German Wirehaired Pointer Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a medium-sized dog that excels at all types of gun sports and can even handle assignments involving dangerous animals.

Breed Overview

They also make a fantastic pet, as they form a strong bond with their owner despite their desire to hunt. They will enjoy watching over the family and playing with the children. If you are thinking about getting one of these dogs but would like to learn more about them first, keep reading as we discuss their cost, temperament, diet, and training to help you make a decision.

German Wirehaired Pointer Characteristics

German Wirehaired Pointer Puppies

If you think that the intelligent and loyal German Wirehaired Pointer may be the pup for you, you’ll need to learn how to get one. If you can’t find puppies at the local animal shelter, you will need to seek out a breeder. The internet is a great resource, and you are sure to find several of these dogs for sale without much effort.

Temperament & Intelligence of the German Wirehaired Pointer

German Wirehaired Pointers are affectionate toward all their human family members and form a strong bond with their owners. Once they become part of the family, they become fiercely protective and make fantastic watchdogs. They enjoy being around children but may be too energetic for toddlers because they can knock them over. They usually don’t like strangers but don’t usually become aggressive, and early socialization will help adjust your dog to meeting new people.

Your German Wirehaired Pointer is extremely smart and capable of following a wide range of commands. However, they can also be strong-willed and are better suited for an experienced owner who knows how to keep their attention and overcome the dog’s stubbornness.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Yes, the German Wirehaired Pointer loves to run and play with all family members but will usually pick one person they like best, typically the one who feeds them. They love to play games with children, which will help them get the exercise that they need. They’re also an alert and protective breed that will watch over your house while you sleep and are at work.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Yes, the German Wirehaired Pointer gets along with most other breeds, and early socialization will improve your odds. However, these dogs have a strong prey drive, and they may chase cats and toy breeds. Some will respond to early socialization and training, while others won’t. , Even if they get along well with your household pets, your dog will also likely chase animals that enter the yard, such as rabbits, squirrels, and birds.

Things to Know When Owning a German Whitehaired Pointer

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Your German Whitehaired Pointer is an active animal that will require high-quality dog food with plenty of protein. This will help build strong muscle and provide the energy that your dog needs to stay active. We recommend selecting a brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or beef listed as the first ingredient. We also recommend checking the ingredients list for omega fats and probiotics. Avoid brands that list corn near the top because corn is mostly a filler ingredient that can lead to weight gain. Other ingredients to avoid include chemical preservatives like BHA and BHT, along with artificial dyes.

Discussing your dog’s nutrition goals with a veterinarian is essential.

Exercise 🐕

Your German Whitehaired Pointer has plenty of energy, and you will need to set aside at least an hour per day to help them burn it off, or your dog may misbehave by excessively barking, digging holes, or tearing up furniture. Large families are best because each member can spend a few minutes each day bonding and playing games. Since these dogs are hunters, they enjoy games like fetch and frisbee, where they can find and retrieve things. These dogs also like to swim, even in cooler temperatures, and it’s one of the fastest ways for them to burn calories. Long walks and jogging are also ideal to help your dog stay happy and healthy.

Training 🎾

The German Whitehaired Pointer is extremely smart and capable of completing complex tasks required when hunting. Unlike most dogs that are either pointers or retrievers, the German Whitehaired Pointer can do both tasks, which require plenty of intelligence and the ability to solve puzzles.

Unfortunately, these dogs are strong-willed and determined, which can make it difficult to get them to focus during training sessions. However, by keeping your training sessions short (5–10 minutes) and at the same time every day, you can get your pup into a routine, and they will show up focused and ready to learn. We recommend holding these sessions after exercise because the dog will be less likely to run off after another animal. Keep treats in your hand, and give your pet one when they perform correctly. It can take several weeks for your pet to learn a new trick and commit it to memory, so just be patient, and you will see progress.

Grooming ✂️

The German Wirehaired Pointer has a rough, wiry coat that only requires brushing about once per week. They will excessively shed during the spring and fall, so you might need to temporarily increase brushing to every other day to keep fur off the furniture. You will also need to brush your pet’s teeth as often as possible with pet-safe toothpaste to help slow the progression of dental disease, which is a problem for many dogs. You will also need to trim their nails if you hear them clicking on the floor.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Elbow dysplasia is a common problem for active breeds like the German Wirehaired Pointer. This condition causes the elbow joint to form incorrectly, causing the bones to wear down faster than they should. As the joint wears down, it can be hard for your dog to support their weight, and they may become unable to run and jump. Other signs include a change in gait to reduce weight on the affected leg and even lameness. Weight control and surgery are often the best ways to treat elbow dysplasia.

Entropion is a condition that causes the eyelid of your dog to curl toward the eye. The curled eyelid will rub against the cornea, causing damage. It can be extremely painful, cause perforations in the eye, and even deposit pigment that can obscure vision. Surgery is the only way to correct entropion.

Male vs. Female

The male German Wirehaired Pointer is considerably larger than the female, and there can sometimes be more than a 15-pound difference between them. The male will also seek attention more often than the female, but there are no other noticeable differences between the sexes.

3 Little-Known Facts About the German Wirehaired Pointer

1. Special Coat

The German Wirehaired Pointer’s coat is waterproof and weather resistant.

2. Relative Newcomers to the U.S.

The German Wirehaired Pointer first came to the United States in the 1920s.

3. Multi-faceted Hunters

The German Wirehaired Pointer is an effective hunter on land and in the water.

Final Thoughts

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a fantastic pet that is better suited to experienced owners due to their strong will when training. They get along with all family members, including children, and they make a fantastic watchdog that will keep your home safe. They’re easy to maintain and are relatively healthy, with a lifespan of about 12 years.

Featured Image Credit: Ricantimages, Shutterstock