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German Wire-haired Pointers are medium-large sized hunting dogs with lots of talents. They love hunting, retrieving, or just about any kind of doggie sport. They are smart and headstrong, so a firm yet kind approach is necessary to create the best relationship with your German Wire-haired Pointer.
German Wire-haired Pointers are smart. In fact, they will try to outsmart their owners, so expect them to put their own little twist on whatever you’re trying to get them to do. They are very affectionate and loyal to their own families but usually don’t shower love upon new people they’ve just met. Hunting, dog sports, or just about any outdoor activity will help keep an always-energetic German Wire-haired Pointer happy and on their best behavior.
The coarse coat of a German Wire-haired Pointer has a few yearly grooming requirements. You’ll need to strip the dead hair out of their coat with a stripping knife twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. Otherwise, brush their coats to keep them clean, or give them a bath if they’ve played in something that’s particularly pungent.
German Wire-haired Pointers like to live in a place where they’ve got room to burn off their excessive supply of energy. Homes with large yards where it’s safe for a dog to play are ideal for the breed. They usually don’t get along too well with other pets and can be aggressive toward animals that they don’t know. German Wire-haired Pointers who are raised around children do just fine with them, but it’s best to keep an eye on any older dog who is meeting children for the first time.
German Wire-haired Pointers need to remain occupied. They can learn to be a champ at almost any dog sport or would be happy to be your marathon training partner. Traditionally, they are used as hunting dogs and are excellent retrievers on land and in the water. If you’re not a hunter, they’ll still be equally as happy to retrieve a toy until your arm is too tired to throw it any longer. You should plan to exercise a German Wire-haired Pointer at least an hour every day.