Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Home > Dogs > Dog Breeds > German Wirehaired Pointer Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More!

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

Two German Wirehaired Pointer close up

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a medium-sized dog that excels at all types of gun sports, and it can even take on assignments dealing with dangerous animals.

Breed Overview

Height:

22 – 26 inches

Weight:

45 – 60 pounds

Lifespan:

9 – 12 years

Colors:

liver, liver and white, black and white

Suitable for:

Hunting, families, large homes

Temperament:

Intelligent, active, loyal

However, it makes a fantastic pet that forms a strong bond with its owner despite its desire to hunt, and it 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 it first, keep reading while we discuss cost, temperament, diet, training, and more to help you make an educated decision.

German Wirehaired Pointer Characteristics

Energy:
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability:
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health:
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan:
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Sociability:
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

divider-dog paw

German Wirehaired Pointer Puppies

The intelligent and loyal German Wirehaired Pointer may be the pup for you.  If you can’t find one 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 dogs for sale without much effort.


Temperament & Intelligence of the German Wirehaired Pointer

German Wirehaired Pointers are very affectionate toward all their human family members and form a stronger bond with their owners. Once it becomes part of the family, it becomes fiercely protective and makes a fantastic watchdog. It enjoys being around children but may be too energetic for toddlers because it can knock them over. It usually doesn’t like strangers but doesn’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, it can also be strong-willed and is better suited for an experienced owner that knows how to keep their attention and overcome the dog’s stubbornness.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Yes. As we mentioned earlier, the German Wirehaired Pointer loves to run and play with all family members but will usually pick one person it like best, typically the owner. It loves to play games with the children, and they will help it get the exercise it needs. It’s also an alert and protective breed that will watch over your house while you sleep and are gone to work.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

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

divider-food2

Things to Know When Owning a German Whitehaired Pointer:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Your German Whitehaired Pointer is an active dog that will require high-quality dog food with plenty of protein. Protein will help build strong muscle and provide the energy 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 as well as artificial dyes.

German wirehaired pointer standing on the river
Image By: eAlisa, Shutterstock

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 to burn calories. Long walks and jogging are also great ways 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, requiring 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 dog into a routine, and it 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 an animal. Keep treats in your hand and give your pet one when it performs correctly. It can take several weeks for your pet to learn a new trick and commit it to memory, so 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. It will shed its coat 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 the dog’s nails if you hear them clicking on the floor.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Minor Conditions
  • Elbow dysplasia
Serious Conditions
  • Entropion

Elbow dysplasia is a common problem for active dogs 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 its weight, and it may become unable to run and jump. Other symptoms 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.

divider-paw

3 Little-Known Facts About the German Wirehaired Pointer

1. The German Wirehaired Pointers coat is waterproof and weather resistant.


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


3. The German Wirehaired Pointer is an effective hunter on land as well as in the water.

German Wirehaired Pointer
Image By: Pixabay

divider-paw

Summary

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a fantastic pet that is better suited to experienced owners due to its strong will when training. It gets along with all family members, including children, and it makes a fantastic watchdog that will keep your home safe. It’s easy to maintain and is relatively healthy with a lifespan of about 12 years.

We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide and found the answers you needed. If we have convinced you to get one of these pets for your home, please share this guide to the German Wirehaired Pointer on Facebook and Twitter.


Featured Image Credit: Ricantimages, Shutterstock

Our vets

Want to talk to a vet online?

Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers!

Our vets