At a glance the quick version
The FCI and AKC standards give no weight. Hill's gives typical weights of about 70 lb (about 32 kg) for males and about 60 lb (about 27 kg) for females; these are typical figures, not limits.
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.145
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.143
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.53
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.35
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.53
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.3
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 1954.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In Germany it is simply called the Drahthaar, meaning "wire hair".3
- 2
It is built to work before and after the shot on land and in water, which is why its coat is so weatherproof.1
- 3
In Germany it has averaged a little over 3,000 registrations a year between 2010 and 2024.2
- 4
The AKC standard calls the wiry coat the breed's most distinctive feature.4
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 1954.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Gundog group; not a vulnerable native breed.5
- AKC
- Sporting Group; current standard approved 10 October 2006, effective 1 January 2007.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a German Wirehaired Pointer. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 98, Deutsch Drahthaar fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
- German Wirehaired Pointer, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, FCI acceptance, registrations, history
- Hill's Pet, German Wirehaired Pointer hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, care, social needs
- AKC Official Standard, German Wirehaired Pointer images.akc.orgused for height, coat, colour, temperament, AKC standard dates
- The Royal Kennel Club, German Wirehaired Pointer royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, living needs
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.