The German Wirehaired Pointer is an all-around dog breed loved by pet owners for its friendly personality and weather-resistant coat. While many dog lovers prefer the German Pointers for their energetic personalities, first-time pet owners might find them too active to handle. Yet these adorable puppies are eager, affectionate, and amusing family companions.
Our primary concern is whether the German Wirehaired Pointer is a suitable pet for you. This blog outlines this sporty dog breed’s physical and personality traits to help you make a better decision. Depending on the care and grooming requirements of the German Wirehaired Pointer puppy, you can evaluate whether it will be a good companion or not.
German Wirehaired Pointer: History
The German W. Pointer is a mixed breed originating in Germany. In the late 19th century, the careful mixing and crossing of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Roughhaired Pointer, and the hunting Pudelpointer resulted in the German W. Pointer.
The German wirehaired pointer arrived in North America in the 1920s and was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959. Since then, the GWP has been famous among dog lovers for its physical strength and highly adaptable personality.
Physical Characteristics and Personality Traits
The GWP is a handsome dog that is easily distinguishable because of its wiry, medium-length coat. When it comes to size, German wirehaired pointers are much heavier than their close cousins, the German shorthaired pointer. Male GWPs can grow up to 24 to 26 inches, and females are at least 22 inches. As adults, they can weigh between 50 and 70 pounds.
Along with their impressive size, the GWPs are well built, with solid muscles, large drop ears, and a medium-length beard and eyebrows. Their weather-resistant coat can keep them warm and safe, so they can be used for hunting in harsh terrain and water.
| Height | At least 22 inches (females); 24 to 26 inches (males) |
| Weight | 50 to 70 pounds |
| Coat | Wiry, Medium-length, Double coat |
| Coat Color | Liver, Liver and White, Black and White |
| Life Span | 14 to 16 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Friendly, Energetic |
| Price | $800 to $1,200 |
| Energy | High |
| Shedding | Medium |
| Drooling | Medium |
| Vocalization | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Trainability | Easily Trainable |
| Intelligence | High |
| Maintenance | Low |
Dog Care Guide and Grooming Needs
Apart from personality and physical traits, grooming requirements are one of the most crucial aspects to consider before adopting a dog. By ensuring that you adopt a puppy whose lifestyle matches your own, you can find a good pet and a companion to share your life with. Here are some of the most significant points to consider when looking for German Wirehaired Pointer puppies for sale.
Grooming and Hygiene
A GWP’s wiry, dense coat is low maintenance and does not require daily brushing. However, weekly brushing and occasional baths are mandatory to keep the fur clean, soft, and shiny. Given the sporty nature of this energetic puppy, there are more chances of getting the coat dirty, which you need to clean to prevent infections and skin problems.
Along with the wiry coat, you also need to be careful of the large floppy ears of the German W. Pointer puppies. Inspect a German Wirehaired Pointer’s ears often for discharge and clean when required to prevent infection. Weekly nail trimming and inspecting the paw skin for injuries and infections can also help avoid pododermatitis.
Last but not least, remember to brush and inspect your German Pointer puppy’s teeth and gums regularly. Dental wipes, brushes, and chews are all options for promoting your dog’s oral health. However, be sure you use a product made for dogs. For example, some human toothpastes contain xylitol — a toxic chemical to dogs.
Diet and Nutrition
The GWP is a large dog breed that enjoys hearty meals full of nutrients. However, it is essential to monitor your puppy’s nutritional intake to ensure that it is getting all the required vitamins and minerals for proper development and growth. Feeding your German W. Pointer twice a day would be sufficient, and it is highly recommended that you consult with a vet and get expert advice on providing a balanced diet based on the particular nutritional needs of your canine friend.
Exercise and Training
The German Wirehaired Pointer is an intelligent dog breed with great physical strength. Its physical strength and eager-to-please personality make it easy to train. Being highly social and friendly, this dog does not cause any problems during training and is easily handled, even by first-time pet owners.
The exercise demands are high, though, and they would need your time and company daily. Being a sporty dog, the GWP enjoys long walks, hikes, and stimulating games, which can help it utilize its high energy. This breed excels at many canine activities and sports. Early and consistent obedience training and socialization exercise their intelligent minds and set them up for success around other humans and dogs. German Wirehaired Pointers are athletic and eager for human companionship, and leaving them alone for extended periods can lead to frustration.
Common Health Issues
Health and wellness are also paramount when it comes to choosing a pet. The German Wirehaired Pointer is generally healthy, given its physical strength and lively personality. However, the canine breed is susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis, eye and heart problems, and ear infections.
FAQs
Are German wirehaired pointers good pets?
GWPs make great family pets because of their friendly and welcoming personality. These dogs are good with children and other pets, making them suitable for a lively family. Moreover, these canines are highly athletic and can provide great company to outdoorsy people who want to explore the world with their pets.
Do wirehaired pointers bark a lot?
Weirhaired Pointers are not highly vocal and tend to bark only when required. They depend on their body language and facial expressions to communicate with their humans.
Are German wirehaired pointers hard to train?
Being intelligent dogs, German Pointers are easy to train. They have an eager-to-please personality and can be easily trained by novice pet owners without needing expert guidance.
Where to find a German wirehaired pointer for sale?
German Wirehaired is common and is easily adopted from local shelters and rescue homes. If you’re looking for a puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $800 to $2,000. You can also check the official websites of the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America and the National German Wirehaired Pointer Rescue.
