Yes, German Wirehaired Pointer shed, but their wire-haired coat sheds less than some other breeds. The German Wirehaired Pointer doesn’t require much grooming — a regular brushing will do right by this breed.

Some German Wirehaired Pointers are good with cats. Because they were bred to hunt and retrieve, other German Wirehaired Pointers might have a natural inclination to chase smaller animals, including cats. That said, German Wirehaired Pointers can be good with cats, but their success in coexisting with them often depends on individual temperament, socialization, and training.

Yes, German Wirehaired Pointers are good with other dogs, especially when they have been properly socialized. Their friendly and sociable nature helps them get along well with other canine companions. They usually enjoy playing and interacting with other dogs. With the right socialization and supervision, German Wirehaired Pointers integrate well into multi-dog households and enjoy the company of other pups.

No, German Wirehaired Pointers are not hypoallergenic. While their wiry, dense coat sheds less than some other breeds, they still produce dander, a common allergen. If you or someone in your household has allergies, spend time with the breed before bringing a German Wirehaired Pointer into your home to see if there are any allergic reactions.

Yes, German Wirehaired Pointers are good with kids, especially older children. Their energetic and playful temperament suits boisterous children.

As with any breed, supervise interactions between dogs and young children to keep everyone safe and happy. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

German Wirehaired Pointers stop growing between 12 to 18 months of age. They may continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until around two years old. The growth rate can vary slightly based on individual factors like genetics and overall health. Regular exercise and a balanced diet during their growing phase will support their healthy development.

German Wirehaired Pointers are from, yep, Germany. The breed was developed in the late 19th century by German hunters seeking a versatile hunting dog with a robust coat that could handle various terrains and weather conditions. The breed is the result of crossing the now-extinct German Broken Coated Pointer with French Griffons and the Shorthaired Pointer.

German Wirehaired Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers are both excellent hunting dogs, but there are a few key differences. The German Shorthaired Pointer, as the name suggests, has a close, sleek coat; they also tend to be more outgoing compared to the German Wirehaired Pointer, a more reserved dog.

German Wirehaired Pointers are known for their distinctive, dense, wiry coat, which stands up to all kinds of weather and rough terrain. They are also known for their versatile hunting skills, work ethic, loyalty, and intelligence. 

German Wirehaired Pointers live 14 to 16 years. Like all breeds, their longevity can be influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and appropriate exercise will ensure they remain healthy and happy throughout their lives.

No, German Wirehaired Pointers do not bark a lot. A German Wirehaired Pointer may bark to alert their families to intruders, express excitement, or seek attention. In general, they are reserved and focused, especially when working or hunting. Like any breed, individual dogs may vary. Proper training and socialization can help manage their barking and ensure they are well-behaved.

Yes, German Wirehaired Pointers are good family dogs. They were bred to be both hunters and devoted companions, so this is a wonderful breed for a very active family that understands this dog’s need for consistent mental and physical stimulation. They are affectionate and high-energy dogs who require an active lifestyle and attentive pet parents.

German Wirehaired Pointers are relatively easy to train due to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and strong work ethic. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods and are quick learners when training is approached consistently and patiently. 

However, German Wirehaired Pointers also have an independent streak, which can make training a little tricky. Testing boundaries and displays of strong will mean training might take some time. A patient, firm, and gentle trainer will be best for this breed. Also, keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Yes, German Wirehaired Pointers are smart dogs. Their intelligence is one of their most winning attributes, contributing to their effectiveness as versatile hunting and working dogs. They are quick learners and can pick up commands and tasks with relative ease.

Yes, German Wirehaired Pointers are friendly dogs. They enthusiastically participate in family adventures, get along well with children and other pets, and are happy to meet new people. All dogs are different, however, so early socialization and positive experiences are important to help them develop into friendly dogs. Additionally, pet parents should always supervise interactions between any dogs and kids to ensure that both the dog and the child understand how to behave appropriately around each other.

The German Wirehaired Pointer is quite a sturdy dog with a relatively long average lifespan. However, they are prone to some common health issues, including:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a German Wirehaired Pointer, have them checked out by a vet to see if they are prone to getting dysplasia.

• Eye issues: Entropion, a genetic defect where one or both eyelids are inverted or roll inward and rub on the surface of the eye; and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness.

• Others: German Wirehaired Pointers are also prone to heart disease, seizures, and gastric dilatation-volvulus, a sudden, painful, and life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen. Due to their floppy ears, they can be prone to ear infections if not properly cleaned and dried. Your vet may recommend hip, eye, and imaging tests.