Orlovia
At the end of the 19th century, the German Wirehaired Pointer was successfully bred. The hunting cynologist Sigismund Freiherr von Zedlitz and Neukirch wanted to breed a powerful and robust hunting dog. For this he crossed the breeds Deutsch Stichelhaar, Kurzhaar, Griffon Korthals and Pudelpointer. This resulted in this very beautiful and healthy animal, which, as a full-fledged pointing dog, belongs in the hands of a hunter – or should be given other tasks.
The Appearance of the German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer is one of the big dogs. Its ears are set high and drooping, and its nose and eyes are dark. As an athletic dog, its body shape is muscular and compact, but it has a harmonious demeanor. As its name suggests, its fur is wiry, which means that the individual fur hairs are very firm and two to four centimeters long. The dense undercoat keeps rain and cold away from the German Wirehaired Pointer’s skin, it is water-repellent and protects it from all weather conditions. Three coat variations of the German Wirehaired Pointer are bred: solid brown, brown roan, and black roan.
Characteristics of the German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a smart dog that is still primarily used as a hunting dog. Some breeders only sell their animals to hunters. There are good reasons for this because this breed needs a meaningful task, plenty of exercises, and, because of its hunting instinct, strong leadership. The German Wirehaired Pointer would urgently like to be integrated into a family. He is very fond of children and therefore a good choice as a family dog - if you can devote enough time to him and his zest for action. He is patient, docile, and watchful, so he likes to live outside, for example in a closed yard.
A Claim on a Potential Deutsch-Drahthaar Owner
The German Wirehaired Pointer is by no means an apartment dog. It is best for this animal to be able to freely guard its closed territory outside during the day or all day. Nevertheless, it must be additionally demanded. If this does not happen, he can tend to stray and shows himself resourceful to pave his way to freedom. Retrieving, running along on the bike, and dog sports are ways to exercise it and experience it in a balanced way. He is usually happiest when he is allowed to work as a hunting dog and pointer. Nevertheless, he needs a good connection to his human pack and enjoys extensive petting.
Education
Good leadership and consistency are the keywords for a well-bred German Wirehaired Pointer. Because they are a smart dog breed, the Wirehaired Pointer is a quick learner. However, you have to show him his limits, because he can be stubborn and has a strong hunting instinct. Therefore, he must learn from an early age that he must parry and obey all commands. An under-challenged Wirehaired Pointer is an unhappy dog.
Characteristics
- Weight: around 32 kilograms
- Height at the withers: 57 to 68 centimeters
- Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Upbringing: Moderate, needs strong leadership
- Care requirements: minimal
- Diseases: very hardy
- Special features: very fond of children, prefers to live as a hunting dog, not an apartment dog