German Wirehaired Pointer
Also known as Drahthaar, Deutsch Drahthaar, Braque allemand à poil dur
- Height at the withers
- 57 to 68 cm
- Weight
- 25 to 34 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Germany
- FCI group
- 7 · Pointing dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A sturdy, solidly built pointing dog, recognizable by its harsh “wire” coat, its beard and its bushy eyebrows, the German Wirehaired Pointer was bred to do everything in the hunt, in open fields, woods and marshes, before and after the shot. Steady, well-balanced and very attached to its owner, it is more reserved with strangers and needs a demanding hunting or sporting life.
History and origins
Breeding began in late 19th-century Germany, in the wake of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (Korthals), then took shape in the early 20th century around the ideas of Baron von Zedlitz und Neukirch, known as “Hegewald,” who wanted a German wire-haired hunting dog that was effective and firm in character. Crosses between griffons, Stichelhaars, Pudelpointers and shorthaired pointers fixed the type, on the principle that working ability shapes the body. The German club (Verein Deutsch-Drahthaar) was founded in 1902, and the breed, recognized by the FCI (standard no. 98), is now one of the most widespread pointing dogs in Germany. In France, it appeals mostly to big-game hunters and fans of versatile dogs, with about 700 dogs registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- von Willebrand disease
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
- Entropion / ectropion
- Ear infections
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Low shedding, low coat care. Coat colors: brown roan (brown mixed with white), with or without patches, black roan (grizzled), with or without patches, brown, with or without a white patch on the chest, light roan.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
German Wirehaired Pointer FAQ
How big does the German Wirehaired Pointer get?
The German Wirehaired Pointer stands 57 to 68 cm at the withers and weighs 25 to 34 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the German Wirehaired Pointer shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care.
Can the German Wirehaired Pointer live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the German Wirehaired Pointer need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the German Wirehaired Pointer good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the German Wirehaired Pointer live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as von Willebrand disease.
