When the Germans wanted a dog that could do it all, they created the German Wirehaired Pointer, a versatile, multi-purpose hunting dog. Strong and medium-sized, with a typical Pointer personality, the breed’s most distinctive feature is its functional wiry coat. Weather-resistant and water-repellant, the outer coat is straight, harsh, wiry, and flat-lying, which helps to protect the dog against rough cover while hunting. The coat must be liver and white in color.
History
Most of the early wirehaired Pointers represented a combination of Griffon, Stichelhaar (both mixtures of Pointer, Foxhound, Pudelpointer, and Polish water dog), Pudelpointer (a cross of Poodle and Pointer), and German Shorthair. The Germans continued to breed the distinctive traits of Pointer, Foxhound, and Poodle until they had created what is today the German Wirehair, a constitutionally tough, courageous breed who points and retrieves equally well on land and in water.
Temperament
Loyal and affectionate, the German Wirehaired Pointer craves human companionship and bonds closely with its “people.” A high energy and high drive breed, the Wirehair must receive regular exercise or have a job to do; otherwise, their creativity and independence may get them into trouble! Although they shed lightly year-round, Wirehairs with a correct coat require only minimal grooming.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1959.
- Ideal size: 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Hunting dog.
Environment
- Apartment? Not so much.
- Very active indoors.
- Love a large yard.
Exercise
- Extended vigorous daily exercise.
Grooming
- Regular brushing.
- Bathe when necessary.
- Average shedding.
