How to Identify a German Wirehaired Pointer

The German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP) is a hunting dog that originated in Germany and is a member of the sporting group. [1] This dog breed does share some characteristics with other breeds, such as the German Shorthaired Pointer, but it has several distinguishing traits as well. This How.com.vn will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog is a German Wirehaired Pointer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Body Structure

  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Notice the dog's size.
    Male German Wirehaired Pointers are typically between 24–26 inches (61–66 cm) tall, while females are at least 22 inches (56 cm) tall. Both male and female German Wirehaired Pointers usually weigh somewhere between 50–70 pounds (23–32 kg).[2]
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Examine the dog's head overall.
    German Wirehaired Pointers have a head that is somewhat long, with a broad skull and a not-too-noticeable occipital bone. [3]
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  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 View the dog's ears.
    German Wirehaired Pointers have rounded, not-too-broad ears that hang close to their head. [4]
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 See what the dog's eyes look like.
    German Wirehaired Pointers have brown-colored, medium-sized eyes that have an oval contour and should appear clear and bright. You should also notice eyebrows that are medium in length. [5]
  5. How.com.vn English: Step 5 Look at the dog's tail.
    Around 2/5 of the tail's original length on a German Wirehaired Pointer should be docked. In addition, the tail is set high on the dog, and whenever the dog is alert, the tail should be carried either above or at the horizontal. [6]
  6. How.com.vn English: Step 6 Take note of the dog's overall appearance.
    Overall, German Wirehaired Pointers should appear to have a sturdy build. The dog is also well-muscled, with a size that is balanced. The dog's gait, when looked at from the side, should appear smooth and free. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Noticing the Coat

  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Look for a liver and white coat color.
    German Wirehaired Pointers are usually liver and white in color, and they may be either liver roan, solid liver, liver and white spotted, or liver and white spotted with roaning and ticking. However, their head and ears are always liver-colored, though you may notice a white blaze on the dog's head. [8]
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Feel the texture of the dog's outer coat.
    The dog's outer coat should have a wiry, harsh feel. [9]
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Check the coat's overall appearance.
    Overall, a German Wirehaired Pointer should have an undercoat that is dense in the wintertime (enough so to insulate the dog against cold temperatures) but thin almost to the point of invisibility in the summertime. The dog's outer coat should appear straight and lie flat, and it should be long enough to protect the dog from cover that is rough but not so long where it hides the dog's outline. The coat is shorter on the dog's lower legs and the skull, where it is also close-fitting. The coat should appear heavy and dense surrounding the dog's tail and over their shoulders. You should also notice whiskers and a "beard" that are medium-sized. [10]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking a Look at Temperament

  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Know that this dog is loyal.
    German Wirehaired Pointers are known to be loyal to and affectionate with their family, though they may have one particular family member who is their favorite. [11]
    • In fact, this dog is so loyal to their family that they may develop separation anxiety if they are left alone for long periods of time. [12]
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Notice a need for regular exercise.
    German Wirehaired Pointers are very active dogs who need regular exercise through things such as games of fetch, time in the yard, or a run. [13]
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Be aware of aggression towards other dogs.
    German Wirehaired Pointers may be aggressive towards other dogs, especially a male dog towards another male, so this is definitely something to keep in mind. [14]
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Realize that this dog may chase cats or other small animals.
    German Wirehaired Pointers can potentially chase cats or other small animals, so this is definitely something you'll want to be aware of. [15]
  5. How.com.vn English: Step 5 Understand that this dog may be aloof with strangers.
    Although German Wirehaired Pointers are generally friendly towards people that they know, they may act aloof towards strangers. [16]
  6. How.com.vn English: Step 6 Find out if the dog is a good watchdog.
    German Wirehaired Pointers are typically good watchdogs who will bark at any strangers they happen to see coming towards their house. [17]
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      Tips

      • If you're wondering what breed your dog is, consider dog DNA testing. This can help confirm whether or not your dog is a German Wirehaired Pointer.
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      2 votes - 60%
      Co-authors: 2
      Updated: March 23, 2021
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