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AKC: German Wirehaired Pointer breed overview

Sporting group · Germany

German Wirehaired Pointer

Also called Deutsch Drahthaar, Drahthaar, GWP

A bearded, weatherproof German hunting dog that thrives with a firm, fair trainer and a real job to do.

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a rugged, versatile gundog bred in Germany to point, retrieve, track and cope with thorny cover and cold water. Loyal and hardworking, it often bonds most closely with one person and needs consistent training, plenty of exercise and an owner who enjoys a thinking, opinionated dog.

Original AI-generated breed illustration

Weight

23 to 32 kg

51 to 70 lb

Height

57 to 68 cm

at the shoulder

Life expectancy

12 to 14 yrs

Activity estimate

120 to 150 min

editorial daily planning range

Adult-size estimate

24 months

approximate model input

Life with a German Wirehaired Pointer

Owners of German Wirehaired Pointers tend to say the same thing: this is a dog that must be trained, not merely walked. Bred in Germany from the late 19th century to hunt everything from quail to wild boar on land and in water, the Drahthaar was selected for brains, grit and independence. Those traits make a superb hunting partner, and a handful for anyone who expects a dog to simply fit around them.

German hunters wanted a pointer with a tougher jacket than the Shorthair, one that could push through bramble and swim in icy lakes. Breeders are generally credited with combining Griffon, Pudelpointer, Stichelhaar and German Shorthaired Pointer lines. The breed club in Germany still values field tests highly, so working ability has stayed at the core of the breed.

Temperament is loyal, energetic and often a little reserved. Many GWPs attach themselves strongly to one person and are polite rather than gushing with strangers. They can be good watchdogs and are usually fine with the family's children, though their energy can overwhelm small ones. Some are pushy with other dogs, particularly of the same sex.

Give a Wirehair work, whether that is hunting, tracking, dock diving or long runs, and you get a steady, devoted companion. Leave it unoccupied and it will find its own projects, usually loud or destructive ones.

What stands out

Training

A Wirehair learns fast and then asks why. It responds best to a clear, calm handler who is consistent every day, rewards generously and never relies on harsh punishment. Sessions of about 10 minutes with a single clear goal beat long repetitive drills, and a routine of structured tasks, such as fetching, holding a sit or staying steady while a toy is thrown, keeps that busy brain engaged.

Read the full training guide

Easy to train

Open with strangers

Good with other dogs

A great match for

hunters and field sports enthusiasts
experienced owners who enjoy training
rural homes with access to open land
active people who walk in all weather

Think twice if

needs firm, consistent training
reserved or protective with strangers
can be dominant with other dogs
very high exercise needs

Personality and needs at a glance

Living together

Good with children

Good with other dogs

Open with strangers

Apartment friendly

Copes with alone time

Energy and character

Energy level

Playfulness

Easy to train

Barking

5 means very vocal

Care and climate

Grooming needs

Shedding

Drooling

Handles cold

Handles heat

How much a German Wirehaired Pointer eats

Illustrative calculations for neutered adults at midpoint breed weights, with food at 370 kcal per 100 g and 100 g per cup. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.

Dog	Weight	Calories	Dry food
Female, relaxed lifestyle	26 kg	1130 kcal	305 g (3 cups)
Female, typical pet	26 kg	1290 kcal	350 g (3.5 cups)
Male, typical pet	30 kg	1420 kcal	385 g (3.8 cups)
Male, very active	30 kg	1770 kcal	480 g (4.8 cups)

Full German Wirehaired Pointer feeding guide Calculate for my dog

Care guides for the German Wirehaired Pointer

Feeding5 cups, and more during a heavy hunting season. Pet dogs with less activity may need 20 to 30% less.Read more Puppy growthPuppies grow quickly to around 20 kg by six months and reach adult height at about 12 months, but body and temperament take until roughly 2 years to settle. The wiry adult coat can take a year or more to come in fully, and some youngsters look fluffy or oddly sparse for a while.Read more ExerciseNinety minutes or more of daily exercise is the baseline for an adult, with a good share of off-lead running in safe areas, swimming or structured field work. These dogs love rough terrain and water and cope with bad weather far better than many breeds.Read more GroomingCompared with many wirehaired breeds, this coat is low maintenance. A weekly brush with a slicker or pin brush removes loose hair and debris.Read more HealthSturdy as they are, Wirehairs can inherit hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease (a bleeding disorder) and some eye conditions, and their deep chest brings a risk of bloat. Reputable breeders hip and elbow score the parents, use DNA testing for von Willebrand disease and have eyes examined.Read more

Things owners are often surprised by

1Known in Germany as the Deutsch Drahthaar, developed from the late 1800s
2Its German breed club places heavy weight on field performance tests when approving dogs for breeding
3The harsh coat sheds water and protects against thorns and brambles
4A beard and bushy eyebrows give the face a serious, expressive look
5Often more reserved with strangers than its Shorthaired cousin

German Wirehaired Pointer questions

What is the difference between a German Wirehaired and a German Shorthaired Pointer?

Coat and temperament are the main differences. The Wirehair has a harsh, wiry coat with a beard and eyebrows, suited to rough cover and cold water, while the Shorthair has a short, smooth coat. Wirehairs are often more reserved with strangers and more protective, whereas Shorthairs tend to be friendly with everyone. Both need lots of exercise.

Are German Wirehaired Pointers good family dogs?

They can be, in active families that give them plenty of work and training. They are loyal and often gentle with their own children, but high energy and strong instincts make them demanding. They suit homes where someone genuinely enjoys training and outdoor activity, rather than households looking for a relaxed pet.

Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed?

Moderately. The wiry outer coat sheds less than many smooth-coated breeds, while the undercoat thickens in winter and drops out in spring. A weekly brush handles it for most of the year, and light hand stripping a few times a year keeps the coat tight and harsh.

Are German Wirehaired Pointers protective?

More than most gundogs. Many are watchful and reserved with strangers, and some will bark at visitors or guard the house. Early socialization teaches them to accept guests calmly. Treat this as a trait to manage rather than encourage, since an over-protective large dog is difficult to live with.

Why does a German Wirehaired Pointer have a beard?

The beard, moustache and eyebrows are part of the breed's protective coat. They shield the face and eyes from thorns, brambles and cold water when the dog pushes through rough cover. They also give the breed its serious, expressive look. Because the beard soaks up food and water, a quick wipe after meals keeps it fresh.

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