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.
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.
Height:
Males: 60-67 cm
Females: 56-62 cm
Weight:
20-34 kg
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
A high-quality, working-dog diet is recommended.
Adults: 350-550 g per day, depending on workload
Puppies require controlled feeding to protect joint development
Maintain lean body condition.
The wiry coat requires:
Weekly brushing
Occasional hand-stripping
Routine ear cleaning
Nail and dental care
Shedding is moderate but manageable.
German Wirehaired Pointers bond strongly with their family and require leadership. Without direction, they can become stubborn or restless.
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.
Bred for harsh terrain and weather
Recognisable beard and eyebrows
Often more protective than the GSP
Popular in field trials
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.
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.
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
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.
