As there is no German Wirehaired Pointer club affiliated with DOGS Victoria, please direct all enquiries to the Victorian Gundog Club.
About German Wirehaired Pointer
Background
German Wirehaired Pointers or GWPs trace their origins back about 120 years. They originated in Germany, where breeders wanted to develop a rugged, versatile hunting dog that would work closely with either one person or a small party of persons hunting on foot in varied terrain; from the mountainous regions of the Alps, to dense forests, to more open areas with farms and small towns. The primary ancestor of the GWP was a breed called the Pudelpointer. The Pudelpointer, itself, was developed by crossing the Pudelpointer to a variety of continental hunting including the Griffon, Stichelhaar, Polish water dogs, early German Shorthairs, etc. the breed we know today as the German Wirehaired Pointer evolved. Since the turn of the century the breed has been selectively bred with the specific aim of obtaining an assertive and working-efficient wire-haired German gundog. In a short period of time a working gundog was created which excels, due to his versatility and his practical weather-resistant coat. Within a few decades, due to these qualities, the breed turned out to be the most preferred and reliable amongst the large working gundogs in Germany and in many countires of the world.
Average Lifespan
About 12-14 years of age.
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
GWPs are extremely devoted dogs. When raised in a home with one owner, they become very definite one-person dogs. When raised in a home with several people, including children, they become devoted to the whole family, although some dogs may attach more strongly to one member of the household. GWPs and kids do very well together. On the other hand, an adult GWP that has not been raised with children may need strict supervision if sold into a home with young children. GWPs make superb companion dogs and pets. In fact, they crave human companionship, doing best in a home where they are permitted a very warm, close relationship with their people. They are one Sporting Breed that does not make a good kennel dog, nor a dog that lives all its life in a backyard with little contact with humans.
Compatibility with other pets
Some may try to dominate other animals but most will get along well with other dogs and household animals.
Care Requirements
The breed is primarily a hunting dog. These dogs are highly possessive. They are smart, proud, stand-up dogs. If challenged by another dog, or seriously mistreated by humans, or when their home and family are in danger, a typical GWP is quite capable of fighting or biting. It is their intelligence, however, that can become the GWPs downfall. Without interaction with their family, GWPs can become easily bored. Without mental stimulis, they can become destructive and noisy in their attempt to "find something to do".
Ideal Owner/s
The German Wirehaired Pointer is not recommended for apartment life. This breed is more than a match for even the most active family and they should not be taken on as a family pet unless they can guarantee plenty of vigorous exercise. They are excellent jogging companions and love to swim and retrieve. They can be somewhat high strung and very active indoors; needs plenty of exercise to prevent extreme indoor restlessness. They will do best with at least a large yard.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the German Wirehaired Pointer and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
The ANKC breed standard for the German Wirehaired Pointer
