German Wirehaired Pointer
Rugged versatile hunter with weather-resistant wire coat
Breed Origins
The German Wirehaired Pointer (Deutsch Drahthaar) was developed in Germany in the late 19th century. German hunters wanted a versatile hunting dog like the German Shorthaired Pointer but with a protective wire coat that could withstand harsh weather and dense cover. The breed was created by crossing several wirehaired breeds including the Griffon, Stichelhaar, Pudelpointer, and German Shorthair.
The breed was refined and standardized beginning in the 1870s, with the first breed club (Verein Deutsch Drahthaar) formed in 1902. German breeders emphasized the dog's utility above all else—only dogs that passed rigorous hunting tests were allowed to breed, ensuring that working ability remained paramount.
The GWP arrived in America in the 1920s and gained AKC recognition in 1959. Today, the German Wirehaired Pointer is the most popular hunting dog in Germany and ranks among the top sporting breeds worldwide.
Development as a Hunting Dog
The GWP was developed as the ultimate all-around hunting dog for the German hunter who could only afford one dog. It needed to point upland birds, retrieve from water, track wounded game, and serve as a family companion and watchdog—all while being protected from the elements by its distinctive wire coat.
The German testing system (VJP, HZP, VGP) shaped breed development. Dogs must demonstrate pointing, tracking, retrieving from land and water, and cooperation. Unlike many American breeding programs, German standards require hunting performance for breeding approval.
This rigorous selection process created a breed known for intelligence, determination, and unmatched versatility. The GWP can hunt anything from quail to wild boar, making it valued by hunters who pursue diverse game.
Historical Timeline
Systematic breeding of wirehaired pointers begins
Verein Deutsch Drahthaar (breed club) founded
AKC grants breed recognition
#1 hunting dog in Germany
Physical Characteristics
Size
Males: 24-26 inches at shoulder, 50-70 lbs. Females: 22-24 inches, 45-60 lbs. Sturdy and powerful build designed for demanding work.
Coat
The defining feature: weather-resistant wire coat, 1-2 inches long, with dense undercoat. The harsh outer coat repels water and provides protection from thorns and cold. Distinctive facial furnishings include beard and eyebrows.
Colors
Liver and white (spotted, ticked, or roan), solid liver, or liver with small white spot on chest. Black and white is recognized in Germany but not AKC.
Build
Athletic and balanced with moderate angulation. Strong bone and well-developed muscles for power and endurance. Slightly longer than tall.
Breed Standard Highlights
- Head: Moderately long with pronounced stop; wire beard and eyebrows give distinctive expression
- Eyes: Medium-sized, oval, dark brown; conveying intelligence and energy
- Coat Texture: Outer coat harsh and wiry, close-lying; undercoat dense in winter, nearly absent in summer
- Tail: Docked in US, carried at or above horizontal; indicates mood and alertness
- Movement: Ground-covering, efficient stride; tireless in the field
The Wire Coat Advantage
The GWP's wire coat provides remarkable protection. It sheds water, resists burrs and thorns, insulates against cold, and protects the skin from cuts. This allows the dog to work in conditions that would sideline smooth-coated breeds.
Personality
The German Wirehaired Pointer is known for its loyal, affectionate nature with family combined with a determined, sometimes stubborn working drive. These dogs form intense bonds with their primary handler and can be somewhat aloof with strangers—a trait that makes them effective watchdogs.
GWPs are intelligent and independent thinkers. They were bred to solve problems in the field and will apply that same mentality to household situations. This can manifest as stubbornness if training lacks consistency, but it also makes them excellent problem-solvers and adaptable hunters.
These dogs have a strong personality and benefit from an experienced owner who can provide clear leadership. They're not the right choice for first-time dog owners or those seeking a laid-back companion.
Family Compatibility
GWPs can be excellent family dogs for active families who understand the breed. They're typically gentle and patient with children in their own family while being more reserved with unfamiliar children. Their loyalty makes them protective of family members.
The breed requires significant exercise and mental stimulation. A GWP without a job to do will create one—often destructively. They do best in homes where they can participate in hunting, field work, or demanding dog sports.
Good with family children; supervise with unfamiliar kids
Can be dominant; early socialization important
Needs space, activity, and a job to do
Training Approach
GWPs are highly intelligent but also independent, which can make training challenging for inexperienced handlers. They respond best to confident, consistent training that establishes clear leadership while maintaining a positive relationship.
Early socialization is critical. The GWP's natural wariness of strangers can become problematic without proper exposure to diverse people and situations. Puppy classes and controlled socialization experiences help develop a well-adjusted adult.
These dogs can be stubborn and may test boundaries. Patience and persistence are essential, but harsh methods are counterproductive. A GWP respects an owner who earns that respect through fair, consistent handling.
Field Training
As a versatile breed, the GWP requires comprehensive field training covering pointing, retrieving, water work, and tracking. Their intelligence and drive make them capable of mastering advanced skills.
Foundation Work (8-16 weeks)
Introduction to birds, water, and basic obedience. Develop confidence and prey drive.
Developing Skills (4-12 months)
Formal pointing training, water retrieves, and steadiness work. Build on natural instincts.
Advanced Training (12-24 months)
Blood tracking, blind retrieves, honoring, and polished field manners.
Specialized Work (optional)
Some GWPs are trained for big game tracking, including wild boar and deer.
Common Health Issues
German Wirehaired Pointers are generally robust dogs, benefiting from a breeding tradition that prioritized working ability and soundness. However, like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.
Hip Dysplasia
Occurs at moderate rates. OFA evaluation recommended before breeding.
Von Willebrand's Disease
Blood clotting disorder. DNA test available—responsible breeders screen for this.
Eye Issues
Entropion and cataracts can occur. Annual eye exams recommended.
Hypothyroidism
Can develop in middle age. Manageable with daily medication.
Lifespan & Genetics
GWPs have an impressive lifespan of 14-16 years—exceptional for a breed of this size. Many remain active hunters into their teens, thanks to the breed's robust health and athletic build.
Recommended Health Tests
- • Hip evaluation (OFA)
- • Elbow evaluation
- • Ophthalmologist evaluation
- • Von Willebrand's Disease DNA test
- • Thyroid evaluation
- • Cardiac exam
Coat Considerations
The wire coat requires regular stripping or clipping to maintain texture. A neglected coat can develop skin issues. Check ears regularly, as the beard can trap moisture after swimming.
Hunting Style
The GWP is perhaps the most versatile of all gun dogs. Their hunting style combines the pointing ability of traditional bird dogs with tracking instincts, water retrieving capability, and the determination to work in any conditions. They hunt methodically, covering ground thoroughly at a moderate range.
In the field, GWPs are tenacious and determined. They'll push through thick cover that stops other breeds, and their wire coat allows them to work in cold water and inclement weather. Their intelligence makes them adaptable to various hunting styles and game species.
GWPs typically work at moderate range, maintaining contact with their handler. Their cooperative nature and desire to please make them responsive to direction, though they have the independence to work out difficult scenting situations on their own.
Best Game & Terrain
Primary Game
Ideal Terrain
- • Dense brush and heavy cover
- • Cold-weather hunting
- • Marshes and wetlands
- • Mountain hunting (grouse, chukar)
- • Any challenging terrain
All-Weather Capability
The GWP's wire coat truly shines in tough conditions. They'll retrieve from icy water, push through thorn-choked draws, and hunt in rain that sends other dogs to the truck. This makes them favorites of hunters in challenging environments.
Blood Tracking
Many GWP owners train their dogs for blood tracking wounded deer or wild boar. The breed's keen nose and determination make them effective trackers, adding another dimension to their versatility.
Exercise Needs
GWPs have very high exercise requirements. These are working dogs bred for demanding physical and mental tasks. Without adequate outlets, they become restless, destructive, and difficult to live with.
Exercise Level
Minimum 1-2 hours of vigorous activity daily
• Hunting and field work (ideal)
• Long runs off-leash in safe areas
• Swimming (they love water)
• Hiking and trail running
• Dog sports: agility, tracking, field trials
Warning: GWPs without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation become problem dogs. This is not a breed for casual owners or those with sedentary lifestyles.
Grooming & Nutrition
Grooming Requirements
The wire coat requires more maintenance than smooth coats:
- • Hand-stripping 2-3 times yearly maintains proper texture
- • Weekly brushing to remove debris and dead coat
- • Regular beard cleaning (food and water accumulate)
- • Check and clean ears, especially after swimming
- • Nail trimming every 2-3 weeks
Nutrition
Active GWPs need substantial nutrition:
- • High-quality food with 25-30% protein
- • 2.5-3.5 cups daily depending on activity
- • Increase calories during hunting season
- • Feed 2-3 meals daily (bloat prevention)
- • Maintain lean body condition
Finding a Breeder
For a hunting GWP, seek breeders who maintain German testing traditions. Dogs from VDD (Verein Deutsch Drahthaar) or NAVHDA-tested lines typically have proven hunting ability. Avoid breeders focused solely on conformation.
The German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America and VDD-GNA (North American chapter of the German parent club) can connect you with breeders maintaining hunting standards. VDD breeders follow the strictest testing protocols.
Be prepared for extensive evaluation from serious breeders. They want to ensure their dogs go to homes that will utilize their hunting ability and provide appropriate training and exercise.
What to Look For
- Health clearances (hips, elbows, eyes, VWD)
- German test scores (VJP, HZP, VGP) or NAVHDA
- Proper wire coat texture (not soft)
- Sound temperament—confident, not shy or aggressive
- Breeder actively hunts their dogs
VDD-GNA Option
For maximum assurance of hunting ability, consider a VDD-GNA breeder. These breeders follow strict German protocols including mandatory health testing and performance evaluation before breeding approval.
Expected Costs
GWP puppies from hunting lines typically range from $1,500-$2,500. VDD-tested breeding and imported lines may cost $2,500-$4,000+. The investment reflects extensive health testing and performance evaluation.
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