Breed Characteristics
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a medium to large dog, typically weighing 50 to 70 pounds and standing 22 to 26 inches tall. They have a thick wiry coat of hair that comes in a variety of colors, including liver and white, black, and orange. They have a long muzzle, bushy eyebrows, and a tail that curls up over their back. Furthermore, they are an athletic breed, meaning they are naturally very muscular.
German Wirehaired Pointer Temperament
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a very friendly breed that loves to be around people. They are great with children and make excellent family dogs. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them perfect for all kinds of families. They are an exceptionnally active and energetic breed and love to run and play, so they need a family that can keep up with their energy level.
German Wirehaired Pointer Health
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a very happy and healthy breed and doesn’t typically suffer from many health problems. However, they are prone to some genetic health conditions including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and PRA. They should also be tested for Von Willebrand’s Disease before being bred.
Hip Dysplasia
Like all large dogs, German Wirehaired Pointers are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition in which the hip joint is not properly formed. This can lead to pain and mobility problems in the dog. Treatment for hip dysplasia may include surgery or physical therapy. Some dogs will also require medication to help manage the pain. Early diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia is important for the welfare of the dog.
Elbow Dysplasia
This is a condition that results in the joint at the end of the dog’s upper arm becoming malformed and unstable. The symptoms of elbow dysplasia can include lameness, swelling, and pain in the joint. The condition can be treated with a variety of interventions, including surgery, physical therapy, and medication. However, in some cases the joint may need to be replaced. Elbow dysplasia can often be detected early on through x-rays, and proactive treatment is recommended to minimize the chance of long-term damage to the joint.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s Disease is a bleeding disorder that is caused by a lack of von Willebrand factor in the blood. Von Willebrand factor is important for the clotting process: without it, blood does not clot properly and can cause excessive bleeding. Dogs with von Willebrand’s disease may have symptoms such as nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, and blood in the stool. Treatment usually includes a medication called desmopressin, which helps to increase the amount of von Willebrand factor in the blood.
PRA
PRA is a genetic disease that affects German Wirehaired Pointers. It is caused by a mutation in the PRCD gene, and results in the progressive loss of vision. Symptoms of PRA include blurred vision, night blindness, and finally blindness. There is no cure for PRA, but treatment can help slow the progression of the disease. Dogs with PRA should be kept as active as possible, and should not be allowed to run off leash in areas where they could potentially get lost.
How to Care for a German Wirehaired Pointer? Grooming, Training and More
Grooming
The German Wirehaired Pointer doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, but they do need to be groomed regularly. They should be brushed at least once a week to keep their coat healthy and free of mats. They also need to be bathed occasionally, especially if they get dirty, which is easy to do because they love to play in the mud!
Physical Activity
German Wirehaired Pointers are considered an active breed and need plenty of exercise. They should have a minimum of one hour of exercise daily, but preferably more. Remember that sport runs through their veins! A long walk or a good jog will do wonders, but they also need plenty of chances to run and play off-leash in a safe area. Many GWP owners take their dogs running, hiking, or biking. The GWP is also a good jogging companion. They are versatile in that they can be used for bird hunting, as well as tracking and retrieving. Although they are a working dog, they can also excel in agility and obedience competitions.
Mental stimulation is important too; provide your GWP with puzzles and problem-solving toys like Kongs filled with treats, or hide his food around the house for him to find.
Training
The German Wirehaired Pointer is known for their intelligence, athleticism, and drive. These dogs require a lot of exercise and training, and can make excellent companions for active owners. If you are interested in training a German Wirehaired Pointer, it is important to start as early as possible. A good obedience class can help teach your dog the basics of commands and etiquette. Be sure to provide your dog with lots of positive reinforcement when he or she does well. This will help ensure that your pup stays motivated and eager to learn. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start with basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. As your dog masters these commands, you can begin teaching them specific tricks or tasks that will be useful in the field or at home.
- Be consistent with your commands and rewards, and always use positive reinforcement when your dog performs well.
- Make training sessions fun and interactive, and take breaks when your dog seems to be getting tired or distracted.
- Be patient and never punish your dog for making mistakes – simply correct them and move on.
With patience and dedication, you can train your German Wirehaired Pointer to be the perfect hunting or companion dog.
Feeding
When it comes to feeding your German Wirehaired Pointer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to feed them a high-quality diet that is made specifically for dogs. Second, provide them with plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and fit. This breed can be prone to weight gain if not given enough exercise, so make sure he gets plenty!
Cost
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a moderately priced breed considering all of the benefits they offer. The cost of buying a puppy will vary depending on the breeder, but typically ranges from $500 to $700. They also require regular vet care, which can cost around $200 per year.
The History of the German Wirehaired Pointer Dog Breed
The German Wirehaired Pointer breed dates back to the late 1800s. They were developed in Germany by hunters who wanted a dog that could track and point game in dense underbrush. The breed was created by crossing the Deutsch Kurzhaar, or German Shorthaired Pointer and Griffon with the Pudelpointer, which is a mix of the German Poodle and Pointer breeds. The resulting breed was known as the Deutsch Kurzhaar, or German Wirehaired Pointer. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1959. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile hunting dog that can be used to hunt and retrieve a variety of game, including birds, rabbits, and deer.
Fun Facts
Did you know…?
- German Wirehaired Pointers are excellent swimmers and can even hunt in water.
- Their coat is weather resistant, which makes them ideal for hunting in cold climates.
- The first Wirehaired Pointer registered with the American Kennel Club was in 1874.
That’s all for now! We hope you fell in love with this breed as much as we did. Thanks for reading!
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