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German Wirehaired Pointers
When the Germans wanted a dog that could do it all, they created the
German Wirehaired Pointer, a versatile, multi-purpose hunting dog.
Strong and medium-sized, with a typical Pointer personality, the breed’s
most distinctive feature is its functional wiry coat. Weather resistant
and water-repellant, the outer coat is straight, harsh, wiry and flat
lying, which helps to protect the dog against rough cover while hunting.
The coat must be liver and white in color.
 Most of the
early wirehaired Pointers represented a combination of Griffon,
Stichelhaar (both mixtures of Pointer, Foxhound, Pudelpointer, and
Polish water dog), Pudelpointer (a cross of Poodle and Pointer) and
German Shorthair. The Germans continued to breed the distinctive traits
of Pointer, Foxhound, and Poodle until they had created what is today
the German Wirehair, a constitutionally tough, courageous breed who
points and retrieves equally well on land and in water.
Loyal and affectionate, the German Wirehaired Pointer craves human
companionship and bonds closely with its "people." A high energy and
high drive breed, the Wirehair must receive regular exercise or have a
job to do; otherwise their creativity and independence may get them into
trouble! Although they shed lightly year-round, Wirehairs with a correct
coat require only minimal grooming. |
Pointers
A hard-driving hunting dog possessing stamina,
courage, and the desire to go, the Pointer is bred primarily for sport
afield and definitely looks the part. He gives the impression of power
and grace, with a noble carriage, an intelligent expression and a
muscular body. His short coat can be liver, lemon, black, and orange;
either in combination with white or solid-colored.
 Pointers first appeared in England around 1650 and
were the first breed used to stand game. Before wing-shooting with guns
became popular, Pointers were often used to locate and point hares in
conjunction with Greyhound coursing. The Pointer's lineage is foggy, but
there is no question that it includes Foxhound, Greyhound, and
Bloodhound crossed with some sort of "setting spaniel," which played an
important part in the creation of all modern bird dogs.
The Pointer's even temperament and alert good sense
make him a congenial companion both in the field and in the home, but he
requires both physical and mental exercise. He should be dignified, but
should never show timidity toward man or dog. The breed’s short coat is
easy to care with minimal effort.
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