If the German Shorthaired Pointer is the sports car of the hunting world, the German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP) is the armored tank. tough, rugged, and virtually indestructible, this breed was engineered to do it all: point, retrieve, track, and guard, in the relentless brambles and icy waters of Germany.

Distinguished by his harsh, wiry coat and expressive beard and eyebrows, the GWP is a dog of serious substance. He is not a casual pet. He is a high-octane working dog who needs a job to do. But for the active family or the serious hunter who wants a loyal partner that will never quit, there is no better companion than this “Rough-Coated German.”

History and Origin: The All-Terrain Vehicle

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a relatively young breed, developed in Germany in the late 19th century. While British breeders were specializing their dogs (Pointers to point, Retrievers to retrieve), German hunters wanted a single dog that could do everything. They wanted a “Gebrauchshund”—a utility dog. But they needed more than just versatility; they needed armor.

Creating the Armor

The existing pointing breeds were getting torn up in the dense, thorny underbrush of the German forests. Hunters needed a coat that acted like a suit of chainmail. To achieve this, they crossed the existing German Shorthaired Pointer with rough-coated breeds like the Pudelpointer, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and the Stichelhaar. The result was a dog with the nose of a pointer, the love of water of a poodle, and a coat that could crash through blackberry bushes without a scratch. The breed was officially recognized in Germany in the 1920s and has been the country’s most popular hunting dog ever since.

Physical Characteristics: Form Follows Function

The GWP is a medium-to-large, muscular dog, slightly heavier in bone than his shorthaired cousin.

• Height: Males 24–26 inches (61-66 cm); Females lower.
• Weight: 50–70 pounds (23-32 kg).

The Wire Coat

The coat is the breed’s defining feature. It is functional, not decorative.

• Outer Coat: The outer hairs are straight, harsh, and wiry, lying flat against the body. They are about 1 to 2 inches long.
• Undercoat: Beneath the wire is a dense, soft undercoat that insulates the dog from cold and heat. In winter, it is almost invisible; in summer, it thins out remarkably.
• Protection: This double coat is water-repellent and resistant to burrs and thorns.

The Face

The GWP’s face is unforgettable. He sports a distinctive beard and whiskers to protect his face from briars, and bushy eyebrows to protect his eyes. These features give him a wise, grandfatherly expression—until you see the mischief in his eyes.

Temperament and Personality

The GWP is a devoted, one-family dog. He is not the “I love everyone” type.

The Aloof Guardian

Unlike the GSP, who might lick a burglar, the GWP is naturally aloof with strangers and protective of his property. He is a discriminating watchdog. He will bond intensely with his “person” or family and can be quite possessive of them.

The Driven Worker

He has an “off switch” indoors, but outdoors, he is tireless. His prey drive is incredibly high. Cats, squirrels, and even deer are fair game in his mind. He is determined and can be obstinate. If he thinks he knows where the bird is, he will argue with you.

The Family Clown

With his own people, he is affectionate and goofy. He loves to be part of the action and will happily curl up on the sofa (or on you) after a long day in the field. He is generally good with children in his own pack, tolerating their play with patience.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise: A Lifestyle Requirement

You cannot own a GWP and be a couch potato. It simply won’t work.

• Daily Needs: He needs vigorous exercise every single day. A 20-minute walk is a warm-up. He needs to run, swim, or train for at least an hour.
• Mental Stimulation: A bored GWP is a destructive force of nature. He will chew through drywall, dig trenches in the yard, and bark non-stop if his brain isn’t engaged.

Training: Firm but Fair

• stubbornness: He is smart, which means he learns bad habits as fast as good ones. He can be willful.
• Consistency: He needs a leader who means what they say. If you let him on the couch “just this once,” he will be on the couch forever.
• Socialization: Because of his protective nature, you must socialize him early and often with strangers and other dogs to ensure he remains confident and friendly.

Health and Lifespan

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a robust breed, typically living 12 to 14 years.

• Hip Dysplasia: Like all large active dogs, hips should be screened.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD): A blood clotting disorder. DNA testing is available.
• Entropion: A condition where the eyelids roll inward.
• Heart Disease: Aortic stenosis can occur in some lines.
• Hypothyroidism: Can cause lethargy and weight gain.

Grooming and Care

The wire coat is relatively low maintenance, but it’s not “no maintenance.”

• Brushing: A weekly brushing with a slicker brush removes dirt and loose hair.
• Stripping: To maintain the harsh, weather-resistant texture, the coat should be hand-stripped (plucking dead hairs) twice a year. If you clip him with electric clippers, the coat will become soft, woolly, and lose its protective qualities (and he will shed more).
• The Beard: The beard is a sponge. It will trap water, mud, and food. You will need to wipe his face after he eats or drinks, or you will have “beard drips” all over your house.
• Ears: Check and clean weekly to prevent infection.

Is a German Wirehaired Pointer Right for You?

The GWP is a serious dog for a serious owner.

Yes, if:

• You are a hunter. There is no better all-around versatile gun dog.
• You are an outdoor adventurer. You want a dog that can hike, swim, and run in any weather.
• You want a loyal guardian. You appreciate a dog that watches over your family.
• You don’t mind a little mess. Muddy heat prints and wet beards are part of the package.

No, if:

• You are a first-time owner. His willfulness can be overwhelming.
• You live in an apartment. He needs room to run.
• You want a pristine home. He is a “rough and ready” dog.
• You want a dog that loves everyone instantly. He reserves his heart for his family.

If you can match his energy and provide the leadership he craves, the German Wirehaired Pointer will be the most loyal, capable, and terrifyingly smart best friend you will ever have. He is a dog who will never let you down, in the field or at home.