Quick Summary
Also Known As
OriginGermany
SizeMedium-large
Height (at withers)22-26in (56-66cm)
Weight60-70lbs (27-32kg)
Hair Colour(s)
Lifespan12-14 years
Energy LevelMedium
Litter size6-10
SheddingMedium
GroomingMedium
Barking TendencyMedium
Exercise requirementsMedium
Ease of trainingMedium
Suitability for kidsMedium
Animal compatabilityMedium
Aggression levelsLow
Distress if leftHigh

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a medium-large large dog with a sturdy and athletic build. The body sports a wide chest and the tail is normally a slightly. The head has a long and broad muzzle with a distinctive beard and moustache, an inquisitive expression, floppy and drooping ears and dark and rather transparent eyes. The characteristic coat is waterproof and thick and harsh with a dense undercoat, and the colouring of the coat is normally liver and white, although some can be solid liver or may have black in place of liver.

Temperament

German Wire Haired Pointers are loving, affectionate and devoted dogs with well balanced temperaments. They crave companionship and love to play, and yet are steady and sensible and make ideal family pets. Intelligent and eager to please, these dogs have plenty of energy and require a good deal of exercise and plenty of space in which to release this energy. They are intelligent and quick learners, but their stubborness can sometimes make training more difficult. In addition, they can be strong willed and independent and so are best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership rather than novices. German Wire Haired Pointers will get along well with children, especially when raised alongside them, and also with other pets when socialised early. However, they can be aggressive towards other dogs, and around strangers they can range from friendly to wary and reserved depending upon the personality of the individual dog. As they have protective streaks, they make a good watchdogs.

History & Skills

German Wire Haired Pointers originate from Germany, as part of the name suggests, and were developed in the early 1900s supposedly from a mix of German Pointers, Wire Haired Griffons, Foxhounds, Bloodhounds and Poodle-Pointer breeds. Bred to track and hunt all sorts of game over various terrains, and for pointing, they had good noses and could retrieve both on land and in water. These days they still retain these skills and make favourable family pets and companions.

Breed Specific Ailments

German Wire Haired Pointers tend to live between 12-14 years are generally a healthy dogs. However, some of the health concerns noted with the breed include elbow and hip dysplasia, eye diseases, skin cancers, ear inflections.

Grooming

German Wire Haired Pointers are medium shedders, and so may not be suitable for those with allergies. The coat should be brushed at least twice a week, and may need stripping occasionally also to maintain a clean and natural appearance. Clipping may be needed every few months for dogs kept as pets, and bathing is only required when necessary and they must be dried properly to avoid chilling. The ears should be checked regularly for hygiene reasons in order to reduce the chances of any infections, and the feet should be checked regularly too, especially after exercise.

Exercise & Environment

German Wire Haired Pointers are active dogs and are not suitable for small homes. These dogs require a fair amount of exercise to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive. They will need a daily vigorous workout in the fom of a walk and access to a secure outside area for play and exercise.