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| German Wirehaired Pointer |
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Overlooked often in favor of dogs with more flash, speed or dazzle, the German Wirehaired Pointer is one of those versatile German breeds intended for virtually every task that could be asked of a field dog. While this may not leave them at the top of the class in any specialty, they are certainly fantastic companions for the family and casual hunter. With a lower key personality than many of the more popular Sporting Dogs, the German Wirehaired tends to be more relaxed, steady and often easier to train.
Physically the dog is strong, athletic and clearly ready for rugged terrain, as needed, with its harsh wirey coat.
Everyone who has ever loved a Sporting Dog, should take the time to get to know one German Wirehaired Pointer, they are, indeed, easy to love. |
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| General Information |
| Group(s):
Sporting, Pointer-Setter |
Height: 22-25 inches |
| Weight: 50-65 pounds |
Longevity: mid-teens |
| Colors: Liver or variations (spotted, spotted and ticked or ticked) of liver and white |
Coat type: tight undercoat with harsh, abundant and full top coat that lies close to the body |
| Recognized Registries: FCI, UKC, AKC, NCA and others |
| Overall Appearance: General impression is of a square built Sporting dog with unique coat and expression (due to bushy eyebrows). |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: moderate to high |
| General Nature: |
Easy going except when working, enthusiastic, intelligent, athletic |
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with Children: Generally very good but still requires proper handling, well mannered children and supervision |
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with other pets: Varies, remember this is a hunting dog so smaller animals may be at risk |
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with dogs: Generally good but can vary with individuals |
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| Socialization requirements: moderate to high: the GWP can be inherently confident or shy socialization will help both of these states become balanced |
| Ideal home characteristics: One that appreciates the amount of mental and physical stimulation this dog requires to be healthy. |
| Temperament Notes: Dual purpose hunter that can be both friendly and aloof, very intelligent but not easy for the novice trainer to motivate and will seem stubborn to them |
| Training requirement: moderate to high: high work drive/ethic, high energy, socialization and basic manners as well as ongoing endeavor (hunting, agility, dockdogs, obedience, etc.) |
| Trainer notes: The GWP is a very agreeable and affable dog with a solid sense of self. This combination creates a training dilemma as many wouldn't consider that a novice trainer would be ill-suited for the breed since they are so agreeable but the trouble begins when the novice trainer gets "out thunk" by the dog. From there the problems get bigger as the dog continuously outthinks the trainer and the trainer gets frustrated (and then often, angry and punitive). This is not to say that the GWP is not suited for novice trainers but that the entire situation can be a much happier one if a more experience trainer is part of the effort to offer guidance and insights. The GWP is a delightful companion capable of a very complex personality (perhaps its part of being bred for dual purposes) and that is indeed one of the greatest charms of having one as a training partner and has to be appreciated as such. |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: Recognized in Germany in 1870 |
| Country of Origin: German |
| Original Function: Pointer/Retriever |
| History: Developed as a dual purpose dog (the Germans loved versatility!) to point game and retrieve out of water (or rabbits on land). |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: oversized, coat problems |
| Health Notes: hip dysplasia, eye issues, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's Disease |
| Health Testing: vWD Test, Thyroid Panel, OFA and CERF |
| Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
How long have you had German Wirehaired Pointers?
Why do you have German Wirehaired Pointers (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of an German Wirehaired Pointer?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you sent your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal German Wirehaired Pointer?
How would you describe the ideal German Wirehaired Pointer home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training an German Wirehaired Pointer?
How do you assist or help German Wirehaired Pointers in need of rescue? |
| Web Sites: http://www.gwpca.com/html/rescue.htm - National Rescue Network of the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America
http://www.geocities.com/gwprsq/- German Wirehaired Pointers Rely On Us |
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| Other Resources |
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