German Wirehaired Pointer
Description
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a well-muscled, medium sized dog of distinctive appearance. German Wirehaired Pointers are balanced in size and sturdily built. German Wirehaired Pointers have weather resistant, wire-like coat, bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard. Loves human companionship, but does not do well in apartment living as they need extensive exercise. An all-rounder gundog, they like to hunt birds and small animals making him a high energy dog. The German Wirehaired Pointer makes an excellent watchdog.
Size of Male: Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 45-75 pounds
Size of Female: Height: 20-22 inches Weight: 45-75 pounds
Temperament
The German Wirehaired Pointer is very affectionate, active and intelligent. Eager to learn and loyal to its family, German Wirehaired Pointer needs a handler who is consistent in approach. German Wirehaired Pointers like to be occupied and enjoy working for their owner. They are friendly with those they know, but are naturally aloof with strangers and should be socialized at an early age. They can be rather willful and they like to roam. Powerful and energetic they can become bored and hard to manage without enough exercise. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a good all-rounder gun dog, able to hunt any sort of game on any sort of terrain. This dog has a good nose and can track, point, and retrieve on both land and water. Steady, lively and vigorous. They do best with older, considerate children. Very affectionate with their owners, they can become jealous. Some may try to dominate other animals but most will get along well with other dogs and household animals. They make good watchdogs.
Living Conditions
The German Wirehaired Pointer is not recommended for apartment life. German Wirehaired Pointers can be somewhat high strung and very active indoors; needs plenty of exercise to prevent extreme indoor restlessness. German Wirehaired Pointer will do best with at least a large yard.
Upkeep
Exercise is a daily requirement for German Wirehaired Pointer. At least an hour a day of exertion for German Wirehaired Pointer is recommended, and the ideal situation would combine exercise with hunting or a chance to run and explore a field. As a breed that thrives on human companionship, German Wirehaired Pointer does best as a house dog with access to the outdoors. Like most harsh coats, some minimal hand-stripping may occasionally be needed to maintain a sleek outline; otherwise, brushing about once a week will suffice.
Health
Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, heart disease, seizures
Minor concerns: elbow dysplasia
Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years