The German Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile hunting dog with origins back to the late 1800’s. Besides making great gun dogs, they also excel as affectionate house companions and enjoy being close to their families. They’ve been used as drug detection dogs, therapy dogs, and compete in all manner of dog performance events successfully. They have a huge desire to please their owners, and their intelligence and athletic ability makes them well-suited to almost any task.
While they make fantastic obedience dogs, German Wirehairs have been known to “get creative” with commands when bored. They have a slight independent streak and prefer tasks where they can use their brains. They also need to have a bond with the person they are training with or they may refuse outright to work. If being trained by someone other than the owner, the trainer needs to make sure to establish trust and respect before anything else. There is a slight sensitive nature to the breed that needs to be recognized while training. Keeping these factors in mind, the GWP is generally easy to train.
These dogs are very active and also possess a high drive for work. This means that they must have a job to keep them busy (mentally as well as physically). Although this description may make them sound quite serious, they actually have a playful side as well. A German Wirehair with the proper temperament should be fun-loving. Their high activity level, however, makes them ill-suited apartment dogs. When not given enough of an outlet for their energy, they can become very destructive.
German Wirehairs do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. In fact, many dislike even being in a different room than their owner! This need for closeness means that they are more likely to develop separation anxiety, but on the flip side – it also means that are very loyal and will bond very strongly. When owned by a single person, the breed will attach themselves to that person through thick and thin. When owned by a family, they will bond with everyone but will usually choose one person as their “favorite”. This person might be an adult or a child (they get along very well with children provided that they were introduced properly when young). With strangers, the breed is more reserved.
Some German Wirehaired Pointers get along fine with cats if they were socialized to them as puppies, but many do not. Their high prey drive can make them dangerous to cats and other small animals. Even if not trying to hurt a small animal, they can be mouthy and may accidentally cause harm. When it comes to other dogs, some members of the breed have aggression issues – particularly same sex aggression. Once again, early socialization can help with this potential problem.
The GWP is very healthy, hardy and long-lived. It is not uncommon for them to reach the age of 14-16 years old! Fairly easy to care for, they require only minimal grooming even when taken outside to hunt and roughhouse on a regular basis. Their wiry coat sheds very little in the house. Provided they are given what they need to thrive (mainly exercise and attention), there are only a couple of common issues. Some owners have a hard time housebreaking German Wirehair puppies and find that it may take a little longer than with other breeds. A bit of patience is often required, as well as keeping the puppy on a regular housebreaking routine. Escaping the yard is another common issue with the breed – they need a secure 6 foot fence that is climb-proof and dig-proof.
German Wirehair Pointers make great watchdogs and will bark to alert the household of approaching strangers. If he needs to, he will also defend the house. Some members of the breed can be overly protective of their owners and need to be taught that not all strangers are a looming threat. Occasionally, people make the mistake of intentionally not socializing their dog, in hopes that “he will be a better guard dog”. This is a misguided thought process and will only result in an unbalanced dog with fear and/or aggression issues.
