Skip to content 
German Wirehaired Pointer Dog Breed Introduction
German Wirehaired Pointer ( nicknamed GWP dog or Wirehair) is a medium-to large-sized griffon dog breed from Germany. It was developed as a versatile hunter in the 19th century. The name of this breed is the English translation of its German name, Deutsch-Drahthaar. German Wirehaired Pointers are a bit taller and heavier than their cousins, German Shorthaired Pointers. This breed has a distinct wiry, harsh, quite flat-lying, and weather resistant coat.
A German Wirehaired Pointer is curious, intelligent, determined, and energetic dog that has an independent streak. At times, it will only work for someone they like. This combination can be challenging to inexperienced dog owners or novice owners. German Wirehaired Pointers are energetic dogs that need regular vigorous exercise especially physical activities like outdoor sports. Therefore, this is not a breed to succeed as a lap dog or couch potato. GWP dogs may be friendly with the people they know. However, they are sometimes aloof with strangers. Therefore, they should be socialized from an early age.
German Wirehaired Pointer Origin | History
A German Wirehaired Pointer was bred in Germany in the late 19th century to be a versatile and hardy gun dogs that would scent, point, and retrieve in harsh climates. This breed was developed by carefully mixing and crossing Pudelpointer, German Shorthaired Pointer, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and German Roughhaired Pointer. From the early creation of the breed, fanciers have considered the German Wirehaired Pointer’s coat to be of outmost importance. The first GSP dog was imported in the United States in 1920. This breed was admitted in the AKC studbook in 1959.
German Wirehaired Pointer Life Span | Life Expectancy
A German Wirehaired Pointer has a life span of 14 to 16 years.
German Wirehaired Pointer Grooming
A German Wirehaired Pointer has a harsh and wiry coat that sheds at moderate levels all-year round. It requires a weekly brushing using a slicker brush and comb to remove dirt and loose hair. However, the dead hair is not totally shed off from the skin. Therefore, German Wirehaired Pointers need hand stripping twice a year during Spring and Fall. During this seasons, the dog loose it winter or summer coat as it gets ready for a new season. Failure to strip the coat, leaves your pet looking shaggy and the coat looks clumpy.
German Wirehaired Pointers need a bath every 4 to 6 weeks unless they roll in something stinky. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner that is designed for wire-haired breeds to avoid tampering with the coat texture. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the cleaning products from the skin to prevent skin irritation. Wipe the eye corners on a daily basis using unscented canine wipes or a clean damp washcloth.
Trim the nails every 3 to 5 weeks using nail clippers or grinders to prevent overgrowth, cracking, and splitting. Overly grown nails are uncomfortable for a GWP dog. Brush the teeth of a German Wirehaired Pointer at least twice a week if not daily to remove tartar build up. Clean the ears on a weekly basis using cotton balls and an ear cleanser solution. While cleaning the ears, check out for signs of dog’s ear infection such as odor, redness, or a thick discharge.
German Wirehaired Pointer Shedding
A German Wirehaired Pointer sheds at moderate levels all-year round and heavily while shedding off the the thick undercoat in Spring and Fall.
German Wirehaired Pointer Coat
A GWP dog has a double coat that is weather-repellant and almost water-proof. The outer coat is harsh, straight, wiry, and flat lying with a length of one to two inches. The undercoat is dense enough in winter to protect the dog against the cold . However, it is so thin in summer as to be almost invisible.
German Wirehaired Pointer Hypoallergenic
German Wirehaired Pointers are not hypoallergenic dogs. They have a moulting coat that sheds at moderate levels throughout the year. However, they shed a bit of hair during Spring and Fall when preparing for seasonal change. Shedding allows dander and fur to spread into the environment triggering allergic reactions.
German Wirehaired Pointer Training | How To Train A German Wirehaired Pointer
A German Wirehaired Pointer is an intelligent and active dog that is very eager to learn commands from humans. This is a loyal breed that is always willing to please its parent. German Wirehaired Pointers are also friendly with animals and people that look familiar. Although, they are aloof with strangers. Even though, if socialized early they know how to get along. Socialization training ensures a GWP dog matures to be a friendly, well-mannered, and well-adjusted dog.
This training starts from the age of 3 weeks while the pup is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after the puppy has already settled in its new home. However, socialization can be a life long process to ensure a GSP dog matures to have a well-rounded temperament. Normally, owners take their puppies home from the age of 8 weeks. To socialize a German Wirehaired Pointer, expose it to a wide variety of people, animals, surfaces, smell, situations, places, sight, experiences, and sounds such as sirens, door bells, baby crying sounds, lawn mowers, washing machines, whistles, and vacuum cleaners.
Enrolling a German Wirehaired Pointer in a puppy class will also serve as a form of socialization. These classes create a controlled environment where canines get to interact. These classes are also beneficial to owners. They not only enable them to identify and correct bad habits but also have access to training information and assistance. These are energetic and powerful dogs that may sometimes prove difficult to manage by the inexperienced owners. Fortunately, the independent and stubborn streak can be minimized through obedience training.
Start teaching basic commands words like come, stay, wait, leave it, lie down, heel, etc. immediately the pup comes home. Teach one basic command word at a time until the dog is well-acquainted before proceeding to the next command word. Avoid issuing a command word while too frustrated or excited since it does not sound the same for your pet. A Typical GWP dog responds to positive training methods such as verbal praise, treats, playtime, petting, and toys. These methods help to instill and promote good behaviors. Use of harsh correction methods such as beating, yelling, kicking, shoving or use of prong or choke collars has proven counterproductive.
Keep the training sessions fun, challenging, and engaging for positive outcomes. Train a GWP dog for a period of 5 to 10 minutes distributed throughout the day to avoid boredom and distraction. Effectively housebreak a German Wirehaired Pointer by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training. A Crate is an invaluable tool that helps the owners to monitor the pup for signs of elimination such as squatting, sniffing, whining, restlessness, circling, and trying to lift a leg against the crate door.
Get positive outcomes while potty training by taking a GWP dog to the delegated toilet area immediately it wakes up, every 2 to 3 hours, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, after naptime, following an exciting activity such as a car ride and playtime, and before bed time. The bladder and bowel muscles of youngsters strengthens as they mature. Therefore, from the age of 8 months, a German Wirehaired Pinter should go for potty breaks every 6 to 8 hours.
German Wirehaired Pointer Temperament | Traits | Characteristics
- Intelligent.
- Eager to learn.
- Friendly to familiar people and dogs.
- Wary of strangers.
- Willing to please.
- Active.
- Energetic.
- Independent.
- Versatile.
- Athletic.
- Curious.
- Lively.
- Determined.
- Loyal.
- Playful.
- Affectionate.
German Wirehaired Pointer Exercise
This is a high-energy sporting dog that enjoys daily exercise such as play sessions and long walks with their owner. German Wirehaired Pointer also makes great companions for hikes or long walks. A GWP dog can exercise mind and body by participating in canine activities like agility, obedience, hunting, rally, tracking, and other activities that the owner can enjoy.
German Wirehaired Pointer Barking
A GWP dog is a moderate vocal breed. It is also an athletic breed that needs a lot of outdoor activities to vent its energy. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can lead to destructive chewing and excessive barking.
German Wirehaired Pointer Height
Male German Wirehaired Pointers have a height of 24 to 26 inches ( approx. 61 to 66 cm ) while their female counterparts have a minimum height of 22 inches ( approx. 59 cm ).
German Wirehaired Pointer Weight
A German Wirehaired Pointer has a weight of 50 to 70 pounds ( approx. 23 to 32 kg ).
German Wirehaired Pointer Size
A German Wirehaired Pointer is a medium to large-sized griffon breed type that has a weight of 50 to 70 pounds ( approx. 23 to 32 kg ). However, female GWP dog has a minimum height of 22 inches ( approx. 59 cm ) while a male GSP has a height of 24 to 26 inches ( approx. 61 to 66 cm ).
German Wirehaired Pointer Aggression
A German Wirehaired Pointer is aloof but not unfriendly towards strangers. This is not an aggressive breed.
German Wirehaired Pointer Health Issues
A German Wirehaired Pointer is a relatively healthy breed that has a lifespan of 14 to 16 years. However, they may suffer from certain health issues such as Von Willebrand’s disease, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and eye disorders (like cataracts and entropion), and Autoimmune thyroiditis.
German Wirehaired Pointer Names
A German Wirehaired Pointer owner may decide to get a name for the pup before it joins them home from the breeder or days after it has already settled in to determine the personality of a particular dog. Parents may get name inspirations from the German heritage, coat color and texture, personality of the dog, books, celebrity GWP dog, movies, food, nature, or historical figures.
Regardless of where the parent will source the name, he or she should ensure the name in question will not make them embarrassed when uttered out loud in the public places such as parks, malls, etc. German Wirehaired Pointers and other breeds better understand names that have vowels.
Avoid giving your pooch a name that rhymes with the command words to avoid confusion. If the owner settles with a long name, he or she should find a cute nickname for the pet. If a GWP dog shares a name with any family member or guest who frequent your home it may cause confusion. Some of the names that German Wirehaired Pointers owners give their pets include:
- Gracie.
- Gizmo.
- Maddy.
- Ben.
- Helga.
- Abby.
- Sassy.
- Lola.
- Sheba.
- Scout.
- Katie.
- Oscar.
- Missy.
- Dylan.
- Sabre.
- Coco, etc.
German Wirehaired Pointer Food
The amount of food that German Wirehaired Pointers feed on depend on their age, metabolism, size, activity level, and body build. GWP puppies have a high metabolism rate as compared to adults or senior dogs. Therefore, a puppy should feed 3 or 4 times a day immediately they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, German Wirehaired Pointers feed a total of two meals for life with snacks in between.
Like other dogs, German Wirehaired Pointers should feed on the right amount of minerals, protein, amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, water, and fats to maintain a healthy bone structure and weight. Depending on the budget and the time of preparation needed, parents may feed German Wirehaired Pointers with dry food, wet food, home made meals, or a raw diet. Parents who prefer commercial dry or wet food should ensure the first three ingredients that are listed are proteins from a known source.
Commercial foods should neither have fillers, chemicals, meat by-products, additives, nor preservatives. The same goes to the snacks given to the pets. Dry or wet food should also be formulated for medium to large-sized puppies, adults, and senios depending on the age of your GWP dog. Check the physique of your dog to tell whether it is underweight or overweight.
The pooch is underweight if the ribs are visible. However, if the ribs are not visible but can be felt without pressing hard, a German Wirehaired Pointer has an ideal weight. Although, if the ribs cannot be felt after pressing, the GWP pet is overweight and should be exercised. Owners who want to switch to another pet food should gradually do this over a period of one month by mixing old food with new food. As the week progresses, the amount of old food decreases as the amount of the new food increases until the GWP dog is only feeding on the new food.
Apart from German Wirehaired Pointers, other dog breeds include:
Pug.
German Wirehaired Pointer Allergies
A German Wirehaired Pointer may suffer from various forms of allergies as discussed below:
Skin allergies – A GWP may suffer from skin allergies due to food, contact, and environmental allergies that manifest on the skin.
Food allergies – Although rare, a GWP dog may suffer from a true food allergy that results in an immune response. It is normally accompanied with a wide range of symptoms ranging from skin issues such as hives, sores, facial swelling, itchiness, and lesions to gastrointestinal stress such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Contact allergies – This allergy causes inflammation to the skin once it comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergens that affect German Wirehaired Pointers include plastics, lawn chemicals, carpet cleaning detergents, certain fabrics, grooming products, latex, and medications.
Environmental allergies – One of the environmental allergies that may affect GWPs include flea. This parasite causes flea allergy dermatitis that results to intensive scratching and biting around the bite area until it is raw. Other environmental allergens include trees, pollen, grass, house molds, mites, dust and dust mites, and ragweed.
German Wirehaired Pointer Colors
A German Wirehaired Pointer has a liver and white coat that may either be liver and white spotted, solid liver, liver roan, or liver and white spotted with ticking and roaning.
Are German Wirehaired Pointer Hypoallergenic
No. German Wirehaired Pointers are not hypoallergenic. They have a moulting coat that sheds at moderate levels all-year round releasing dander and fur into the environment aggravating allergies.
Are German Wirehaired Pointers Aggressive
No. German Wirehaired Pointers are not aggressive. However, they are wary but not unfriendly towards strangers.
Are German Wirehaired Pointers Good Family Dogs
Yes. German Wirehaired dogs make great pets for active owners. They are intelligent, athletic, active, curious, lively, determined, and energetic dogs.
Do German Wirehaired Pointers Shed
Yes. German Wirehaired Pointers shed all-year round at moderate levels and shed a bit of hair in Spring and Fall when experiencing seasonal change.
German Wirehaired Pointers Quick Facts
- A GWP may have similar appearance and hence easily confused with Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Spinone Italiano, or Český Fousek.
- They are members of the sporting Group. Like Other breeds under this group, German Wirehaired Pointers are alert, energetic, and likeable.
- German Wirehaired Pointers have an Independent Streak. They don’t make great pets for novice owners.
