About the Breed

History

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. Hunters wanted a dog that would locate and point upland game, track wounded game, confront tough vermin, retrieve water fowl from land or water, and also function as a companion and watchdog. It was developed to be a close worker over any kind of terrain. A rough wiry coat was needed to hunt dense woods.

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.

What Are Their Temperaments Like?

The GWP is a complex breed. Intelligence, strong desire to please, sharpness are all qualities that make up the typical GWP. Many, GWP's have have a clown-like side to their personalities. They can be active, busy dogs that amuse themselves with various games. However, they are not 'hyper' dogs. In general, there are few more loving or interesting breeds.

It is their intelligence, however, that can become the GWP's downfall. Without interaction with their family, GWP's can become easily bored. Without mental stimulus, they can become destructive and noisy in their attempt to "find something to do." Because of their desire to please, the GWP does not require nor respond well to harsh or heavy-handed training. A GWP that is treated harshly or roughly may completely turn off, becoming fearful, sulky and/or remote, or may become a biter.

On the other hand, when permitted to develop a close relationship with one or more people, and when trained with respect for his intelligence and desire to please the GWP is a willing and able partner who will continue to amaze you with his quickness to learn and his desire to perform.

How is a GWP Different From a German Shorthair Pointer?

Other than the obvious difference of coat the two breeds are very different. While both breeds originated at about the same time, with the GSP slightly older, each was developed from distinctly different root stock. These difference not only make the two breeds different in coat texture and facial furnishings but they have different temperament and personality. GWP's have known to be more aloof towards strangers and more protective over their owners. They also have a calmer demeanor and not as hyper as a GSP.

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Contact

Belinda DeLaby

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