German Wirehaired Pointer Dog Breed Information - All About Dogs

German Wirehaired Pointer

German Wirehaired Pointer

GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER DOG

Description:

The German Wirehaired Pointer (also referred to as the Deutscher Drahthaariger) was developed in Germany in the early 20th century. This is a versatile gun dog, able to hunt any game in any terrain. It shows the professional quality of the Pointer, Retriever and a Spaniel. German Wirehaired Pointers are average in size, well-balanced dogs with webbed feet, which helps them a lot in swimming. The German Wirehaired Pointer was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959.

Height: 22-26 inches  Weight: 50-70 pounds  Lifespan: 14-16 years

Characteristics:

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a noble animal with distinctive, noteworthy appearance and lively expression of the muzzle. German Wirehaired Pointers are medium to large-sized, muscled dogs with a strong physique. This breed is always alert and very devoted to its master. Comparable Breeds: The German Shorthaired Pointer and Irish Wolfhound.

Character:

This is a very affectionate and active breed. The German Wirehaired Pointer loves when he has a job to do, and he enjoys spending time with his family. This dog breed gets along well with older children, but since it gets very attached to his owner, it may show some jealousy. The Wirehaired Pointer coexists peacefully with other dog breeds and small pets within the family but may try to dominate them. Dogs of this breed are very suspicious of strangers, and so they make excellent watchdogs.

Coat / Care:

The German Wirehaired Pointer has a rough, straight coat of wiry texture, which protects the dog from inclement weather. The 5cm long coat is this breed’s most distinctive feature. The undercoat is thick and dense. This combination gives the German Wirehaired Pointer’s hair water-repellent properties. This breed’s characteristic physical traits are the beard, mustache and bangs, which are protecting the dog’s eyes and face. As a rule, the most common colors for this breed are gray, brown, black, chestnut, either with ticking, roan or spotted. Wirehaired Pointer shed moderately. Twice a week, the German Wirehaired Pointer should be cleaned with a stiff brush. Also, this dog requires occasional trimming to remove excess hair. Bathing is allowed only in case of urgent need. It is important to keep the dog’s ears clean. Besides, make sure to check upon and clean the dog’s paws after the hunt or any other activity.

Health Problems:

The German Wirehaired Pointer is generally healthy dog breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, eye diseases (cataracts, entropion), Von Willebrand’s disease and skin cancer. The German Wirehaired Pointer has a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years.

Weight / Height

The male German Wirehaired Pointer dog breed’s height is around 24 – 26 inches and weighs around 50 and 70 pounds. Female German Wirehaired Pointer dogs can reach a size from 22 – 24 inches and weighs between 50 and 70 pounds.

Training:

This breed needs socialization at very young age. The German Wirehaired Pointer can be very stubborn but is always happy to please his master’s wishes. It is very important to teach the dog obedience based on patience, firmness and consistency. German Wirehaired Pointers stand out in agility, tracking and finding a game.

Activity:

The German Wirehaired Pointer is naturally highly energetic and active. It is important that he exercises intensely on the everyday basis. Therefore, this dog is suitable for folks that lead an active lifestyle. German Wirehaired Pointers are excellent companions, not only for jogging but also for swimming and hiking. In the absence of the necessary physical or mental stimulation, the German Wirehaired Pointer can become very restless, frustrated and even destructive. In order to stay healthy and in shape, the German Wirehaired Pointer needs a lot of space where he could run freely. Therefore, it is not recommended to keep this breed indoors.

Photo credit: ccho/Flickr

You May Also Like

About the Author: Wizzard