German Wirehaired Pointer

The sturdy, muscled, whiskered breed of the German Wirehaired Pointer was developed by the dog-loving Germans in their country for hunting purposes and for agility and endurance in the field. Characterized by a brown nose, long muzzle, rounded hanging ears, water-resistant coat and a broad chest, the body, which is proportionately longer than the height, ends in a docked tail that is almost 2/5^th of their body-length. With a strong ability of scenting, this intelligent breed would love to accompany its master while hunting, running, biking, fieldwork and other sports activities.

German Wirehaired Pointer Pictures

Mixes

Amongst many modern-day mixes, the two of the most popular mixes made by the modern breeders are:

1. Pointador: German wirehaired pointer and Lab mix
2. Gointer: Golden Retriever and German wirehaired Pointer mix

Temperament and Behavior

With their excellent olfaction, willful intelligence, eagerness to accompany their owner for hunting in all kinds of terrains and also with their roaming instincts, they make a great watchdog, a gundog and a retriever both in land and water. Not being good with strangers, they stay away from them and even have a dominating instinct prone to overpower its master, family members and kids and even other animals and pets, if they are not dominating/active enough. Although they are not lazy and are ever open to learning new things, they get bored easily, or might even get aggressive to other dogs, especially male to male.

Care

• Exercise

• Grooming

• Health Problems

No matter they are living indoor or outdoor or in kennel, a vigorous exercise schedules, including run and play around in an enclosed area, are recommended for the German wirehaired pointer for their very need of satisfying their hunting instincts, without which they might become restless and unmanageable, or be bored. Allow them to jog with your cycle or walk long distances, or even swimming, in order to avoid indoor restlessness.

Because these average shedders shed only during fall and springtime, a thorough firm-bristle combing, an occasional bath when untidy and trimming them when needed should serve the purpose. Other grooming advices include checking their feet after exercising, trimming nails when long and checking their eyes and ear cavities for possible infections.

Generally a healthy breed, the pointers at times suffer from general issues including ear infections, skin cancers, genetic eye disease and hip dysplasia, entropion, cataracts, Von Willebrand’s disease etc., and psychic conditions like separation anxiety, if frequently left alone.

Training

Since important trainings like socialization, maintaining a balanced relationship with children, pets, other dogs, the same sex, etc. might be tough at home, it is best to seek for professional trainers, who are experienced in puppy training. Setting clear rules is important and so is pack leadership, for which reason they mustn’t be allowed to walk leading the trainer during exercise, which might in turn induce domination syndromes in them.

Feeding

Most preferable is premium quality dog food that includes meat, or else homemade diet that is nutritious and balanced with protein, fiber, vitamins, carbs, fats and minerals. If you rely upon dry dog food, 2 ½ to 3 cups per day, divided into two equal meals is recommended.

Interesting Facts

• The other German names of the German wirehaired pointer are Deutsch Drahthaar, Deutscher Drahthaariger, Vorstehhund, Drahthaar.
• If the dog is bored, it can show up making a mess of the owner’s home and yard.
• The breed was imported into the USA in the 1920s.
• The German wirehaired pointer is still one of the most sought-after dogs as hunting companions.