German Wirehaired Pointer Breed Facts and Information

Coat & Grooming: The coat of the German Wirehaired Pointer is one of the defining characteristics of this breed. Its wiry coat ensures that your dog should be able to handle any weather conditions and only requires a quick weekly brushing to remove dirt and loose hair. Invest in a good quality nail clipper or prepare to take regular trips to a groomer or veterinarian for nail trims every few weeks. The German Wirehaired Pointer's nails can cause discomfort or gait problems if they become overgrown.

Coat length: Short

Grooming: Occasional

Shedding: The German Wirehaired Pointer has fine hair and sheds a good bit. The breed's coat itself is harsh and wiry, and even with consistent grooming, it will still find its way to your couch, carpet, or coat. You will need to invest in a few lint rollers and a quality vacuum if you ever want to deep clean your house with a German Wirehaired Pointer as a resident.

Training: When it comes to training, German Wirehaired Pointers are always eager to learn. GWPs are intelligent and athletic, and are typically well-mannered. When coupled together, these traits help to make German Wirehaired Pointers highly trainable when they are tasked with a particular job. If left to their own devices, an independent streak may shine through, resulting in some bumps in the training road. Since this breed does fall under the sporting category, they typically excel at agility or hunting competitions, as it is truly in their blood.

Barking: Understanding your dog: The German Wirehaired Pointer is a loyal family dog that is not a big fan of strangers. They will bark when uncomfortable or if they sense that their family is in immediate danger. Some dogs have been known to bark continually if left alone for a long period of time or if they have not had any exercise or play in a few hours. If you have a doorbell that is rung frequently or have a number of package deliveries, be prepared for a cacophony of sound from your dog.

Temperament & Behavior: A German Wirehaired Pointer is a pup that will always have your back. "German Wirehaired Pointers are a very affectionate dog, but do find strangers to be a little questionable," says Renee Fortier, a German Wirehaired Pointer breeder for over 20 years. "These dogs are protective over their families and absolutely love to play with kids."

Fortier adds that these dogs are always a pleasure to train and will quickly pick up any trick or behavior that you want them to emulate. Make sure to be ready for a lot of walks, as without consistent activity, a German Wirehaired Pointer may get bored which can lead to continual barking or other misbehaviors.

Behavior with kids: German Wirehaired Pointers need to be socialized with young children, and will quickly become best friends. Since Pointers often crave human companionship, pairing them with kids is never a bad idea.

Protection: German Wirehaired Pointers are generally not considered a guard dog, but due to their reservations with strangers, they will wake you and the neighbors up with continual barking if there is an intruder.

Life Span: On average, German Wirehaired Pointers live to be 9-12 years old.

Inherited health issues: Although the German Wirehaired Pointer is a generally healthy breed, certain health conditions can occur at an increased frequency or through inheritance. Responsible breeders perform a variety of screening tests in order to decrease the frequency of many conditions within the breed. These may include, but are not limited to, the following conditions: Hemophilia B, Von Willebrand's disease, Hip dysplasia and Cataracts.

Preventive care: Keeping your German Wirehaired Pointer in the peak of health involves home monitoring and routine preventative veterinary care. Take your GWP to the veterinarian once or twice a year for wellness exams, even if they seem to be healthy at home. Veterinarians have been extensively trained to detect subtle changes in a pet's health, which helps to detect subtle problems before they become more severe. Be sure to bring any concerns that may arise or changes at home to your veterinarian's attention.

Developing a good regimen of flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, and intestinal deworming for your German Wirehaired Pointer is important to avoid bringing home any pesky pests after a hunting trip or romp in the backyard.

Nutrition: The calorie and nutritional requirements for German Wirehaired Pointers can vary widely depending on an individual dog's lifestyle. GWPs that are out hunting need to consume more calories than those that go for an afternoon walk and game of fetch. If overfed or left to a sedentary lifestyle, a GWP can quickly become overweight. Be sure to offer portion-controlled meals of a good quality balanced diet in order to keep your four legged friend at a healthy weight. Always consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations for your individual dog's needs.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult GWP is 2 to 4 cups.

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: The key to ensuring your German Wirehaired Pointer is happy is to let them run and have plenty of activity every single day. These dogs were bred for hunting, and although they can live anywhere, a German Wirehaired Pointer is happiest while on the move. Make sure to also play with your pup, as these balls of energy love to interact with and learn from their owner. Utilize them in hunting, obedience, agility, rally, or tracking activities to truly ensure your pup is a well-rounded canine.

Climate: The coat of the German Wirehaired Pointer was designed to be outside and ensures that these pups are up for a walk regardless of the weather.

Living space: German Wirehaired Pointers love to be outdoors and are not your typical lapdog. They typically prefer a larger home, but can be housed in an apartment as long as you are willing to provide plenty of daily outdoor exercise.