German Wirehaired Pointer

also known as Vorstehund, German Pointer (Wirehaired), Deutscher Drahthaariger, Drahthaar

Pros History


The German Wirehaired Pointer, also known as the Deutsch Drahthaar, is a breed with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The breed was developed in Germany as a versatile hunting dog, combining the best traits of various hunting breeds such as the German Pointer, the Pudelpointer, and the Foxhound.

The German Wirehaired Pointer was first officially recognized by the German Kennel Club (VDH) in 1879. The breed was created by German hunters who were looking for a versatile hunting dog that could work in a variety of terrains and weather conditions. The breed quickly gained popularity among German hunters, and eventually spread to other countries.

The German Wirehaired Pointer's distinct wirehaired coat was an adaptation to the harsh hunting conditions in Germany and this coat type also gave the breed its name. This coat is weather-resistant and low-shedding, which made the breed suitable for hunting in rough terrain and adverse weather conditions.

During the World War I and II, the breed almost disappeared due to the lack of interest and resources. After the war, dedicated breeders worked hard to revive the breed, and the German Wirehaired Pointer was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1959, followed by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) in 1962 and the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2000.

Breed Information


Type

Is German Wirehaired Pointer a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the German Wirehaired Pointer name? How do you say German Wirehaired Pointers?

jur-muh n wahyuh r-haird poin-ter

Purpose

What were German Wirehaired Pointers originally used for?

general hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do German Wirehaired Pointers Live? What is average life expectancy for a German Wirehaired Pointer? How long can German Wirehaired Pointers live?

12-14 years

The average German Wirehaired Pointer lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

German Wirehaired Pointer Height & Weight


How big is a full grown German Wirehaired Pointer?

What is the average height of a German Wirehaired Pointer? How big is a Purebred German Wirehaired Pointer height? German Wirehaired Pointer dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 24-27 inches (61 - 68.6 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 25.5 inches (64.8 cm)
Female 22-25 inches (55.9 - 63.5 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) 23.5 inches (59.7 cm)
What is the average weight of a German Wirehaired Pointer? How much should German Wirehaired Pointers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 60-71 pounds (27 - 32 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg) 65.0 pounds (29 kg)
Female 55-71 pounds (25 - 32 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg) 62.5 pounds (28 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do German Wirehaired Pointers get fat easily?

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are German Wirehaired Pointers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the German Wirehaired Pointer is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a German Wirehaired Pointer personality? What are German Wirehaired Pointer dogs best known for?

Active
Friendly
Loyal
Responsive
Affectionate
Intelligent
Willful

Shedding Level

Are German Wirehaired Pointers heavy shedders? How Much Does a German Wirehaired Pointer Shed?

German Wirehaired Pointer dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your German Wirehaired Pointer. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a German Wirehaired Pointer dog?

The German Wirehaired Pointer dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do German Wirehaired Pointers come from?

Germany

Ancestry

What are German Wirehaired Pointers descended from?

griffon-type

Date of Birth

When were German Wirehaired Pointers first bred? How old is the German Wirehaired Pointer breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a German Wirehaired Pointer?

Sporting (AKC:1959)
Gun Dog (UKC)

German Wirehaired Pointer Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are German Wirehaired Pointer eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can German Wirehaired Pointer nose be naturally?

Brown
Isabella

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can German Wirehaired Pointer coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
Red
White
Pied
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a German Wirehaired Pointers coat?

The coat of a German Wirehaired Pointer dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The German Wirehaired Pointer Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a German Wirehaired Pointer?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can a German Wirehaired Pointer have in a litter? How many puppies can a German Wirehaired Pointer have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A German Wirehaired Pointer can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

German Wirehaired Pointers are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

German Wirehaired Pointer Health Issues


Health Issues

Do German Wirehaired Pointers have a lot of health problems?

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a German Wirehaired Pointer?

Entropion
Hip Dysplasia
Von Willebrand's Disease

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to German Wirehaired Pointers?

Cataracts

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for German Wirehaired Pointer breed?

Eye
Hip
Dna For Vwd
X-Rays
Eye Examination

German Wirehaired Pointer Needs and Activities


Energy

Do German Wirehaired Pointers have a lot of energy?

German Wirehaired Pointers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do German Wirehaired Pointers need socialization? How social are German Wirehaired Pointers?

German Wirehaired Pointers have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should German Wirehaired Pointers get?

The German Wirehaired Pointer needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a German Wirehaired Pointer have? Do German Wirehaired Pointers sleep a lot?

German Wirehaired Pointers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a German Wirehaired Pointer drool a lot?

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the German Wirehaired Pointer could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

German Wirehaired Pointers tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do German Wirehaired Pointers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are German Wirehaired Pointers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a German Wirehaired Pointer running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do German Wirehaired Pointer dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do German Wirehaired Pointers enjoy doing? How do I keep my German Wirehaired Pointer busy?

Barking, Bird watch, Going on drives, Go to lake

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a German Wirehaired Pointer? How much energy does a German Wirehaired Pointer have?

High

German Wirehaired Pointers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a German Wirehaired Pointer walk each week? How many miles should a German Wirehaired Pointer walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For German Wirehaired Pointer, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a German Wirehaired Pointer should exercise a day? How much activity does a German Wirehaired Pointer need?

60 minutes

In general most German Wirehaired Pointers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a German Wirehaired Pointer?

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a German Wirehaired Pointer?

Weekly

German Wirehaired Pointer should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for German Wirehaired Pointers?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a German Wirehaired Pointer eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 60-71 pound (27 - 32 kg) German Wirehaired Pointer feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a German Wirehaired Pointer Cost Daily?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a German Wirehaired Pointer is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a German Wirehaired Pointer Cost Per Month?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a German Wirehaired Pointer is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

German Wirehaired Pointer Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a German Wirehaired Pointer?

German Wirehaired Pointers has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a German Wirehaired Pointer dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are German Wirehaired Pointer dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do German Wirehaired Pointer do well in apartments? Are German Wirehaired Pointers good indoor dogs?

The German Wirehaired Pointer is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are German Wirehaired Pointers good with kids? Are German Wirehaired Pointers good around children?

German Wirehaired Pointers are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Are German Wirehaired Pointers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are German Wirehaired Pointers good with cats? How friendly German Wirehaired Pointers are toward cats?

German Wirehaired Pointers are not cat friendly dogs.

Dog Friendly

Do German Wirehaired Pointer dogs get along with other dogs? Are German Wirehaired Pointers OK with other dogs?

German Wirehaired Pointers are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do German Wirehaired Pointer dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are German Wirehaired Pointers friendly with strangers?

German Wirehaired Pointers are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do German Wirehaired Pointers like to play? Are German Wirehaired Pointers playful?

German Wirehaired Pointers are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older German Wirehaired Pointer for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are German Wirehaired Pointer easily trained?

German Wirehaired Pointer dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Size
    German Wirehaired Pointer are medium-sized dogs, making them a good size for families.
  • Personality
    German Wirehaired Pointer are energetic, friendly and make great companions.
  • Coat
    German Wirehaired Pointer have a dense, wiry coat that is naturally waterproof, making them great for hunting and outdoor activities.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    The non-hypoallergenic nature of German Wirehaired Pointers can lead to allergic reactions in people prone to allergies.
  • Energy
    German Wirehaired Pointer are high energy dogs and require regular exercise.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    German Wirehaired Pointers are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Medical concerns
    Similar to other breeds, German Wirehaired Pointers may experience certain health concerns such as Entropion, Hip Dysplasia and Von Willebrand's Disease.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    German Wirehaired Pointer breeds may not be comfortable in an apartment setting.
  • Not cat-friendly
    German Wirehaired Pointer dogs do not get along well with cats.
  • Grooming
    German Wirehaired Pointer require regular grooming, including trimming and clipping. They have a unique, wire-haired coat that requires extra attention to maintain its appearance.