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About German Wirehaired Pointers
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Welcome to a Wonderful,
Wired World!
German Wirehaired
Pointers trace their origins
back to the late 1800s. They
originated in Germany, where
breeders wanted to develop a
rugged, versatile hunting
dog that would work closely
with either one person or a
small party of
 people
hunting on foot in varied
terrain; from the
mountainous regions of the
Alps, to dense forests, to
more open areas with farms
and small towns. The breed
the Germans desired had to
have a coat that would
protect the dogs when
working in heavy cover or in
cold water, yet be easy to
maintain. The goal was to
develop a wire-coated,
medium-sized dog that could
search for, locate and point
upland game; work both
feather and fur with equal
skill; retrieve water fowl;
be a close-working, easily
trained gun dog; be able to
track and locate wounded
game; be fearless when
hunting sharp game such as
fox; be a devoted companion
and pet; and, be a watchdog
for its owners’ family and
property. In 1959, the breed
was recognized by the
American Kennel Club and the
German Wirehaired Pointer
Club of America (GWPCA) was
established.
Breed
Standard
The AKC breed standard
describes GWPs as
well-muscled, medium-sized
dogs with their most
distinguishing
characteristics being their
weather-resistant coat and
facial furnishings. The
standard calls for males to
be 24-26 inches tall and
females to be smaller, but
not under 22 inches tall.
The written standard
describes what an ideal dog
of the breed should look
like and is the guideline by
which responsible breeders
judge their dogs.
GWPs in
America Today
Wirehairs today have many
roles. They are excellent
dogs for the everyday hunter
who, much like the Germans
of 100+ years ago, want a
dog that can literally do it
all. It is not
uncommon for hunters and
their Wirehairs to jumphunt
ducks in the morning, hunt
quail, pheasant or chukar in
the afternoon, and wait in a
blind for an evening flight
of geese. Wirehairs serve as
companions who’d rather
sleep on their owners’ feet
than anywhere else. They
compete successfully in
conformation shows,
horseback field trials, AKC
hunting tests, agility,
obedience, and every type of
performance event you can
name. It is not uncommon to
find the same dog
participating in several of
these events concurrently!
They also serve individuals
and communities in the form
of therapy dogs, drug
detection dogs, and much
more.
Temperament
and
Training
Along
with the
intelligence
and will
the
Wirehair
possesses,
the
breed
also has
the
capability
to be
very
creative
and
somewhat
independent.
They
prefer
to work
for who
they
like and
will
very
often
create
their
own
rules of
engagement. vWirehairs
generally
are a
high
energy,
high
drive,
though
not
“hyper,”
breed
and the
need for
a “job”
is a
must!
Even if
the job
description
includes
only
retrieving
newspapers
and
slippers,
this
breed
needs to
be given
meaningful
work.
GWPs are
extremely
devoted
dogs. In
fact,
they
crave
human
companionship,
doing
best in
a home
where
they are
permitted
a very
warm,
close
relationship
with
“their
people.”
They are
a breed
that
typically
does not
make a
good
kennel
dog, nor
a dog
that
lives
all its
life in
a
backyard
with
little
human
contact.
When
raised
in a
home
with one
owner,
they
become
very
definite
oneperson
dogs.
When
raised
in a
home
with
several
people,
including
children,
they
adopt
the
whole
family,
although
some
dogs may
attach
more
strongly
to one
member
of the
household.
Young GWPs are typically funloving and playful, and with proper supervision
for both
children
and
animal,
GWPs and
kids do
very
well
together.
On the
other
hand, an
adult
GWP that
has not
been
raised
with
children
may need
strict
supervision
if sent
to a
home
with
young
children.
And, as
with any
dog,
very
young
children
should
be
taught
to
properly
handle a
puppy,
as well
as to
understand
the
difference
between
playing
with a
dog and
hurting
it. The
breed’s
high
prey
drive
may not
make it
the best
choice
for
families
with
cats and
other
small
animals.
Some
Wirehairs
raised
as
puppies
with
cats do
just
fine,
accepting
the
family
cat as
part of
the
pack.
Even
some
adults
make the
transition
from a
non-cat
to a
cat-owning
family.
But it
is not a
given
and most
breeders
will
caution
against
it.
Since
this can
be a
strong-willed
and
independent
breed,
the
GWPCA
supports
permanent
identification
in case
the dog
becomes
lost or
separated
from its
family.
AKC
offers a
lifetime
“Lost &
Found”
option
with AKC
registration.
The
GWPCA
Rescue
offers
low-cost
microchipping
and
registration
of the
microchip
with AKC
Companion
Animal
Recovery
program
at each
year’s
National
Events.
Health
Concerns
for the
GWP
Generally,
GWPs are
healthy,
long-lived
dogs,
with
many
individuals
reaching
14-16
years of
age. As
with any
large-breed
dog, hip
dysplasia
may be a
concern.
Buyers
should
verify
that the
breeder
of their
new pup
has
screened
for this
crippling
joint
disease
and that
the
dog’s
family
includes
animals
that are
certified
by OFA
(the
Orthopedic
Foundation
for
Animals)
or
PennHip.
Additional
genetic
testing
which
reputable
breeders
conduct
may
include
OFA
thyroid,
elbow
dysplasia,
cardiac
clearances
and Von
Willebrand’s
Disease.
For more
information
on any
of these
diseases,
visit
www.offa.org.
Many
GWPCA
members
support
health
research
through
the AKC
Canine
Health
Foundation
- a
nonpofit
charitable
organization
whose
mission
is to
help
dogs
live
longer,
healthier
lives.
Supporting
the CHF
helps
ensure a
healthy
future
for all
dogs.
For more
information
about
ongoing
health
research,
visit
www.akcchf.org.
Breeding
Your Dog
The
GWPCA
vigorously
encourages
the spay
and
neuter
of all
non-breeding
quality
animals.
Dogs
that are
spayed
or
neutered
may
compete
in all
AKC
events
except
conformation.
We
strongly
recommend
that
those
interested
in
becoming
breeders
find and
work
with a
mentor.
We have
mentors
based
throughout
the
country
who will
be
willing
to help
teach
you
about
the
breed.
Health
testing
is a
very
important
part of
breeding
decisions.
The
GWPCA
Code of
Ethics
states,
“Only
those
dogs
free of
recognized
genetic
defects
shall be
used in
a
breeding
program.
Breeders
will be
selective
with
respect
to the
physical
and
mental
soundness,
health,
temperament
and
natural
hunting
ability
of the
dog or
bitch.”
Learn
More
The
GWPCA is
composed
of
approximately
500
German
Wirehaired
Pointer
owners.
We
encourage
new
members
and try
to serve
the
needs of
our
members
in a
wide
variety
of
areas.
Please
visit
www.GWPCA.com
to find
information
about
joining
our
club,
member
breeders,
breed
rescue
and much
more.
The
GWPCA
licenses
local
clubs in
most
areas of
the
country;
publishes
a
regular
journal,
the
WireNews,
for its
members;
donates
money to
health
research
that
impacts
our
breed;
hosts
the
National
Events
each
year;
and
handles
many
more
tasks in
support
of the
breed.
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German Wirehaired Pointers in
the Field
GWP's
trace their origins back about 120 years. They
originated in Germany, where breeders wanted to
develop a rugged, versatile hunting dog that
would work closely with either one person or a
small party of persons hunting on foot in varied
terrain; from the mountainous regions of the
Alps, to dense forests, to more open areas with
farms and small towns. The breed the Germans
desired had to have a coat that would protect
the dogs when working in heavy cover or in cold
water, yet be easy to maintain. The goal was to
develop a wire-coated, medium sized dog that
could:
- Search for, locate and point upland game
- Work both feather and fur with equal
skill
- Retrieve water fowl
- Be a close-working, easily trained gun
dog
- Be able to track and locate wounded game
- Be fearless when hunting 'sharp' game
such as fox
- Be a devoted companion and pet; and
- Be a watchdog for its owners family and
property.
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German Wirehaired Pointers in the Show
Ring
by Judy Cheshire
Showing your GWP in conformation classes at AKC
dog shows can be both a rewarding and
educational experience. Dogs are evaluated
against the breed standard and rewarded for
their excellence as breeding stock, according to
the judge's opinion. In order for a dog to be
eligible for a dog show, it must be at least 6
months of age and cannot be spay or neutered
(except in the case of stud dog/brood bitch or
Veteran classes at a specialty). Most dogs being
shown are trying to earn points towards their
championships. A dog must earn 15 points,
including two majors, under at least three
different judges to become a champion. Dogs can
earn from 1 to 5 points at each show. A win of
3, 4 or 5 points is called a major. Points are
based on the number of dogs in competition
.jpg) There
are six regular classes in which dogs seeking
points may compete: Puppy (dogs 6 months of age
but not over 12 months), 12-18 months (dogs
12-18 months of age), Novice (dogs who have not
won 3 first prizes in Novice or a first prize in
any of the other classes, except Puppy and who
do not have points), Bred-by-Exhibitor (dogs
that are breeder/owner/handled), American bred
(any dog bred in the USA) and Open (open to
all). All the winners of first place in each of
the classes compete in a 'Winners' class for the
best of the winning dogs. The best dog in the
Winners class receives the points. Competition
at this level in not intersex, so it is repeated
for dogs and bitches and points may be awarded
in each sex. The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch
may then compete with the dogs that are already
champions for Best of Breed.
In order to compete in dog shows, you should
know the breed standard, know how your dog
compares to that standard and become familiar
with what the judge will expect from you and
your dog in the ring. You can start by reading
the standard and asking your breeder to evaluate
your dog. Talk to other breeders, owners and
handlers, both with Wirehairs and other breeds
of dogs. A dog show, particularly a German
Wirehaired Pointer specialty show, is a great
place to find these resources. Learn about your
dog's virtues and faults. Does he seem to meet
the standard? Remember that no dog is perfect.
Once you've decided that you want to try
showing, prepare your dog and yourself for the
ring. The judge will need to examine the dog,
touch him from head to tail and look into his
mouth to check his teeth. The dog must learn to
tolerate this and stand still. You will also
have to gait your dog so that the judge can
evaluate his movement both coming at him, going
away and from the side. Be an observer at a dog
show and see how this is done. Take your dog to
handling classes and matches (practice shows)
until you both feel confident that you know what
to do.
After you've done these basic things, enter a
dog show, take a deep breath and show your dog!
But remember it's a sport and it should be fun.
It's about sharing an experience with your dog
and learning more about the breed. It's not only
about winning.
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German Wirehaired Pointers in
Companion Events
by Gayle Bock
 The
GWP is a very "versatile" breed. Bred to hunt,
this breed also has many other hidden talents. I
personally do not hunt with my wire but I am
involved in obedience and agility and have done
quite well. I have been showing in obedience for
over 20 years and have been teaching for over
15.
Five years ago I changed breeds to the GWP. I
started out in conformation, while also training
for obedience and agility. These are 3 very
different sports but the intelligence and will
of the wire have made it possible to title in 3
different kennel clubs, AKC conformation, AKC,
CKC & UKC obedience and AKC & UKC agility. We
have also started NADAC agility.
Along with the intelligence and will the
wirehair possesses, the breed also has the
capability to become very creative and somewhat
independent at times making it hard to be a
"team" player. Their need to be inquisitive and
explore can sometimes get in the way of
training. They generally are a high energy breed
and the need for running in the great outdoors
is a must! This breed will not be happy to be on
the couch all day. But given the challenges of
the wirehair, I feel this breed can tackle many
a sport if given the proper training. They are a
very hard working, strong moving dog.
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German Wirehaired Pointers as
a Companion
GWP's are extremely devoted dogs. When raised in
a home with one owner, they become very definite
one-person dogs. When raised in a home with
several people, including children, they become
devoted to the whole family, although some dogs
may attach more strongly to one member of the
household.
Young GWP's are typically fun loving and playful
and with proper supervision for both children
and animal, GWP's and kids do very well
together. On the other hand, an adult GWP that
has not been raised with children may need
strict supervision if sold into a home with
young children.
And, as with any dog, very young children
should be taught to properly handle a puppy, as
well as to understand the difference between
playing with a dog and hurting it.
GWP's make superb companion dogs and pets. In
fact, they crave human companionship, doing best
in a home where they are permitted a very warm,
close relationship with 'their people'. They are
one Sporting Breed that does not make a good
kennel dog, nor a dog that lives all its life in
a backyard with little contact with humans.
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