Skip to content
ShareYourPets

German wirehaired pointer

The German Wirehaired Pointer was developed in Germany in the late nineteenth century as a versatile hunting dog — expected to point, track, retrieve on land and in water, and deal with vermin.

The harsh wire coat is functional: it protects the dog in thorn and cold water.

It stands 56 to 68 centimetres, weighs 27 to 32 kilograms and lives twelve to fourteen years. It is more protective and more reserved with strangers than a Shorthaired Pointer, and it is a high-drive working dog throughout. It needs a job, and it is one of the breeds most likely to be too much dog for a household that chose it on looks.

Origin
Germany, late 19th century; a versatile hunting dog
Size
56–68 cm; 27–32 kg
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Harsh wire coat with a beard and eyebrows; weatherproof
Temperament
High drive; more protective and reserved than a Shorthair
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, bloat

Related: German longhaired pointer · German pinscher · German shepherd · German shepherd dog · German shorthaired pointer

2 german wirehaired pointer photos of 1 dog, newest first

  • Mochi, a german wirehaired pointer

    Mochi

    Mochi was promoted to pastry chef confronting a leaning cake; unfortunately, a mountain of carrots blocks the doorway.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

Living with a german wirehaired pointer

They need a job. This is a versatile hunting breed with stamina and drive, and an hour of walking does not satisfy it — gundog work, scent work, canicross or hard daily running plus training.

Ask for hip and elbow scores and von Willebrand testing.

The wire coat is hand-stripped a couple of times a year and brushed weekly; the beard needs cleaning after meals and drinking.

Deep chest means bloat risk. Learn the signs.

They are protective and reserved with strangers, so early socialisation matters, and they bond strongly to their household and dislike being left.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

Worth reading alongside this

More dogs by breed

Every dog breed somebody has posted a photo of.