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GWP Grooming Tips

We’ve outlined simple steps to help you maintain a clean, shiny and healthy GWP coat, making life with your whiskered companion easier.

For German Wirehaired Pointer breeders, the goal is to produce a dog with a low-maintenance coat that naturally repels dirt, burrs and water. However, this doesn’t always happen. Whether you’re a pet owner or a hunter, you don’t want to spend hours styling your Wirehair; instead, you want a tidy dog who doesn’t track mud from the yard or soak up water in their beard every time they drink.

Check out Laura’s video for more tips! Grooming should be a fun bonding time, not a chore. Start early and regular weekly sessions will keep the coat in great shape. Just 30 minutes a week is all it takes and your dog will love the attention.

GWP Daily Care

German Wirehaired Pointers are active, high-energy dogs that thrive on outdoor adventures with their human companions. They make excellent partners for long walks, hikes and any activity that keeps them engaged and moving.

Exercise

German Wirehaired Pointers are high-energy dogs that thrive on regular exercise. Daily walks, play sessions and mentally stimulating activities like hunting, obedience, tracking and agility keep them happy, healthy and engaged.

Feeding

Feed your Wirehair high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Puppies, adults and seniors have different needs. Always provide fresh water and consult your vet if unsure about diet or weight.

Health

While generally healthy, Wirehairs have breed-specific concerns. Work with a responsible breeder who tests for genetic conditions and schedule regular vet check-ups to ensure long-term health and well-being.

Personality

Wirehairs are affectionate and love being close to their owners. Without enough attention, they may develop undesired behaviors like barking, digging or shredding. Mental and physical stimulation is essential for a happy dog.

Bedtime

Wirehairs enjoy sleeping with their owners, but puppies should be crate-trained for the first 6 to 12 months. Once trained, sleeping in your bed can be a privilege that is earned and maintained with good behavior.

Trainability

German Wirehaired Pointers are intelligent, eager to please and generally easy to train. Early socialization and puppy classes help them develop into well-mannered companions, excelling in obedience, agility, tracking and hunting.

German Wirehaired Pointer Overview

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a well-muscled, medium-sized dog known for its weather-resistant, wiry coat and distinctive facial furnishings.

Head:
The moderately long head has brown, oval eyes, bright and clear, with medium-length eyebrows. The ears are rounded, close to the head and the skull is broad. The muzzle is straight and parallel to the skull, with a dark brown nose and wide-open nostrils. A spotted or flesh-colored nose is undesirable.

Body:
The neck is medium-length, slightly arched and free of dewlap. The chest is deep with well-sprung ribs, and the back is short, strong and straight. The tail is high-set, carried at or above horizontal and docked to about two-fifths of its original length.

Forequarters:
The shoulders are well laid back, and the forelegs are straight with elbows close. The legs are strong but not too heavy, allowing for natural agility. The feet are round, webbed, high-arched, with thick, hard pads and strong nails. Dewclaws are usually removed.

Coat:
The wiry coat is the breed’s signature feature, weather-resistant and water-repellent. It is harsh, flat-lying and 1-2 inches long, with shorter coat on the legs and between the toes. The skull is covered with short, close-fitting hair. The beard and whiskers are medium-length, and the eyebrows are strong and straight.

Hindquarters:
The hindquarters mirror the forequarters in balance, with strong, muscular thighs and straight, parallel hocks. Dewclaws are generally removed, and the feet are like the forequarters.