German Wirehaired Pointers are loyal, affectionate high-energy pets. They have high intelligence and a desire to please their owners, which makes them easy and fun to train. Descended from hunting dogs and bred for endurance and versatility, German Wirehaired Pointers are great companion dogs for those who love spending time outdoors.
Characteristics of German Wirehaired Pointers
What do German Wirehaired Pointers look like? The German Wirehaired Pointer is a medium to large, athletic dog belonging to the sporting group. They are known for their playfulness and for being devoted to their family.
As their name suggests, German Wirehaired Pointers have wiry and medium-length coats, usually brown or brown and white. Some dogs may have black and white coats, but this is not considered standard. Within these colors, you'll find ticked, spotted, or roan markings.
These dogs stand 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. Males tend to be larger than females, but not by much, if at all. On average, the German Wirehaired Pointer’s lifespan is 14 to 16 years.
What is a German Wirehaired Pointer's personality like? This breed was historically used as a guard dog. Although these dogs retain their protective nature, they tend to be friendly to strangers. Initially bred as hunting and retrieving dogs, German Wirehaired Pointers have energy to burn. They are happiest when they have plenty of mental stimulation, like obedience training or puzzles. Because of their drive and eager-to-please attitude, these dogs are easy to train and quick to learn.
Caring for German Wirehaired Pointers
What kind of grooming does a German Wirehaired Pointer need? The German Wirehaired Pointer's wiry coat is low maintenance, and they drool and shed less than many other dog breeds. However, this breed is not considered hypoallergenic. A quick weekly brushing to remove dirt and loose hair is all this dog needs to look its best.
Inspect a German Wirehaired Pointer’s ears often for discharge and clean when needed to prevent infection. Trim their nails regularly to avoid discomfort. Many groomers and vets offer nail trimming as a service if you’re worried about doing it yourself.
Regular dental care can prevent tooth and gum disease in your German Wirehaired Pointer. Dental wipes, brushes, and chews are all options for promoting your dog's oral health. However, be sure you use a product made for dogs. For example, some human toothpastes contain xylitol — a chemical that is toxic to dogs.
What food is best for a German Wirehaired Pointer? Provide food based on their age (puppy, adult, or senior) and the amount of exercise they get.
You should watch for potential food sensitivities your new dog may have. Food allergy signs include vomiting, diarrhea, itchiness, and chronic ear and foot infections. Consult with your vet to determine if your dog is sensitive to certain foods. Lastly, always provide fresh water for your German Wirehaired Pointer, and clean the water bowl frequently.
How much exercise should a German Wirehaired Pointer get? These dogs need to exercise their mind and body daily. Their coats keep them warm in most cold weather conditions, and they enjoy joining their human companions outside for hikes and long walks. Daily exercise sessions are important for a healthy, thriving dog, whether through walks, runs, or play.
This breed excels at many canine activities and sports. Early and consistent obedience training and socialization exercises their intelligent minds and sets them up for success around other humans and dogs. German Wirehaired Pointers are athletic and eager for human companionship. Leaving them alone for too long or skipping exercise sessions may lead to unwelcome behaviors, such as chewing on shoes and furniture and greeting you overly enthusiastically by jumping and whining when you return.
What type of living environment does a German Wirehaired Pointer need? A backyard for running or easy access to land or trails is important to meet their exercise needs. These are not dogs who prefer to lay on beds and couches for much of the day.
Are there preventable measures for a German Wirehaired Pointer’s care? Fleas, ticks, and heartworms can threaten your dog’s health. However, the best treatment is prevention. Your vet can offer many oral, topical, or injectable prescriptions to prevent these parasites.
Many owners choose to microchip their dog — implanting a chip containing your contact information under the dog’s skin. Animal control officers and veterinarians can scan microchips and contact you in the case your dog is ever lost.
How often should your German Wirehaired Pointer see a vet? Annual wellness vet visits are an essential way for you and your vet to recognize illnesses and treat them early. Puppies will need to visit the vet more frequently to get caught up on immunizations. Dogs may need to visit more frequently as they get older, too.
Health Problems to Watch for with German Wirehaired Pointers
German Wirehaired Pointers are typically a healthy and fit breed. However, it's worth noting that there are several health conditions German Wirehaired Pointers are more prone to.
Bloat. Bloat — also called gastric dilatation-volvulus — is a very serious condition that can develop in German Wirehaired Pointers. It occurs when the stomach fills with air and flips, cutting off blood flow to other areas of the body, causing shock.
Signs of bloat include:
- An enlargement of your dog’s belly
- Retching
- Salivation
- Difficulty settling
- Whining if the belly is pressed, indicating pain
Bloat is an emergency, so if you suspect your dog may have it, take them to the nearest veterinary hospital right away. Even with advanced medical and surgical intervention, bloat still kills 30% of dogs who get it.
Von Willebrand Disease. Von Willebrand Disease type II is a rare genetic bleeding disorder caused by a lack of an essential clotting protein. For some dogs, symptoms may not begin until later in life. However, DNA tests can diagnose the disease regardless if symptoms are present.
Dogs with Von Willebrand Disease will bleed for an extended period after injury, surgery, or giving birth, putting them at higher risk of bleeding out. This disease can also cause “spontaneous hemorrhaging,” where a dog can bleed internally without any apparent cause. Without appropriate medical treatment, this uncontrolled bleeding can cause severe anemia or death.
Because this disease is genetic, it can be tracked and cut off by responsible breeders. When looking to buy from a breeder, ask about the dog's stock’s health and if any lineage has been found to have Von Willebrand Disease.
Hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary skeletal condition common in large or giant dog breeds. Hip dysplasia happens when the ball and socket of the hip joint fail to develop correctly, grinding against each other instead of sliding together smoothly when the dog moves. Over time, this leads to joint deterioration, resulting in painful arthritis.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can prevent or reduce the negative effects of hip dysplasia:
- Buy from a breeder that screens their stock for hip dysplasia.
- Get a hip evaluation from your vet.
- Feed your dog food appropriate for their breed and age.
- Exercise your dog regularly, but remember that too much exercise can be as harmful as not enough.
- Prevent obesity, which causes extra stress on the joints.
- Watch for symptoms such as lameness, stiffness, loss of thigh muscle mass, or decreased range of motion.
- Give any vet-recommended supplements or medications.
- In severe cases, talk to your vet about surgical options.
With prevention measures and treatment, many dogs lead full and comfortable lives. Your veterinarian will be your best partner in navigating this condition and keeping your dog as healthy and happy as possible.
Heart disease. Heart disease can be caused by multiple underlying conditions, especially as these dogs age, and your vet will determine and treat the root cause.
Common symptoms of heart disease that require you to seek a vet exam include:
- A persistent cough that doesn’t clear up in a few days. This is due to fluid not being pumped out of the heart well enough, thus building up in the lungs.
- Fainting, especially after exercise. If your dog’s heart is not properly functioning, oxygen is not being carried to all parts of their body, including the brain.
- Fatigue happens as the heart has difficulty keeping up with the demand of simple activities, like walking around the house.
- Lack of an appetite is another indicator. Don't hesitate to reach out to your vet if something feels off with your pet.
If your vet suspects heart failure, they can confirm the diagnosis by running various tests. A heart failure diagnosis may be scary. However, there are many medications and lifestyle changes that can improve your German Wirehaired Pointer’s quality of life, including diet and exercise.
Special Considerations for German Wirehaired Pointers
Are German Wirehaired Pointers good with kids and other pets? This breed is affectionate and playful with their family. They are typically good with other dogs and small children, but it is important to know your dog and always supervise them when they are with young children.
Teach your children the appropriate way to interact with dogs, such as petting gently and not grabbing at tails or ears. Teaching this basic etiquette goes a long way to preventing undesired reactions from your dog.
Are German Wirehaired Pointers good for active people? German Wirehaired Pointers are most happy when they're physically and mentally active. This makes them great for active people who enjoy canine activities, such as obedience or trick training. However, if you are new to owning dogs or looking for a breed that is more laid back, their curious and high-energy nature might not be a good fit.
History of German Wirehaired Pointers
The German Wirehaired Pointer dates back to 19th century Germany. Mixing the lines of the Griffon, Pudelpointer, Deutsch-Kurzhaar, and Stichelhaar made this new breed of versatile hunting dogs. Breeders selected those dogs so this new breed would have a distinct, wiry coat to thrive in cold weather and be able to pursue game through brambles and bushes without being injured.
In the 20th century, the German Wirehaired Pointer became a leading gun dog breed in Germany and was imported to the U.S. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1959.
When it came to the U.S., the German Wirehaired Pointer was referred to by its English name instead of the original “Drathaar” in German. Some think that the addition of the word “pointer” set the breed on a course to become a specialist in pointing instead of the versatile hunting dog it was initially bred for. The modern-day Deutsch-Drahthaars are still expected to perform as well-rounded hunting dogs, so some say that the German Wirehaired Pointers' specialization in pointing makes them an entirely different breed.
German Wirehaired Pointers and Deutsch-Drahthaars perform equally well when tested on retrieving and tracking abilities. The two breeds are also genetically identical to each other, but Deutsch-Drahthaars do need to meet more rigorous testing of hunting and show abilities before being allowed to breed.
