Origin
Germany
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
27–32 kg
Height
56–67 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Liver and White · Liver · Liver Roan
German Wirehaired Pointer
About This Breed
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a sturdy, medium-sized sporting dog with a distinctive wiry coat providing protection in rough terrain. Developed as a versatile hunting companion, they bond deeply with their families.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a German Wirehaired Pointer
Origin
| Origin | Germany |
| Group | Sporting |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 27–32 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Height | 56–67 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Liver and White · Liver · Liver Roan |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Loyal · Energetic · Determined · Affectionate |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
A familiar routine can help it settle in.
Teach children to handle it gently and leave it alone when it rests.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
German Wirehaired Pointers trace their ancestry to 1800s Germany. Breeders set out to create a dog that would thrive in various environments—from mountains to forests to open fields—and sniff out and point game, whether it be birds or foxes. The result was this medium-sized, bearded German hunting dog. Still used for hunting today, German Wirehaired Pointers have a scruffy double coat that keeps them warm in cold weather and protects them from the elements. The German name for the breed is the Deutsch Drahthaar Pointer.
Care Guide
German Wirehaired Pointers are high-energy dogs that do best with a job and purpose in the family. While they don’t need to be hunters, they do need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. GWPs (as they’re often called) love to be outside in nature. If you live in the city or in the suburbs, take them on a daily long walk and for longer hikes on the weekends. The German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America (GWPCA) says these sporting dogs also thrive in organized competitions, such as agility, obedience, and hunting trials. As medium-sized dogs, German Wirehaired Pointer puppies grow to be 22–26 inches tall and weigh 50–70 pounds.