The German Wirehaired Pointer was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to be a versatile hunting dog breed, a job at which he still excels today.
There are TOP 10 interesting facts about German Wirehaired Pointer.
1) Origin
German wirehaired pointers were bred in Germany in the late 1800s to be hardy, versatile gun dogs that could scent, point and retrieve in the harshest of climates. They descended from a variety of breeds, one of which is a dog known as the pudelpointer (an early mixture of pointer type dogs and poodle or barbet type dogs). Other dogs in the German wirehaired pointer's background are thought to include the wirehaired pointing griffon, stichelhaar, Polish water dogs and early German shorthairs. According to one source, bloodhounds and foxhounds might also be in the background of the breed. 2) Temperament German Wirehaired Pointers are smart, curious, determined dogs with a lot of energy. They also have an independent streak and will sometimes only work for someone they like. This combination can be challenging for new dog owners or inexperienced trainers. Giving GWPs a job to do can be helpful because it engages their minds and gives them a satisfying sense of purpose. The job doesn’t need to be complicated; it can be as simple as fetching the paper from the front stoop every morning, as long as it keeps them busy and out of trouble. 3) Family Pet German Wirehaired Pointers are intensely devoted to their people. If they’re raised in a one-person household, they’re likely to become one-person dogs, but those raised in a human family will bond to the whole clan, although they still might pick a favorite. They will be happiest if they can spend a lot of time with their humans. 4) Living With These dogs need lots of vigorous exercise daily; otherwise, they will become restless and difficult to manage. Consequently, they are not suitable dogs for people living in apartments or very small homes. They do best in the country where they have plenty of fenced acreage on which to romp, and they especially appreciate an opportunity to swim and fetch. German wirehaired pointers are hunters by nature and may try to roam or go after neighborhood livestock. 5) Excercise The activity level of German Wirehaired Pointers is quite high, so they need regular, vigorous exercise. They do well with a fenced yard, daily walks, and participation in physical activities like outdoor sports. This is not a breed to succeed as a couch potato or lap dog. 6) Grooming German wirehaired pointers are considered average shedders. Brushing the coat a couple of times weekly, occasional stripping, and bathing as needed are all that is necessary to groom this dog. 7) Popularity Today, the German wirehaired pointer is one of the most popular dogs in Germany, where it is known as the Drahthaar. It came to America in the 1920s and achieved AKC recognition in 1959; however, the breed has attained only modest popularity in America. 8) Sporting Group German Wirehaired Pointers are members of the Sporting Group, and like other breeds in that group, they’re likeable, energetic, and alert. Sporting breeds follow their well-developed instincts, whether they’re in the forest or in the water, which makes them popular with hunters and people who love the outdoors. 9) Coat The wiry German Wirehaired Pointers’ coat is weather-resistant and virtually water-repellent, allowing them to work in harsh conditions. Their fur is rough and straight, from one and one-half-to-two inches long, and lies flat against the skin. It protects a GWP’s body from thorny bushes and bad weather while it’s hunting on land, and its density helps the dog work equally well in cold water. 10) Appearance Adult males are about 25 inches tall and weigh about 70 pounds (32 kilograms). Females are a bit shorter at 24 inches, and they weigh about 60 pounds (27 kilograms). German wirehaired pointers are slightly longer than they are tall, and they have a relatively short back. The ears hang down, and the tail usually is docked. Source: http://www.akc.org/content/entertainment/articles/9-fun-facts-about-the-german-wirehaired-pointer/ http://www.hillspet.com/en/us/dog-breeds/german-wirehaired-pointer
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