Are you a hunting enthusiast that can’t get enough of the outdoors? Well, you need a furry friend companion for that. There can be no better dog than a German Wirehaired Pointer.
German Wirehaired Pointers are beautiful dog breeds originated from Germany and developed in the 19th century. Also nicknamed GWP, these dogs are loyal and intelligent, and have an incredible work ethic. You will soon find out why they are a hunter’s best companion.
This article introduces you to this amazing dog breed and serves as your complete guide for the same. Read on to find out more about the German Wirehaired Pointer and its wonderful characteristics.
Do German Wirehaired Pointers Make Good Pets?
Besides being widely known as great hunting companions, these German Wirehaired Pointers can make good pets too. Being incredibly obedient and faithful to their dog owners, they can be taught a great deal of commands.
However, you mustn’t train GWPs to be an indoor pet, or they’d end up unhappy. It is their instinct to stay outdoors, out for hunting and meant to work. These are the qualities that make them an excellent companion for outdoor enthusiasts.
So, if you want to keep this breed as a pet, make sure that you don’t train them for that. This is important because it’s the very reason why your furry friend will be unhappy. And the dog will end up developing health and behavioral problems over time if it doesn’t get his way.
However, if you like going out in the woods and want to keep your companion at home, you can do so. Just remember that you need to take extra care of German Wirehaired Pointers because they are sensitive dog breeds.
How Big Do German Wirehaired Pointers Get?
GWPs have a beautiful and strong appearance, which makes them gorgeous pets. The German Wirehaired Pointer dog breeds are medium-sized and typically have a height of 17 to 26 inches. They weigh between 55 to 85 lbs, and this is normal considering the appearance of these dogs.
Coat Colors And Patterns
German Wirehaired Pointers can come in the following colors, namely liver and white, black and white, and solid liver. Their coats are usually wiry and short, as implied in their breed name. Merging both traits gives GWP its distinctive look.
How Long Do German Wirehaired Pointers Live?
German Wirehaired Pointers can live between 12 and 14 years on average.
We mentioned that GWPs are pretty large, so it’s no surprise to know that they have such a long life expectancy. This is much more than most dog breeds out there, especially since these dog breeds are so active as well.
The main reason why these dogs live for so long is if they’re healthy and strong. And even though their large size might make it harder to move, these dogs are active, especially at old age. Your gorgeous pet can die of old age once it reaches 12 to 14 years, but it can also die of sickness before that.
Common Health Issues
German Wirehaired Pointers are generally healthy dogs, but they too suffer from some common health issues. Since these are hunting dogs and mostly live outdoors, they can contract certain diseases that other dog breeds don’t get.
Dog Heartworm
Dog heartworm is a type of roundworm that affects the heart and other organs. It can sometimes be transmitted to people, in which case it can cause serious health issues such as fever, muscle aches and fatigue.
If your German Wirehaired pointer has heartworm, your vet will prescribe medication that can help your dog get better. The best way to avoid this condition is by administering heartworm preventative pills on a regular basis.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in dogs affects the hips of your pet and causes hip joint inflammation. This condition usually occurs when one of the two bones (that form the hip joint) don’t fit perfectly into the hip socket.
If the breed suffers from hip dysplasia at an early age, it will become harder for them to move around as they get older. Over time, this condition can cause severe pain for your dog and develop into arthritis.
However, these breeds live a healthy and active life if you take good care of them. So, make sure that your pet is safe from infections, diseases, and injury during its lifetime. Also, take them to the vet often for a complete check-up.
How To Take Care Of Your German Wirehaired Pointer?
Some of the ways to care for German Wirehaired Pointers is to ensure they get the needed exercise, they eat a healthy diet, and you groom and treat them on time.
Like other dogs, taking care of GWP is a responsibility you must embrace with love. There are some things that you need to keep in mind when caring for your furry friend.
How Much Exercise Do German Wirehaired Pointers Need?
Since these dogs love being active, it’s recommended that you engage your German Wirehaired Pointer in 60 minutes of exercise every day. The amount and the duration of exercise for a GWP is usually based on the fitness level of the dog and can differ individually.
German Wirehaired Pointers love exercising because it fulfills their need to hunt for food. Therefore, it’s essential to give your pooch some exercise every day to keep them happy and healthy. This way, you’ll prevent your furry friend from becoming lazy and having health problems down the road.
High-Quality Diet
It’s also recommended that you feed your dog with good food so that they can stay active and strong for longer periods. The amount of portion depends on the size of your dog as well as its age.
But generally speaking, a good diet for a German Wirehaired Pointer is around 3 cups every day when they’re adults and 1¾ cup daily when they’re puppies. The types of foods to give your canine buddy are protein and fiber-rich meals.
Don’t forget that your dog also needs multivitamins to gain the nutrition they need from other sources like food. Therefore, you should give multivitamins for GWP once or twice weekly. Pet Plate provides you with a comprehensive diet plan that you can follow to ensure your buddy gets all the nutrients it deserves.
Invest In Dental Water Additives
German Wirehaired Pointers are prone to having tartar buildup as well as oral diseases. These conditions result from genetics, but the most common is the accumulation of plaque on their teeth. Thus, you need to take care of your pet’s teeth so that they can remain healthy during their lifetime.
You can invest in dental water additives that prevent the buildup of tartar and plaque in the mouth. They’re pretty popular because they are simple to use and they prevent dental problems without causing any side effects.
Are GWP Easy To Train? Temperaments Of German Wirehaired Pointers
German Wirehaired Pointers are smart and intelligent dogs that you can train with ease. But, they’re also independent working dogs, so you’ll need to find the right balance between authority and training.
There are many ways you can train your pet if you’re looking for the right methods. You can work with training treats, toys, and even play to get your furry friend to obey your commands. However, the most important thing to remember is to have a loving heart when training these dogs.
You need to be firm on what you say without shying away from scolding them if they don’t do what you say. But you have to keep in mind that German Wirehaired Pointers are sensitive dogs that can get hurt easily by harsh words or tones. Therefore, they need positive reinforcement and lots of cuddles when they’re feeling down.
How Smart Are German Wirehaired Pointers?
German Wirehaired Pointers are intelligent dogs that can learn a lot of tricks under the proper training. These dogs have strong minds, which makes them one of the smartest breeds in the world.
You’ll easily see their smarts just by observing how they behave when playing with toys or people. Make sure that they learn at a young age to remember what you teach them even when they’re seniors.
Do German Wirehaired Pointers Bark A Lot?
German Wirehaired Pointers are dogs that bark from time to time. This is because they have a strong hunting instinct which makes them want to chase prey even when it’s just a moving twig in the woods.
These dogs bark when they’re working, and if you don’t like their loud barks, then it’s best to keep them indoors or in a fenced yard. This way, they’ll have limited access to other people and wandering animals that will make them think of chasing them down for fun.
Are German Wirehaired Pointers Dangerous?
GWPs are very loving dogs. The breed is not dangerous if well-trained. They can be trained to become a good family dog, which makes them a good choice if you want to have an active pet that wants to play as well.
Do German Wirehaired Pointers Shed? Grooming Tips For German Wirehaired Pointers
German Wirehaired Pointers are dogs that shed lightly all year long. However, they don’t shed during the winter, so you should not see a lot of fur on your floor and furniture at that time.
This makes it important for you to have a pair of grooming shears so that you can cut their hair back when it becomes too much for you to handle.
Hypoallergenic
As they shed lightly, German Wirehaired Pointers are not considered to be hypoallergenic. These double coated dogs can shed enough to cause problems for people with allergies.
However, they’re still dogs, and their fur is still filled with allergens, so it’s crucial for you to take steps towards avoiding contact if you know that you’re allergic to dogs.
Do German Wirehaired Pointers Have To Be Groomed?
German Wirehaired Pointers have long and thick coats that you need to brush regularly if you want them to look their best. Use the Furminator Undercoat tool for brushing out all the loose hair from their coats. Just be careful not to use too much force when brushing since it can irritate your pet’s skin and cause them discomfort.
If you want to give your German Wirehaired Pointers a nice bath, then wait until they’re already shedding so that all the loose hair can be easily released. Ensure not to bathe them too often since it can dry out their coats and make them unhealthy. Also, try using hypoallergenic dog shampoo like Pro Pet Works All Natural 5 In 1 Oatmeal Shampoo so that it will not irritate your pet’s skin.
Do Wirehaired Pointers Need Haircuts?
German Wirehaired Pointers don’t really need haircuts since their coats are thick.
However, you will still see that the fur gets too long, especially during the summer months. Therefore, it’s recommended to use small grooming shears and cut down on some of the hair as needed to make them look good again.
Related Questions
How Much Does A German Wirehaired Pointer Cost? A German Wirehaired Pointer will cost you between $200 and $3,000. It’s important to consider the breeder and the lines they come from when choosing how much you should spend on one of these dogs. You also have to consider their gender, age, health status, and lineage as well.
Are German Wirehaired Pointers Good For Duck Hunting? While German Wirehaired Pointers are known primarily as hunting dogs, they can be good for duck hunting when well trained to move and swim in water bodies. Just keep in mind that these dogs have a strong desire to chase down fleeing animals. If you don’t want them to do so, you better take precautions such as getting them to wear a halter or other types of training equipment. Also, German Wirehaired Pointers are capable swimmers and will not face any issues with retrieving ducks.
What Is The Difference Between A German Wirehaired Pointer And A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon? One major difference between a German Wirehaired Pointer and a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is their coats. The coat of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is often curly and dense, while that of the GWP is usually flat with a wavy texture. Other than this, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is one of the wirehaired dog breeds that looks relatively similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer.
