Energetic, playful and cunning, the German Wirehaired Pointer is a great family dog. Find out if it’s a good fit for your home.
Originally bred for the best features of a Foxhound, Pointer and Poodle, the German Wirehaired Pointer was made to work with hunters to retrieve game both on land and in water. Today, the German Wirehaired Pointer breed is known for being excellent rescue dogs, thanks to their stamina and love for people.
These pups are incredibly intelligent and easy to train, but they’re also very playful and enjoy romping around with their owners. If you’re looking for an energetic and loving dog to bring home, the German Wirehaired Pointer may be a great fit for you. That cute beard is a plus, too!
But because they excel at hunting and canine sports, they’re a prime target for over-breeding, which exacerbates health issues such as cataracts and Von Willebrand’s disease (which can cause to excessive bleeding after an injury because the blood can’t properly clot). Before you bring a German Shorthaired Pointer home to your family, check your local shelter for adorable rescues who need loving homes!
Why We Love the German Wirehaired Pointer Breed
- These dogs love human companionship, and make an affectionate and loyal addition to the family.
- The German Wirehaired Pointer is a great watchdog, but is also very mannerly in the house when well trained.
- German Wirehairs thrive in competitive canine sports, and are also great jogging companions for their owners.
Things to Consider
- They can be slow to housetrain, so German Wirehaired Pointer puppies require some extra patience early on.
- German Wirehairs can be willful, and they have a tendency to wander if they aren’t kept active and challenged.
- These dogs form close bonds with their family members, and are prone to separation anxiety.
Why Rescue?
The energetic German Wirehair requires a lot of regular exercise, and not all owners realize the responsibility level that goes into owning one. Unfortunately, this means many of these loving dogs are surrendered to shelters when their owners can’t take proper care of them.
