German Wirehaired Pointer
Cdn CH Oakcrest Kaus N Kaos, CGC "KAOS"
Photo courtesy of SHYDAL German Wirehaired Pointers

German Wirehaired
Pointer

German Wirehaired Pointer breed information, breed standards, health issues, grooming, training and more.
German Wirehaired Pointer clubs, plus upcoming shows and events.
German Wirehaired Pointer breeders.
German Wirehaired Pointer rescue organizations and shelters.
German Wirehaired Pointer books, gifts, collectibles and more.

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GERMAN WIRE HAIRED POINTER — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION

Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information


Breed Description

Breed Registries:
Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.

* — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.

Origin: Germany
Height: Males: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Females are smaller but not under 56 cm at the withers.
The German Wirehaired Pointer was developed in Germany by sportsmen who wanted to produce a dog that had all the versatility of the German Shorthaired Pointer but was robust enough to be used in hunting larger game and had a coat that could protect him when working in rugged areas. Thus, the Wirehaired Pointer has a tough coat to protect him under the worst conditions, and he has more nerve but less speed than the Shorthaired Pointer. The GWP's origin dates back about 120 years and, despite his appearance, he has no Terrier ancestors. The breed was developed by selectively crossing the Pudelpointer with a variety of other hunting breeds including the German Shorthaired and the Polish Water Dog. Today, the German Wirehaired Pointer is the most popular dog in Germany and is also very popular in Scandinavian countries.

In Germany and other European countries, the breed is known as the Deutsch Drahthaar which is a literal translation to "German Wirehair". In addition, in Europe the breed is not considered a "Pointer" but rather one of a group of breeds known as Continental Versatile Gun Dogs. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1959 and changed its name to the English translation with the word "Pointer" added on for classification purposes.

The GWP is very intelligent, highly trainable, sharp, energetic, and a determined hunter with excellent water retrieving abilities. He is also a loyal, affectionate and extremely devoted companion who is always eager to please. When raised with children, a German Wirehaired Pointer makes a wonderful and playful companion.

A very important characteristic of the German Wirehaired Pointer is his versatility — from waterfowl retriever, to pointer of upland game birds, to tracker, hunter and retriever. The breed is also seen successfully competing in Schutzhund trials, tracking, obedience, agility, skijoring, the show ring and many have participated and qualified in the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association's tests. The GWP is an active breed who enjoys having a job to do.

His coat is harsh, wiry, weather-resistant and somewhat waterproof. With his bushy eyebrows, beard and whiskers, the German Wirehaired Pointer has a very distinct appearance. The colour of his coat is liver and white, either liver and white spotted, liver roan, liver and white spotted with ticking and roaning, or solid liver. He has a dark brown nose, brown ears, and a brown head with or without a white blaze.

For additional books, gifts & merchandise, CLICK HERE


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Health Issues:

If you are considering the adoption of a German Wire Haired Pointer puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)

Health Resources:


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Breed Standards:

AKC GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER VIDEO
15 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com


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Grooming:

The German Wirehaired Pointer's coat sheds lightly year-round and only requires a minimum amount of grooming.

  • Grooming — This growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes grooming information, tips and techniques as well as listings of Groomers from across Canada.


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Training Resources:

  • Training — For information on training your German Wire Haired Pointer, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Training Tools and Equipment Training Tools & Equipment
Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com


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Additional Information:

  • Drahthaar or GWP? Is there a difference? — From the Deutsch Drahthaar Central website
  • Deutsch-Drahthaar Central — This is a resource for and by the membership of the Verein Deutsch-Drahthaar/Group North America, and those interested in the breed.
  • Clubs, Sports and Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several sports and activities including agility, conformation, obedience, herding, and much more. In addition, listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada can be found here. (Note: For Breed specific Clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
  • Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section covers such dog jobs as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Police K9s and much more. Also included here are listings of organizations from across Canada.

Pointing Dog Journal, The

Pointing Dog Journal, The

The Pointing Dog Journal is the only full-color magazine devoted exclusively to pointing dogs. Pointing Dog Journal is full of valuable training advice to turn any pointing dog into a bird-finding machine.
Worldwide Shipping Available.


Gun Dog

Gun Dog

Gun Dog Magazine is edited for serious upland bird and waterfowl hunters who are enthusiasts of the popular pointing, flushing, and retrieving breeds of hunting dogs. Each issue of Gun Dog features articles by top outdoor writers and gun dog authorities about subjects such as hunting and training dogs, care and food for bird dogs, shotguns and ammunition, bird hunting strategies, and new products.
Worldwide Shipping Available.


Select from the following links to view German Wirehaired Pointer Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Shows and Events; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and Merchandise specific to the German Wirehaired Pointer breed:

GWP Breeders  /  Clubs & Events  /  Rescue Organizations  /  Books & Merchandise

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Last Updated: 5 December 2008  

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