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Characteristics, History, and Health
German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer is versatile, energetic, and intelligent, renowned for its hunting skills and its characteristic wire-haired coat. It was developed in Germany in the late 19th century. The breed was established as a hunting dog capable of performing multiple tasks like pointing, retrieving, and tracking game on both land and water. They are believed to have been created through selective breeding of the Griffon, Pudelpointer, and the German Shorthaired Pointer, along with other breeds. The coat of the German Wirehaired Pointer was the most important for breeders, they wanted their dog to have an all-terrain, and all-weather coat that would help them be effective in all types of environments ranging from tall grass, to water, to woods.
Main Info
- Origin
- Germany
- Alternate Names
- Deutsch-Drahthaar, German Wirehair
- Life Expectancy
- 14-16 years
- Average Male Height
- 24-26 inches
- Average Female Height
- 22-24 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 50-70 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 50-70 pounds
- Coat Length
- Medium
- Coat Type
- Wiry, Double
- Coat Colors
- Black & White, Liver, Liver & White
- Coat Pattern
- Ticked, Spotted, Roan, Roan & Ticked
Genetic Predispositions and Health
German Wirehaired Pointers can suffer from atopic dermatitis, atrioventricular heart block, brachygnathism, cataracts, elbow dysplasia, entropion, epidermolysis bullosa (junctional), exercise-induced collapse, Factor VII deficiency, Factor IX deficiency (hemophilia B), hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, osteochondritis dissecans (shoulder), osteochondritis dissecans (stifle), patellar luxation, prognathism, retinal dysplasia, and von Willebrand disease (Type II). Their ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection. Hip, elbow, thyroid, and ophthalmologist evaluations are recommended along with cardiac exams. Genetic testing is recommended, including for the following additional conditions: hyperuricosoria, degenerative myelopathy, and progressive rod-cone degeneration.
Personality and Behavior
The German Wirehaired Pointers are known for their intelligence, energy, and determination. They are loyal, affectionate, and good with children, but they can be reserved around strangers. This breed is active and requires regular exercise, mental stimulation, and interaction with their human companions. They excel in various dog sports including hunting, tracking, and agility.
Fun Facts
German Wirehaired Pointers are excellent swimmers, thanks to their webbed feet.
They were one of the first breeds to be used as a "bomb dog" or a dog trained to find explosives.
The German Wirehaired Pointer has a unique beard and eyebrows, adding to their distinctive appearance. Their coat is water-repellent and protects them from cold temperatures, and their brows and beard help to protect their face and eyes from brambles and brush.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-wirehaired-pointer/
https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/098g07-en.pdf
https://www.ukcdogs.com/german-wirehaired-pointe
https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_german_wirehaired_pointer
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