German Wirehaired Pointer

The creation of the breed resulted from the will of Siegfried Hegwald, Baron von Zedlitz und Neukirch, who federated a group of German breeders to obtain a versatile pointing dog, courageous, endowed with the nose of a good retriever and a hard and impenetrable coat to brave the most difficult terrains and climates. The selection followed the principle that "efficiency determines type". Breeders took the liberty of crossing the best specimens of hard-coated breeds: the pudelpointer, the Korthals Griffon, the German Shorthaired Pointer. A more controversial thesis claims that the Airedale Terrier and the Italian hard-coated hound were also used. They introduced by crossing German Shorthaired Pointer blood to obtain within a few years their ideal dog: the drahthaar. The drahthaar became in a few decades the preferred hunting dog of the Germans (and inhabitants of many other countries).

The character of the drahthaar is described in the FCI standard as firm, self-assured, balanced, without fear of game, neither timid nor aggressive. The drahthaar is an energetic dog when hunting, but gentle at home. It appreciates the company of children and shows much affection for its master; it can be distant towards strangers.

The drahthaar is a large pointing dog, of harmonious and dry construction. It should give an impression of speed and suppleness. The gaits are energetic, with great scope, easy and harmonious. The length of the trunk and the height at the withers should preferably be equal, and the length of the trunk must not exceed the height at the withers by more than 3 cm. The limbs are robust and dry, they are straight and parallel seen from the front and well placed under the body. The tail is carried horizontally or slightly directed upwards. It is docked for hunting in countries where tail docking is authorized. In natural length, it reaches the hock. The eyes are as dark as possible, with a lively and alert expression. The medium-sized drooping ears are not papillated.

Education must first create a bond of trust between the dog and its master. It requires a certain firmness. The first months of the puppy are very important in terms of training, because the drahthaar's memory is excellent. The drahthaar adapts to city living but it is necessary to make long daily outings, coupled with more sporting activities on weekends.