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German Wirehaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointer, breed of all-purpose sporting dog. The German wirehaired pointer was developed in Germany in 1870 by crossing several dog breeds of German origin, including the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and the Pudelpointer. The German wirehaired pointer was introduced to the United States in the late 1920s.
The German wirehaired pointer has a muscular, medium-sized body. It stands about 56 to 66 cm (about 22 to 26 in) high at the shoulders, and weighs about 18 to 25 kg (about 40 to 55 lb). This dog has a deep, prominent chest, laid-back shoulders, and a straight, long back. The medium-length neck arches slightly. It has a broad head with a broad muzzle, and a straight, dark-brown nose with wide-open nostrils. Medium-sized brown eyes are oval shaped and topped by medium-length eyebrows. Medium-sized rounded ears sit high on the head, and hang close to it. The high-set tail is cut back to about half its natural length.
A coarse, wiry, liver-colored coat with white markings distinguishes the German wirehaired pointer. The outer coat of straight hair, about 2.5 to 5 cm (about 1 to 2 in) long, lies flat against the body. A shorter undercoat varies in density, depending on the season of the year. The coat is thickest on the shoulders. Thick eyebrows, whiskers, a mustache, and a coarse beard protect this dog’s eyes and face when it moves through heavy brush.
The German wirehaired pointer is known by hunters as a versatile land and water pointer and retriever. It is an excellent flusher, which means it finds game birds in the field and causes them to fly. This dog is a determined, agile hunter with a smooth stride and great endurance. It requires regular exercise.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized this breed in 1959. Its national breed club is the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America.
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