Learn More About German Wirehaired Pointer

Summary

The German Wirehaired Pointer, also known as the German Wirehaired Pointer, is a medium-sized dog with a strong and muscular build. Its most distinctive feature is its dense, wiry coat with a good undercoat, which protects it from a wide range of weather conditions. The bushy eyebrows and the full beard, which give his face an expressive character, are also typical. The German Wirehaired Pointer belongs to FCI Group 7, the Pointing Dogs, which indicates its original use as a hunting dog. This breed does not differentiate between show and performance lines - all German Wirehaired Pointers should both look good and impress when working in the fields, in the forest and in the water. Therefore, the focus of breeding is on health, performance and a solid temperament.

Character

The German Wirehaired Pointer is an extremely intelligent and hard-working dog that wants to be challenged both physically and mentally. His character is characterized by a high level of motivation, endurance and a strong bond with his people. He is very attentive and alert, but never nervous or hyperactive. Due to its origins and breeding, the German Wirehaired Pointer is a very people-oriented dog. He likes to be close to his people and wants to accompany them both on walks and during cozy get-togethers in the house. He is usually very affectionate and loyal. Although the German Wirehaired Pointer is a hunting dog, it can also learn to stay alone. However, it should be noted that he needs enough activity so that he can spend his alone time relaxed and calm. As a hunting dog, the German Wirehaired Pointer shows a strong desire to hunt and prey. He is an excellent pointing dog that works independently and tracks down game, but does not search for it, but points it out to the hunter. However, this behavior can also be used in a household without hunting, e.g. during retrieval training or search games. Vigilance is also one of the characteristics of the German Wirehaired Pointer. He is always attentive and reliably reports when something changes in his environment. However, he does not bark for no reason or excessively, but only when it is really necessary.

What to Expect

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile hunting dog with high motivation. He needs well-structured training and activity appropriate to his type. A German Wirehaired Pointer is not suitable as a beginner dog.

Care

Despite his hunting instinct, the German Wirehaired Pointer can also be kept in the city as long as he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. He is a very people-oriented dog and usually gets along well with children. However, you should always keep in mind that he is an active and spirited dog and may therefore not always be suitable for small children. As for other pets, the German Wirehaired Pointer can also live with cats and other animals with proper socialization. However, his hunting instinct should not be underestimated.

Training & Education

The training of the German Wirehaired Pointer should be consistent but loving. He is an intelligent and eager-to-learn dog who wants to be challenged mentally and physically. Therefore, various dog sports such as agility, mantrailing or obedience are suitable for him. Nose work, such as tracking work, is also a good activity for the German Wirehaired Pointer. When training this dog, it is particularly important to keep him mentally busy and give him enough to do. If there is too little activity, the German Wirehaired Pointer can become restless and hyperactive. Therefore, you should be careful not to overtax the dog, but also not to underchallenge it. Another important point in education is impulse control training. Since the German Wirehaired Pointer has a strong hunting instinct, he should learn to control it. This can be achieved, for example, through targeted retrieval training or search games.

Nutrition & Grooming

The German Wirehaired Pointer is an active dog and therefore requires a high-quality diet that meets its energy needs. Fresh meat should be the basis of the diet, supplemented by whole grain products, vegetables and fruit. It is important to ensure a balanced ratio of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. A sufficient supply of vitamins and minerals is also important for the health of the German Wirehaired Pointer. The German Wirehaired Pointer is relatively undemanding when it comes to care. His wiry coat has a good undercoat that protects him from cold and wet. This coat should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and remove dead hair. The German Wirehaired Pointer sheds moderately and its grooming is quite easy to manage. Once or twice a year he goes through a coat change in which the undercoat falls out and he sheds more hair. Then the coat should be brushed daily to remove the loose hair.