German Wirehaired Pointer

Overview

The German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP) is a versatile, rugged gundog developed in Germany for hunting, tracking, pointing, and retrieving across challenging terrain. Bred to work in harsh weather and dense cover, the breed combines endurance, intelligence, and resilience.

Often described as slightly more protective and intense than the German Shorthaired Pointer, the GWP remains a serious working breed. While affectionate with family, they require structured training, consistent leadership, and significant daily exercise.

In the right home, they are loyal, driven, and highly capable companions.

Physical Appearance

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a medium-to-large, athletic dog built for stamina and durability.

Key physical characteristics:

• Strong, muscular build

• Distinctive harsh, wiry coat with dense undercoat

• Beard and pronounced eyebrows

• Broad drop ears

• Well-developed chest

Coat colour is typically liver and white, either roan, patched, or solid liver.

How big do German Wirehaired Pointer dogs get?

• Height:

  • Males: 60-67 cm

  • Females: 56-62 cm

• Weight:

  • 20-34 kg

Character Traits

The German Wirehaired Pointer is intelligent, driven, and confident. Bred to work closely with handlers, this breed forms strong bonds but requires firm, consistent guidance.

They are best described as:

• Energetic and focused

• Loyal and protective

• Highly trainable

Common personality traits

• Intelligence: Very high

• Affection: High with family

• Energy level: Very high

• Loyalty: Strong

• Playfulness: High

• Aggression: Not aggressive, but protective

• Trainability: Very high with experienced handling

• Guarding ability: Moderate to high alertness

Ability to Socialise

Early socialisation is essential.

• With other dogs: Generally good with training

• With children: Good in active homes

• With cats and small pets: Strong prey drive, caution required

• With strangers: Reserved but not hostile

Compared to the Shorthaired Pointer, the Wirehaired may show stronger guarding tendencies.

Lifestyle Suitability

The German Wirehaired Pointer is not suited to sedentary lifestyles.

Best suited to:

• Active households

• Owners experienced with working breeds

• Homes with secure outdoor space

Lifestyle considerations

• First-time owners: Not recommended

• Apartment living: Not suitable

• Left alone: Poorly tolerated

• Noise sensitivity: Low

• Barking: Moderate

• Drooling: Low

• Heat tolerance: Moderate

• Cold tolerance: Very good

Daily mental and physical stimulation is non-negotiable.

General Health and Health Issues

Average lifespan: 12-14 years

Known health concerns:

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

• Bloat (gastric torsion)

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

• Von Willebrand’s disease (rare)

Health testing is essential due to the size and workload.

Exercise and Play Time

Minimum requirement: 2+ hours daily

Ideal activities:

• Field training

• Running and hiking

• Retrieving drills

• Scent work

This breed requires both structured work and free exercise.

Nutrition and Feeding

A high-quality, working-dog diet is recommended.

Feeding guidelines (approximate)

• Adults: 350-550 g per day, depending on workload

• Puppies require controlled feeding to protect joint development

Maintain lean body condition.

Care and Maintenance

Grooming

The wiry coat requires:

• Weekly brushing

• Occasional hand-stripping

• Routine ear cleaning

• Nail and dental care

Shedding is moderate but manageable.

Emotional Care

German Wirehaired Pointers bond strongly with their family and require leadership. Without direction, they can become stubborn or restless.

History of the German Wirehaired Pointer

Developed in late 19th-century Germany, the GWP was bred to create a tough, weather-resistant hunting dog capable of working in harsh conditions. It was developed by crossing various pointing and hunting breeds to produce a durable all-purpose gundog.

Today, it remains valued in working and sporting circles.

Interesting Facts About German Wirehaired Pointer Dogs

• Bred for harsh terrain and weather

• Recognisable beard and eyebrows

• Often more protective than the GSP

• Popular in field trials

Getting a German Wirehaired Pointer Puppy

You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important steps being visiting your puppy in person, seeing it with its mother, and assessing the breeder’s standards carefully.

More specifically, here is some German Wirehaired Pointer puppy buying advice:

This breed requires significant daily exercise and experienced handling. Buyers seeking a relaxed companion dog should reconsider.

Always:

• Confirm Kennel Club registration

• Review hip and elbow scores

• Meet the dam and assess temperament

• Ensure puppies are raised in a stimulating environment

Never collect from a neutral meeting point or rush the purchase process.

Average Costs

Owning a German Wirehaired Pointer requires long-term financial commitment.

Typical purchase price: £1,200 - £2,500

Monthly food cost: £60 - £80

Working lines may incur additional training costs.

Specific Buying Guide

You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important steps being visiting your German Wirehaired Pointer puppy in person, seeing it with its mother, and carefully assessing the breeder’s standards.

More specifically, here is some German Wirehaired Pointer puppy buying advice:

This is a high-drive working breed. German Wirehaired Pointers require at least two hours of structured exercise per day and consistent training. Buyers who are unable to meet these demands should not purchase one, no matter how appealing the puppy may appear. Without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, this breed can become destructive, stubborn, or difficult to manage.

Because the GWP is sometimes confused with other German Pointer varieties, ensure that:

• The breeder clearly identifies the correct breed type

• Health testing has been carried out (particularly hip and elbow scoring)

• The puppy has been raised in a stimulating, structured environment

Other Reading and Responsible Ownership

For further guidance:

• The Kennel Club (UK): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk

• Dogs Trust: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk

• Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk

While this page focuses on responsibly buying a puppy, some owners may explore recognised rehoming routes.