10 Incredible German Wirehaired Pointer Facts: Colors, History & Origins
Updated on
German Wirehaired Pointer Dogs make excellent pets for the right family. They are energetic, versatile, and intelligent. They are known to be loyal, loving companions but were originally bred as hunting dogs.
As a medium to large-sized dog, the German Wirehaired Pointer weighs between 60 and 70 pounds and has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years if taken care of properly. Whether you own a German Wirehaired Pointer or are considering giving one a forever home, we’ll examine a few incredible facts about the remarkable canine you may find interesting.
The 10 German Wirehaired Pointer Facts
1. German Wirehaired Pointers Were Bred in Germany
The German Wirehaired Pointer was first bred in Germany around 1870, but they didn’t make it to the United States until the 1920s. Hunters in Germany wanted a dog that was versatile and rugged. This was accomplished by crossbreeding the German Pointer, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and a few other select breeds. The result was the lovable, energetic German Wirehaired Pointer. Luckily, they are great at hunting and make excellent and loyal pets, so if you’re looking for both, you’re in luck.
2. They Have Distinctive Coats
The German Wirehaired Pointer sports a distinctive coat. The outer coat should be wiry, straight, and rough when you touch it. It’ll lay flat and is usually 1 to 2 inches long. The eyebrows of the German Wirehaired Pointer also have the same wiry, bushy hair. However, the German Wirehaired Pointer’s adorable beard may be their most prominent feature.
3. German Wirehaired Pointers Have a Couple of Nicknames
Some owners may grow tired of referring to their dogs by their full names. Not Surprisingly, the German Wirehaired Pointer has a couple of nicknames, which include GWP and Wirehair.
4. They Are Members of the Sporting Group
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a member of the sporting group. These dogs are energetic, likable, and alert, which is related to their history as hunting dogs. German Wirehaired Pointers are popular not only with hunters but with people who love the outdoors. They love interacting and playing games and are skilled at canine sports. They also have well-developed instincts, which could be useful whether you’re hunting or not.
5. They Have Weather-Resistant Coats
The German Wirehaired Pointer sports a weather-resistant and almost completely water-repellent coat. This allows the dog to work in harsh weather conditions. The wiry fur of the dog keeps them from being injured by thorny bushes when hunting and from bad weather when they are on land. Their fur also serves them equally well in the water, so if you’re looking for a working dog, the German Wirehaired Pointer may be the right breed for you.
6. They Are Highly Energetic Dogs
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a highly energetic dog. If you decide to give one of these dogs a forever home, remember that they need vigorous exercise every day. If you’re looking for a dog that is content to be a lap dog or a couch potato, they aren’t the right dog for you. It’s best to have a fenced yard for the dog to run in when you can’t be there to play with them.
7. German Wirehaired Pointers Were Bred to Do It All
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a dog that was bred to do it all. They can point at animals to assist hunters, retrieve birds and wild game themselves, play sports, and serve as loving companions and pets. They can also be great watchdogs and will alert their owners if someone who isn’t supposed to be on the property shows up. If you’re looking for a pet that can do almost anything you ask of it, the German Wirehaired Pointer is perfect.
8. They Are Related to the German Shorthaired Pointer
Many pet owners don’t realize that the German Wirehaired Pointer is related to the German Shorthaired Pointer. Their coats are different, but there’s also a difference in weight and height. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a bit heavier and a little taller than the German Shorthaired Pointer. Either one makes an excellent pet and companion, however.
9. They Only Come in Liver and White
There’s only one acceptable color, according to the AKC, for a German Wirehaired Pointer, which is liver with a little white mixed in. However, the markings on the adorable dog can vary quite dramatically. They can have liver and white spotted, liver roan, solid liver, or ticked coats.
10. German Wirehaired Pointers Have a Strong Prey Drive
German Wirehaired Pointers are amazing pets, but since they are also hunting dogs, they have a strong prey drive. If you give one of these dogs a forever home, make sure to train and socialize them from an early age so that they know not to chase the smaller family pets.
Conclusion
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a hunting dog that also makes a loyal and lovable companion. They excel at canine sports and are ideal pets for active families that enjoy spending time outdoors. Because of their energetic nature, they’re happiest when they have a large yard where they can run and play with their owners. We hope you enjoyed learning more about the German Wirehaired Pointer and wish you luck if you decide to give one a forever home.
Featured Image Credit: Auldist, Shutterstock
