German Wirehaired Pointer Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a rugged, versatile hunting dog with a wiry coat, a bearded face and a serious expression. It is loyal, energetic and intelligent, and bred to hunt in rough country and cold water.

Origins and appearance

The breed was developed in Germany in the late nineteenth century for hunting in tough conditions. GWPs are medium-large and muscular, with a long head, a bushy beard and eyebrows, drop ears, a harsh, wiry, water-repellent coat in liver and white or liver roan and a docked or natural tail.

Temperament

They are loyal, intelligent and energetic. They bond closely with family and can be reserved with strangers. They are alert and protective. They have strong prey drive. They need tasks and can be destructive when bored.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, with running, hiking and swimming. They excel at field work and canine sports. Mental work matters. They need secure fencing.

Training

They are intelligent and eager but independent. Use positive methods, variety and early socialization. Teach a reliable recall and impulse control. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The wiry coat needs brushing weekly and occasional stripping or trimming. See wire coat dog grooming guide. Clean the beard, ears and nails. Brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Eye conditions, such as entropion
• Von Willebrand disease. See von Willebrand disease in dogs
• Hypothyroidism
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections

Living with a German Wirehaired Pointer

They suit very active families with space. They do best with company and a job. They are poorly suited to sedentary homes.

A typical day

A GWP wants a long morning outing, training, a rest, a swim or play and an evening walk. Many are calm indoors once exercised.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and bold. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for an active dog, training and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold water well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping training, leaving the dog alone and weak fencing.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip and eye tests, and the parents' temperaments. Field lines are more intense than show lines.

Wiry coat, serious look

The coat protects against brush and cold water, and gives the GWP a rugged look. Brush weekly, strip dead hair a few times a year and wash the beard after meals.

A thinking hunter

GWPs are often described as more thoughtful and reserved than shorthairs. They benefit from calm, early socialization and consistent training.

Is it the right breed for you?

A GWP suits very active owners who want a rugged, loyal hunting dog. It may not suit sedentary homes. For the smooth-coated cousin, see the German Shorthaired Pointer.

Choosing a wirehair over a shorthair

People often pick the wirehair for the coat and the more serious temperament. Many GWPs are more watchful with strangers and more independent than shorthairs, and some are protective. They are often a good match for experienced owners who want a versatile partner for hunting, hiking or sport. The wiry coat also offers more protection from brush and cold, though it needs a little more grooming.

Socialization and manners

Because GWPs can be reserved, plan plenty of positive exposure to people and places in the first sixteen weeks and keep up the habit afterward. Practice calm greetings and reward relaxed behavior around visitors.

The takeaway

German Wirehaired Pointers are rugged, loyal and versatile, and they need exercise, training and coat care.