German Wirehaired Pointers: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

The AKC Standard says, "An intelligent, energetic, and determined hunter."

"Hunter" is a key word there. The German Wirehaired Pointer is steady and sensible, but also rugged and busy. He has a high energy level and belongs with an equally athletic owner who will take him running, biking, and hiking and preferably work him in the field.

Too much confinement and too little attention can lead to barking, hyperactivity, and destructive chewing.

Though some German Wirehaired Pointers are outgoing and friendly, most are rather aloof with strangers and can be protective (though not usually aggressive). With people, that is! With strange dogs, the German Wirehaired Pointer CAN be aggressive (or at least dominant and bold), and with his strong hunting instincts, some individuals are sharp with cats.

This breed is strong-willed and determined and needs an owner who knows how to lead. Usually he is more serious and discriminating than his German Shorthair cousin, though many do have a clownish side.

German Wirehaired Pointers are not for the fastidious household: They are sloppy drinkers, their beard soaking up water and depositing it as a trail of drips across your floor.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult German Wirehairs have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your German Wirehaired Pointer to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the German Wirehaired Pointer

If I was considering a German Wirehaired Pointer, I would be most concerned about...

1. Providing enough exercise. German Wirehaired Pointers are athletic dogs who need regular opportunities to vent their energy and gallop. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored, which dogs usually express by barking and destructive chewing. This is not a breed who will hang happily around the house and yard doing nothing.

   You should be an active outdoors lover interested in hunting or hiking, or taking your dog running with you. However, running is risky exercise for dogs unless it is done after the dog's bones and joints are fully mature, and only on a soft surface like dirt. Dogs should not be run on pavement, and young dogs should not be run at all.

2. Bounciness. Young German Wirehaired Pointers (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including small children and infirm people.
3. Potential dog-on-dog aggression. Many German Wirehaired Pointers are fine with other dogs, but other individuals are dominant/bossy toward other dogs of the same sex.
4. Potential cat aggression. A good number of German Wirehairs have strong instincts to go after cats and other fleeing creatures, often with deadly intent.
5. The strong temperament. German Wirehaired Pointers tend to be smart but willful dogs who require an experienced owner and trainer. They are also easily distracted by exciting sights, sounds, and scents, so it can be a chore to keep this breed's attention. Read more about German Wirehaired Pointer Training.