German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America

[cabinetman]

I'm in the process of getting a pup. Which is the better to train,
male or female? I've read where they say females are more hard-headed.

[cheerio]

The most trainable for what?

[cabinetman]

I forgot to ad, - pheasant hunting

[Tony]

cabinetman,

It's a sad day when a guy has to specify what he wants to train his wirehair for.

Buy the male, you won't regret it.

[Vom Britt]

Pros and cons to both. I prefer the bitches. I have had three, of different breeding and they all were easy to train, birdy and hunted for me. Just my two coppers. I don't believe it really matters, just find a breeder you are comfortable with, a proven litter of his/her, then sit down and pick the first one that comes to you
_________________
Bob

[Tony]

Bob,

How many male wirehairs have you owned/trained?

[cheerio]

[Vom Britt]

Tony, I have only owned and trained three. My first GWP, Callie #1, I bought for $150. I was at the time really looking for a puppy to train and then sell. She was such an easy dog to train compared to my GSP and could not sell her or any other I bring home I found out. She earned a UT1 and was in training for the 98 NAVHDA Invit. when one evening I let her out of the house. She broke after what I suspect was our barn cat and found her the next day, laying dead next to a pine tree in our back yard with a broken neck Two years later brought home Hannah who has a pretty nice NAVHDA pedigree. She is a pup out of Kettle Creek's Moe and Kettle Creek's Joula. She is a 106 NA 111 at nine months, a 200 UT 11 at 2.5 and a 192 UT1 at 2.8. Also needs her sixth leg for her AKC MH. Six months ago while I was working in our pole shed I looked up and there she was proudly carrying Miss Kitty towards me. I betcha Callie #1 was smiling down upon her on that day. I was searching for a male pup and was led again to the east coast. Bernee Brawn had a litter and liked what I saw as far as on paper. The only male pup was chosed for stud fee, I felt so comfortable with the Side x Side and Justa Ariel breeding, especially Cody, that I chose Callie who was already named. This year she earned a NA 1 at 12 months and was five for five in JH tests. Those achievements, well, let's just say I think more of the dog that can handle the pressure it takes to become any Utility or Senior/Master Bird Dawg and of course an accomplished hunting dog. As you can tell I enjoy the testing games.

Are you sorry now that you asked?
_________________
Bob

[Vom Britt]

Sorry Tony,

I mis read your post. Personally I have not owned a male wire to date, but have helped a number of folks who own males in our NAVHDA chapter. Don't want to start anything here, but going from my limited experience the majority of the ones I have been involved with were head strong and more difficult to train, needing a heavier and firmer hand. I just prefer females both in the GSP & GWP.
_________________
Bob

[Jon P]

Both sexes can become great hunting dogs and do all you want - I think that is obvious. But, after 30+ years of dealing with both GWP and DD, I would have to say there is a difference in character. Bitches will often try to beat you in a sneaky way - they are more manipulative. Dogs will just flash the "Italian Salute" right to your face. I think it takes more cunning to train many bitches and more forcefulness with males. Just my 2 cents and of course not to be regarded as absolute.
_________________
Jon P

[Keith]

For years I thought that males were easier and overall made better hunters because all my best dogs were male. But now I have a female that is as good as or better than any dog I have owned. I really don't think it matters that much. As a rule the males respect a strong hand more than the females. Every female I have owned would shut down if I got to rough with them. Some would even roll over on their back and not move. With a female you just have to grit your teeth and try something different when they act up or aren't learning something.