German Wirehaired Pointer

Also called Deutsch Drahthaar, Drahthaar, Deutscher Drahthaariger Vorstehhund

A steady, self-assured dog that is calm around gunfire and game.

Size	Large
Weight	27 to 32 kg (60 to 71 lb)males 32 kg, females 27 kg1
Height	56 to 68 cm (22 to 27 in)males 61 to 68 cm, females 56 to 64 cm2 3
Lifespan	12 to 14 years1 4
Coat	Wire coat
Origin	Germany, developed from the late 1800s as an all-round wire-coated hunting dog.2 4
Group	Pointing Dogs (FCI group 7)
Last checked	2026-09-30

Recognised breedShort profile

tireless all-round hunting partner

loyal and affectionate at home

keen to learn

2 3 5

Personality what they are like

A steady, self-assured dog that is calm around gunfire and game. At home it is loyal, affectionate and often funny, while it can be a little aloof with people it does not know, which also makes it a watchful companion.2 3 1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a German Wirehaired Pointer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

wire coat

A harsh, wiry, flat-lying outer coat about 2 to 4 cm long over a water-repellent undercoat, shorter on the head and ears. Bushy brows and a beard give the face its rugged, whiskery look, and the coat shields the dog in thick cover and bad weather.2 3 5

Coloursbrown roanblack roanlight roansolid brown/liverliver and white2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. The RKC advises more than two hours of exercise a day, and the breed loves swimming, retrieving and working in the field. It suits active, outdoorsy owners best.5 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush the wiry coat about twice a week, with occasional hand-stripping to tidy dead hair and baths only as needed.1 5

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to country living with plenty of secure space; a well-fenced garden or land is important because it loves to range.5 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, balanced commercial or vet-guided diet suited to the dog's size, age and activity level, with portions adjusted to keep a lean, athletic shape and fresh water always available.

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its family and does well with children and other pets when well socialised from a young age.1

The story where it all began

German hunters in the late 19th century wanted one tough dog for field, forest and water. Breeders led by Sigismund von Zedlitz und Neukirch combined rough-coated pointers such as the Pudelpointer and Griffon Korthals with the German Shorthaired Pointer, and the result was accepted by the FCI in 1954.2 4

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
In Germany it is simply called the Drahthaar, meaning "wire hair".1
2
It is built to work before and after the shot on land and in water, which is why its coat is so weatherproof.2
3
In Germany it has averaged a little over 3,000 registrations a year between 2010 and 2024.4
4
The AKC standard calls the wiry coat the breed's most distinctive feature.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'German Wirehaired Pointer' refers to its German origin, its wire-like harsh coat, and its pointing instinct. In German, it is called 'Deutsch Drahthaar', which literally means 'German Wirehair'.6

Name ideas for your new friend

RudiStachelFalkeLotteBrummZottelGiselaPfeilKugelHeinzMotteStrolch

A day in the life told by a German Wirehaired Pointer

I woke up and stretched my wiry legs. My human and I went to the field, I pointed at a pheasant, steady as a statue. Then we played fetch in the pond; I swam and shook water everywhere! At home, I curled on the rug, my funny beard dripping. I love my family and the muddy puddles. Tomorrow, more adventures!

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 98, Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.1 Continental Pointing Dogs, with working trial. Definitively accepted by the FCI in 1954.2
The Royal Kennel Club: Gundog group; not a vulnerable native breed.5
AKC: Sporting Group; current standard approved 10 October 2006, effective 1 January 2007.3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my German Wirehaired Pointer, and at what times?

Feed your adult German Wirehaired Pointer twice a day at consistent times, such as morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes.7

What should a German Wirehaired Pointer eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A complete, balanced commercial diet suited to your dog's size, age and activity level is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet for specific dietary needs.8

How often should I bathe a German Wirehaired Pointer?

Bathe your German Wirehaired Pointer only when needed, roughly every two months or so. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Over-bathing can strip the coat's natural oils.1 9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a German Wirehaired Pointer need brushing?

Brush your German Wirehaired Pointer's wiry coat about twice a week to remove loose hair and prevent mats. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly brushing, and occasional hand-stripping keeps the coat healthy.1 5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a German Wirehaired Pointer's nails, and how often?

Trim your dog's nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a German Wirehaired Pointer need?

Your German Wirehaired Pointer needs more than two hours of exercise daily, including walks, play, and opportunities to swim or retrieve. This breed thrives with active, outdoorsy owners. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play.5 1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a German Wirehaired Pointer's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, especially since floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a German Wirehaired Pointer live?

A German Wirehaired Pointer typically lives between 12 and 14 years with good care.1 4

Is a German Wirehaired Pointer good with children and other pets?

Yes, when well socialised from a young age, this breed is good with children and other pets. It bonds closely with its family and is loyal and affectionate at home.1

Can a German Wirehaired Pointer be left alone?

German Wirehaired Pointers can be left alone for short periods if well trained, but they thrive on companionship and may become anxious if left too long. It's best to ask your breeder or vet for advice tailored to your dog.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.