GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER Breed Standards
The emergence of a middle class along with improvements in the shotgun during the mid-19th century led to an explosion in the popularity of hunting, and with it, the demand for versatile hunting dogs. Germany took to the pursuit of an all around hunting dog with particular zeal, and this fervor would eventually give birth to the German Wirehaired Pointer. Descending mostly from the Pudelpointer, the German Wirehaired Pointer also counts as relatives the Griffon, Polish Water Dog, Stichelhaar and German Shorthaired Pointer. These dogs were prized for their courageous and tough attitude, as well as their ability to retrieve on land and in water, point, scent and kill vermin. In a pinch, the German Wirehaired Pointer even made a respectable guard dog--truly a versatile breed.
The German Wirehaired Pointer was recognized by the German Kartell for dogs in 1928, and brought to America around the same time. The German Drahthaar Club of America was formed in 1953, and the breed was recognized as the German Wirehaired Pointer by the American Kennel Club in 1959. Today, the breed is the most popular hunting dog in Germany, but enjoys only moderate popularity in the United States.
SKILLS: The German Wirehaired Pointer is a well muscled, medium sized dog of distinctive appearance. Balanced in size and sturdily built, the breed's most distinguishing characteristics are its weather resistant, wire-like coat and its facial furnishings. Typically Pointer in character and style, the German Wirehaired Pointer is an intelligent, energetic and determined hunter.
SIZE: The height of males should be from 24 to 26 inches at the withers. Bitches are smaller but not under 22 inches. To insure the working quality of the breed is maintained, dogs that are either over or under the specified height must be severely penalized. The body is a little longer than it is high, as ten is to nine. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile hunter built for agility and endurance in the field. Correct size and balance are essential to high performance.
COAT: The functional wiry coat is the breed's most distinctive feature. A dog must have a correct coat to be of correct type. The coat is weather resistant and, to some extent, water-repellent. The undercoat is dense enough in winter to insulate against the cold but is so thin in summer as to be almost invisible. The distinctive outer coat is straight, harsh, wiry and flat lying, and is from one to two inches in length. The outer coat is long enough to protect against the punishment of rough cover, but not so long as to hide the outline of the dog. On the lower legs the coat is shorter and between the toes it is of softer texture. On the skull the coat is naturally short and close fitting. Over the shoulders and around the tail it is very dense and heavy. The tail is nicely coated, particularly on the underside, but devoid of feather. Eyebrows are of strong, straight hair. Beard and whiskers are medium length. The hairs in the liver patches of a liver and white dog may be shorter than the white hairs. A short smooth coat, a soft woolly coat, or an excessively long coat is to be severely penalized. While maintaining a harsh, wiry texture, the puppy coat may be shorter than that of an adult coat. Coats may be neatly groomed to present a dog natural in appearance. Extreme and excessive grooming to present a dog artificial in appearance should be severely penalized.
Color - The coat is liver and white, usually either liver and white spotted, liver roan, liver and white spotted with ticking and roaning or solid liver. The head is liver, sometimes with a white blaze. The ears are liver. Any black in the coat is to be severely penalized.
CARE REQUIRED: The coat of the German Wirehaired Pointer should be brushed about twice a week with a firm bristle brush. Some stripping of the coat is needed, but this isn't very difficult. The hairs should be hand plucked occasionally depending on the condition of the coat. It is usually thinned in the spring and fall. Bathe only when necessary. The hair of the coat should be as hard as possible but must not look untidy. Check the ears to make sure they are clean. The feet should be checked after the dog has been out working. This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: Of sound, reliable temperament, the German Wirehaired Pointer is at times aloof but not unfriendly toward strangers; a loyal and affectionate companion who is eager to please and enthusiastic to learn.
EXERCISE: This dog is extremely energetic and tireless. It is very important that it gets daily vigorous exercise to prevent extreme indoor restlessness. This breed is more than a match for even the most active family and they should not be taken on as a family pet unless they can guarantee plenty of vigorous exercise. They are excellent jogging companions and love to swim and retrieve.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The German Wirehaired Pointer is not recommended for apartment life. They can be somewhat high strung and very active indoors; needs plenty of exercise to prevent extreme indoor restlessness. They will do best with at least a large yard.
TRAINING: Steady, lively and vigorous. They do best with older, considerate children; very affectionate with its master and can become jealous. Some may try to dominate other animals but most will get along well with other dogs and household animals.
