To call the German Wirehaired Pointer “clownish” is no exaggeration — this dog performed with the Ringling Bros. Circus! Some folks call this breed ugly. But we happen to think silly and smart is beautiful, thank you very much.
The German Wirehaired Pointer is strong, too. Designed for hunting, this pup excels at retrieving and pointing. In fact, the eager, well-rounded German Wirehaired Pointer is German's favorite breed of gun dog.
Originally from Germany, this medium-sized breed can grow to between 50-70 pounds and lives an average of 14-16 years. The breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club and classified as a member of the Sporting breed group.
| AKC Recognized | Y |
| Breed's original pastime | Hunting |
| Origin | Germany |
| Breed group | Sporting |
| Average lifespan | 14-16 years |
| Size | Large |
| Bark factor | Moderate |
| AKC Ranking | 74 |
| Family | Gundog, spaniel |
| Date of origin | 1800s |
| Original function | General hunting, watchdog |
| Today's function | Pointing, pointing field trials |
| Average size of male | Height: >22 Weight: 45-75 |
| Average size of female | Height: >22 Weight: 45-75 |
| Other name | Deutscherdrahthaariger |
| Energy level | High energy |
| Exercise needs | High |
| Playfullness | Very playful |
| Affection level | Moderately affectionate |
| Friendliness toward other dogs | Shy |
| Friendliness toward other pets | Friendly |
| Friendliness toward strangers | Shy |
| Ease of training | Moderately easy to train |
| Watchdog ability | High |
| Protection ability | Very protective |
| Grooming needs | Moderately maintenance |
| Cold tolerance | Medium tolerance |
| Heat tolerance | Medium tolerance |
BEHAVIOR & TRAINING
WHAT IS A GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER'S PERSONALITY LIKE?
German Wirehaired Pointers are reliable, sensible, and strong-willed, as you might expect from an accomplished hunting breed. But they also make for loyal, playful and affectionate family members.
This breed will do best when supervised with children and other dogs. They're generally friendly toward other pets, but early socialization is suggested for any breed. They can be standoffish, but aren't usually suspicious of strangers.
WHAT IS GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER BEHAVIOR LIKE?
This is a high-energy and very active breed. Your German Wirehaired Pointer needs room to stretch her legs — plan on up to two hours (and at least 60 minutes) of off-leash running daily.
These dogs are alert, vigilant, and very protective. German Wirehaired Pointers are somewhat prone to barking.
HOW EASY IS IT TO TRAIN A GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER?
These dogs are people-pleasers — they're intelligent and very trainable. But this determined breed can also be stubborn. It's important to be patient and consistent while training your pup. Early and frequent socialization is important if you want your German Wirehaired Pointer to be a family dog.
A bored or neglected German Wirehaired Pointer is a noisy and destructive one, so be sure you keep this smarty-paws physically active and mentally challenged. They'll thrive with lots of company and outdoor activity.
CARE & HEALTH
HOW MUCH DO GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTERS SHED AND WHAT ARE THEIR GROOMING NEEDS?
German Wirehaired Pointers have a short, wiry, harsh coat that is coarse and weather-resistant. These dogs are light seasonal shedders. Plan for weekly brushing, but they won't need much beyond that.
WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS DO GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTERS HAVE?
German Wirehaired Pointers are generally healthy. Some are prone to eye diseases, hip or elbow dysplasia, blood clotting disorders, and skin cancer.
