German Wirehaired Pointing Dog

In the late nineteenth century, German breeders desiring a multi-purpose pointer crossed the German Shorthaired Pointing Dog, the Poodle, the Pudelpointer, pointing griffons, and the Airedale Terrier. The Stichelhaar, a broken-coated old German pointer, might also have been used. The German Wirehaired Pointing Dog inherited amazing potential from his ancestors. He is named for his hard, bristly coat (drahthaarig means «wirehaired»). A breed club was founded in 1902 in Germany, and the Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1955. Very popular in Germany, he is well-represented in France.

This hardy, courageous, energetic, spirited dog with lightning speed and great endurance works on all types of game on all kinds of terrain and in all weather. With his highly acute nose, he tracks steadily and persistently and points precisely. He is both a pointer and a hunter of hare, fox, and wild boar. He is also a remarkable blood trailer of wounded large game. Very loyal, even-tempered, and gentle, he is a good pet. Given his strong will, possible stubbornness, and jealousy of other dogs, he needs firm but flexible training.

He can live in the city, though not ideal, as long as he gets two long walks a day. He also requires brushing several times a week and attention to the ears.Hunting dog. Companion dog.

Head:Broad. Foreface has an energetic expression. Slightly domed skull. Moderate stop. Long, broad, powerful muzzle. No pendulous flews. Dark brown nose. Thick beard.
Ears:Set on high, medium in width, not curled.
Eyes:Oval, the darker the better. Bushy eyebrows.
Body:Square build. Neck medium in length, curved. Withers high, well-muscled. Broad, well let-down chest. Well-sprung ribs. Muscular loin. Broad hips. Slight tuck-up. Short flanks. Long, broad, gently sloping croup. Short, straight back.
Tail:Not too thick. Docked for hunting. Carried as straight and level with the ground as possible.
Hair:Hard, wirehaired, lying flat, dense. Good protection from bad weather and injury. 2 to 4 cm in length. Shorter below the chest and abdomen and on the head and ears. Dense undercoat.
Coat:Dark to medium brown (brown mixed with white or light brown, and grizzled. Mixed with black and white hairs, with or without patches of color).
Size:Dog: 60 to 67 cm. (23.6-26.4 in).Bitch: 56 to 62 cm. (22-24.4 in).
Weight:27 to 32 kg (59.6-70.6 lb).
Group:Pointing Dogs