German Wirehaired Pointer

Think of the German Wirehaired Pointer as your family’s camp counselor: They’re here for you whenever you need them and are always willing to listen. But hey, why don’t we have this conversation outside? While we hike. Or perhaps while stalking through a field. Or better yet, let’s talk while we find some ducks to chase. (OK, your camp counselor probably never suggested that.)

The point(er) is, German Wirehaired Pointers love nothing more than to be with their pet parent, especially if you love the Great Outdoors as much as they do. Loyal and loving, they make great family dogs, as long as kids big or little understand and respect the pup’s boundaries. They’re eager to please, and when they’re not engaged in the Very Serious Act of Being Outside Doing All The Things, these pups have a sweet side to their personality that charms everyone they meet.

These friendly pups generally get along well with other dogs and cats if they are raised with them. Other small animals would be well advised to steer clear of German Wirehaired Pointers, because Pointers gotta Point, and they’ll point right at and retrieve any squirrel, rabbit, duck or other creature in the wild—or your backyard.

German Wirehaired Pointers have that classic working dog trait—if they have a job to do (hunting, tracking, sorting laundry), they are On. It. In addition to the jobs they do at home, these pups also have careers in the professional world. With their strong nose skills, they make excellent drug detection dogs and have even found success as therapy dogs, bonding closely to their person. Without a job, they may figure out something else to do to pass the time, and you may not like what they choose. They are highly intelligent and need to keep their brains as active as their bodies.

A German Wirehaired Pointer is loving and loyal but definitely not lazy. While pretty low-maintenance when it comes to their grooming needs, this hunting breed makes up for it with their massive amounts of energy that requires daily, vigorous exercise to burn off. They’re active and intelligent, so keeping their bodies and their brains engaged is essential to their—and your—happiness!

The German Wirehaired Pointer breed has a lifespan of 14 to 16 years, but they can be prone to some health problems. Knowing about them in advance can help keep your pup healthy for longer.

• Bloat: Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), also known as gastric torsion and commonly known as bloat, is a condition where a dog’s stomach will twist on itself and fill with gas, which cuts off blood supply to the stomach. GDV can be fatal, but preventative surgery to suture the stomach in place can greatly reduce the risk.
• Elbow Dysplasia: This is an inherited condition when the bones of the elbow joint don’t fit properly. It can cause pain and difficulty walking and often leads to arthritis. X-rays are needed to confirm the diagnosis, and surgery is usually the best form of treatment.
• Hip Dysplasia: When the ball and socket of a dog’s hip doesn’t develop and align properly, the bones will grind against each other, limiting your dog’s ability to run, jump, climb stairs and more. Keeping them at a healthy weight and restricting physical exercise can help, but if the case is severe, your dog may need surgery.
• Von Willebrand Disease: This is a bleeding disorder caused by a protein deficiency (von Willebrand factor) that help platelets stick together and form clots. While most dogs with the disease never show symptoms, some dogs may get a spontaneous nose bleed or have prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery. Drug treatment is available to treat certain cases.
• Aortic Stenosis: Aortic stenosis is an inherited heart condition wherein your pup has a partial blood flow obstruction, making their heart work harder to pump blood. This is most often caught during a routine wellness exam as a heart murmur. No treatment is required for mild cases, but more severe cases may require long-term medication.
• Hypothyroidism: This is a deficiency of thyroid hormone. Signs of this condition can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression or other behavioral changes. Your vet can conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for it. Treatment is replacement hormones given in the form of a pill.

A close relative of the German Shorthaired Pointer, the German Wirehaired Pointer’s origin story starts in, you guessed it, Germany, where they were bred to be versatile hunting dogs. Other dogs in the German Wirehaired Pointer’s genealogy are believed to include the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and Polish water dogs.

At first, these dogs were bred simply to keep up with the demand for hunting dogs, but eventually, it transformed into needing a bird dog who could do it all—run through brush, swim through water, stalk through tall grass and more. And because of that, the German Wirehaired Pointer needed a standout feature. Enter their low-maintenance, wiry coat that protects them against the brush and the elements.

The breed crossed the pond to the United States in the 1920s, and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Wirehaired Pointer in 1959 as its 113th breed.

Thinking about adding a German Wirehaired Pointer to your family? You can find reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website, where the average German Wirehaired Pointer costs between $800 and $1,200. For that price, you’ll likely get a dog who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. You can also reach out to German Wirehaired Pointer rescue organizations or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter to adopt a pup.

German Wirehaired Pointers are devoted dogs who love two things: the freedom of the outdoors and you. If you’re an active pet parent looking for a sidekick to take on your many adventures, the German Wirehaired Pointer is ready and waiting to make those memories with you.