The German Wirehaired Pointer is a popular hunting dog in Germany and has become a common all-purpose gun dog used to hunt upland game in the United States, Canada and Britain as well. Their wiry double coat protects them from brambles and is water resistant, making them an excellent hunting dog in rugged, cold weather environments.

These dogs are steady-tempered and dependable, but are often distrustful of strangers, making them good guard dogs. They were never intended to be simply household pets. Suppressing their desire to run and work can be difficult.

The Appearance
Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 60-70 pounds
Lifespan: 12-14 years.

The German Wirehair is a medium sized, sturdily built dog with a moderately long head. The pendent ears hang close to the head. The body is a little longer than it is high, and the chest is deep. They have webbed feet enabling the dog to swim. The tail is typically docked to two-fifths of the natural length

The dog's most distinctive feature is its coarse, wiry, weather-resistant coat that covers even its face. This coat is about 2 inches long with a thick undercoat. They are usually brown or liver and white. The dog's body is roan or ticked with a solid colored head. This dog is an average shedder. The coat should be brushed twice a week with a firm bristle brush. The hairs should be hand plucked, usually in the spring and fall.

Using in the Field
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a an all-around gun dog with a good nose who can track, point, and retrieve any sort of game on both land and water. The weather resistant coat is ideal for hunting in cold weather and cold water. Steady, lively and vigorous, they use its sense of smell to discover the prey and point it out for the hunter while waiting patiently on point. Fearless, they will not back down from a fox or other larger, more dangerous game.

This breed will not be happy if left in a kennel. It needs socialization with the hunter and his family. When not hunting, the German Wirehaired Pointer makes a fine companion dog who is protective of his family.

At Home
This powerful and energetic breed likes to be occupied and enjoys working for their owner. They are friendly with those they know, but aloof with strangers. They are most well behaved when they spend time with their family. They do best with older children.

This breed likes to roam and their strong hunting instincts make them likely to chase cats and other fleeing creatures.They can become bored and hard to manage without enough exercise.

History
This breed originated 120 years ago in Germany and is believed to have descended from the Wirehaired Griffon as well as Foxhound and Bloodhound mixes. Today, they are found in Europe, Canada and the United States.

This a breed that can easily crossover from show dog to field dog. This breed was imported into the United States in the 1920's and recognized by the AKC in 1959.