German Wirehaired Pointer Complete Breed Guide

German Wire-haired Pointers are medium-large sized hunting dogs with lots of talents. They love hunting, retrieving, or just about any kind of doggie sport. They are smart and headstrong, so a firm yet kind approach is necessary to create the best relationship with your German Wire-haired Pointer.

German Wire-haired Pointers are super smart, medium-large sized hunting dogs. They love retrieving and don’t mind getting wet to go get something for you if need be. Hunters love German Wire-haired Pointers for their broad range of hunting skills, but they are also incredible athletes when it comes to almost any doggie sport. It’s a good idea to always have something for your German Wire-haired Pointer to do, otherwise they will use their high IQ to plan naughty activities, like chewing your furniture or digging for gold in your backyard. Prospective owners should know that these dogs can be strong minded. If you’re prone to pampering your pet, you may find the owner-pet roles reversed on you by a wily German Wire-haired Pointer.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

German Wire-haired Pointers like to live in a place where they’ve got room to burn off their excessive supply of energy. Homes with large yards where it’s safe for a dog to play are ideal for the breed. They usually don’t get along too well with other pets and can be aggressive toward animals that they don’t know. German Wire-haired Pointers who are raised around children do just fine with them, but it’s best to keep an eye on any older dog who is meeting children for the first time.

Exercise & Activity

German Wire-haired Pointers need to remain occupied. They can learn to be a champ at almost any dog sport or would be happy to be your marathon training partner. Traditionally, they are used as hunting dogs and are excellent retrievers on land and in the water. If you’re not a hunter, they’ll still be equally as happy to retrieve a toy until your arm is too tired to throw it any longer. You should plan to exercise a German Wire-haired Pointer at least an hour every day.

German Wire-haired Pointers are smart. In fact, they will try to outsmart their owners, so expect them to put their own little twist on whatever you’re trying to get them to do. They are very affectionate and loyal to their own families but usually don’t shower love upon new people they’ve just met. Hunting, dog sports, or just about any outdoor activity will help keep an always-energetic German Wire-haired Pointer happy and on their best behavior.

The coarse coat of a German Wire-haired Pointer has a few yearly grooming requirements. You’ll need to strip the dead hair out of their coat with a stripping knife twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. Otherwise, brush their coats to keep them clean, or give them a bath if they’ve played in something that’s particularly pungent.