Breeds
German Wirehaired Pointer: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A German Wirehaired Pointer is a loyal, affectionate, tough all-weather hunting dog that loves to run and loves its people. VCA calls the breed basically a sweetheart. Wirehairs need vigorous daily exercise and steady training, and their rough coat sheds less than many short-coated breeds. Here is what VCA Animal Hospitals and the AKC say about the breed.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
German Wirehaired Pointer temperament and personality
VCA describes the German Wirehaired Pointer as loyal, affectionate and protective, basically a sweetheart that enjoys being with its people, with moderate to high energy but usually not hyper. It notes some are a bit hard-headed.
Wirehairs are versatile gundogs, built to point and retrieve over rough ground and in water. At home they want to be close to their family, and after a good run they settle well. Without exercise they can become restless and destructive.
How big do German Wirehaired Pointers get?
VCA gives a height of 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and a weight of 60 to 70 pounds, and says males are generally larger than females. The AKC's breed weight chart lists 50 to 70 pounds.
A fit Wirehair is lean and muscular under its harsh coat. Feel for the ribs to check condition, and ask your vet to help match food to your dog's work, since a hunting dog in season burns far more than a family walker.
German Wirehaired Pointer lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 14 years and names epilepsy, hypothyroidism, elbow and hip dysplasia and cataracts as health concerns.
VCA says breeding parents should have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and eye clearances before breeding. Ask a breeder to show those results for both parents. A first seizure, sudden lameness or a cloudy eye needs a vet promptly.
Keeping a Wirehair lean and fit protects its hips and elbows. Regular checkups also catch thyroid problems, which VCA lists for the breed, before they affect coat and energy.
Exercise needs
VCA rates exercise needs as very high, says the breed loves to run and needs vigorous daily workouts. Plan for at least an hour or two a day of running, retrieving, swimming or field work.
Hunt tests, tracking, agility and long hikes all suit the breed. Use a long line or a secure area off leash, and check the coat, ears and paws for burrs and ticks after outings.
Scent work and retrieving games are good outlets on days without long runs.
Grooming and shedding
VCA says the coat sheds much less than other short-haired breeds and that the facial furnishings are easy to trim. It recommends weekly brushing, nail care and ear cleaning, plus monthly baths, and suggests considering a professional groomer.
Comb out the beard and eyebrows a few times a week and wipe the beard after meals. Hand-stripping keeps the coat harsh and weatherproof, which matters for working dogs. No dog is allergen-free, whatever its shedding level.
Training a German Wirehaired Pointer
VCA calls the breed a fast learner and highly intelligent that responds best to firm, consistent, gentle training based on positive reinforcement, and notes it is not known for precise obedience.
Keep sessions short and engaging, practice recall daily on a long line, and build on the natural pointing and retrieving with games. Socialize widely with people and dogs from puppyhood to counter any tendency to be overprotective.
Short, varied sessions keep a clever dog interested.
Are German Wirehaired Pointers good with kids and other pets?
VCA says the breed is fine with older children and that children should ideally be raised with the dog. Its energy means supervision around small kids.
VCA warns the breed can become dog-aggressive or overly protective, so early and ongoing socialization with other dogs matters. Supervise introductions to cats and small pets with a strong hunting dog.
Give the dog a quiet bed where it can rest undisturbed, and teach children not to bother it while it eats or sleeps.
What a German Wirehaired Pointer needs at home
A securely fenced yard, a crate for a large dog, a durable bed for a large dog and a daily routine with hard exercise are the basics. Fetch toys, a long line, puzzle feeders and chew toys give a gundog a job.
For care, keep a slicker brush, a metal comb, a stripping comb or groomer on call, nail clippers, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush. Ask your vet about tick prevention for dogs that work in fields. On days without a long run, a puzzle feeder with a slow-feeding bowl gives a Wirehair's nose a job, and a self-cleaning slicker brush is one option for the weekly coat care.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do German Wirehaired Pointers live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Hip, elbow and eye clearances in the parents, plenty of exercise and a lean body all support a long, active life.
How big do German Wirehaired Pointers get?
The AKC lists males at 24 to 26 inches and females at no less than 22 inches, with a weight of 50 to 70 pounds.
Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed?
VCA says the coat sheds much less than other short-haired breeds. It still needs weekly brushing, occasional stripping or trimming and a monthly bath. Your vet can advise on what suits your own pet.
Are German Wirehaired Pointers good family dogs?
For active families with older children, yes. VCA calls them affectionate sweethearts but warns they can be protective or dog-aggressive without socialization. Your vet can advise on what suits your own pet.
How much exercise does a German Wirehaired Pointer need?
A lot. VCA rates exercise needs as very high and says the breed loves to run and needs vigorous daily workouts, so plan for at least an hour or two a day.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
