Nickname        : The Leading Pointer Dog

Breed Origins : Germany (1800’s )

Breed usage     : Hunting Small Game

Dog Weight      : 45 - 75 Pounds

Dog Height       : 22 to 26 inches to the shoulder

History
German Wirehaired Pointer Dog comes from Germany and was bred originally to hunt small game. It’s origins can be dated back to the 1800’s.The German Wirehaired Pointer Dog is also known by the other names of Deutscher, Drahthaariger, Vorstehund, and Drahthaar. This dog is classified as one of the Sporting Dog Group.The German Wirehaired Pointer Dog was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1959.This breed originates at the turn of the last century in Germany. The breed was originally called the Drahthaar. The best examples of this dog were crossed with the Griffon and the Poodle and the breed soon became the leading pointing dog in Germany.

Dogs in the Sporting group,which include the German Wirehaired Pointer Dog, can be divided into three main categories - Retrievers, Pointer Dogs and Setters. These dogs were bred primarily to work with people to hunt game birds. Some of these dogs work in water whilst other dogs are more suited to work on land and many of the dogs in the Sporting dog category are comfortable and capable of working in either land or water environments. Sporting dogs, including the German Wirehaired Pointer Dog, are particularly suited to wood and field activities. The Retriever, Pointer and Setter dogs and their main functionalities are as follows:

• The Retriever dog - Retriever dogs find and return killed game to the hunter. Some Retrievers are especially equipped, for instance with a water-repellent coat and webbed feet, for retrieving downed waterfowl.
• The Pointer Dog - Pointer dogs stand in front of their quarry, with their nose and body rigidly still , thus directing (or pointing) the hunter to its location.
• The Setter dog - Setter dogs were originally trained to set, or crouch, in front of game preventing the escape of the quarry. The hunter would make the capture with a net.

All Information and Tips About This Dog :

• Coat and Colours information
  The German Wirehaired Pointer Dog’s coat is normally a shade of brown and white, solid brown and black and white. The coat is normally thick and course with a dense undercoat.

• Health information - potential problems
  Resolving dog health problems, including those of the German Wirehaired Pointer Dog, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the German Wirehaired Pointer Dog can include:
  • Hip dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints)
  • Entropion (the inversion, or turning inward, of the border of the eyelid against the eyeball)
  • Elbow dysplasia.
  • The life expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 12 years.

• Grooming and Care
  German Wirehaired Pointer Dog requires weekly care and grooming. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible.