June 4, 2025, 9:07 am | Read time: 5 minutes
With its bushy eyebrows, weather-resistant wiry coat, and watchful gaze, the German Wirehaired Pointer not only symbolizes German hunting passion but embodies it to perfection. However, its rugged charm and loyal expression can be deceiving: Behind the distinctive beard lies a highly specialized hunting assistant with a demanding nature. Who this four-legged companion is truly suited for—and why one shouldn’t be swayed by appearances alone.
The Deutsch Drahthaar is a prime example of functional breeding: Developed to fulfill all tasks of a hunting dog in field, forest, and water, it impresses with versatility, robustness, and intelligence. Since the early 20th century, the motto “Through performance to type” has been the standard for its pure breeding, earning it a solid position among Germany’s most popular pointing dogs. However, the Drahthaar is not a dog for everyone. Without hunting leadership or at least adequate substitute activities, this working dog risks being underutilized—with all the consequences. Breeding is strictly controlled, with annual tests like the Hegewald, where only the most capable dogs are passed on. Choosing this breed means choosing responsibility—and a loyal partner with hunting instincts.
Origin
The origins of the Deutsch Drahthaar lie in Germany at the end of the 19th century. The goal was to create a particularly versatile all-purpose dog from various rough-haired hunting dog breeds. Breeds like Griffon, Pudelpointer, and Deutsch Stichelhaar were deliberately crossed. Later, the breeding line was supplemented with the Deutsch Kurzhaar to refine the abilities in pointing and searching. The focus was always on hunting performance—the appearance was secondary. The development was significantly influenced by Freiherr Sigismund von Zedlitz and Neukirch (“Hegewald”), who demanded that only high-performing animals be allowed for breeding. This philosophy led to the founding of the Verein Deutsch-Drahthaar in 1902, which continues to enforce strict breeding criteria. Over decades, the Deutsch Drahthaar became the most widespread pointing dog breed in Germany—with over 3,000 puppies annually in the VDH. Internationally, the Drahthaar has also established itself, even finding hunting use at royal courts in Sweden and Spain.
Appearance & Coat
The Deutsch Drahthaar is a strong, medium to large hunting dog. Its weight varies depending on gender and body structure, ranging from about 27 to 35 kilograms. The breed displays a muscular, compact build with a deep chest and harmonious movement. The tail is carried horizontally to slightly raised and is often docked for hunting purposes—where legally permitted.
Distinctive features include bushy eyebrows and a dense beard on the upper and lower jaw, giving the dog an expressive, often described as endearing face. The weather-resistant coat is particularly striking: The wiry topcoat is two to three centimeters long, hard, and lies close. Beneath it, a dense, water-repellent undercoat protects against moisture, thorns, and cold. The standard allows for colors such as roan, black roan (with or without patches), and brown with or without a white chest spot.
Character & Temperament
The Deutsch Drahthaar is an energetic, confident, and resilient hunting dog with a pronounced willingness to work. Its nature is considered stable and balanced. The Drahthaar shows courage, high learning ability, and strong nerves—it is neither shy nor aggressive, but often reserved with strangers. It forms close bonds with its handler and is affectionate, playful, and humorous in familiar surroundings. Properly exercised, it can be an excellent family dog, but it is not merely a companion dog. A certain readiness to defend against humans was tolerated in breeding but should never be unintentionally encouraged. The Deutsch Drahthaar needs clear structures, mental challenges, and tasks to fully develop its potential.
Training
Training the Deutsch Drahthaar requires experience, consistency, and empathy. Due to its intelligence and quick comprehension, it learns rapidly but also tests boundaries. Therefore, the breed is not suitable for beginners. Professional hunting training ideally begins in puppyhood—such as through handler courses at hunting dog clubs. These include basic obedience, pointing, tracking, retrieving, water work, and gun steadiness. At home, a loving yet firm leadership is important. Unwise yielding—such as giving in to begging—can quickly become a habit. Those who lead their Drahthaar clearly but fairly gain a highly cooperative partner.
Proper Care & Maintenance
The Deutsch Drahthaar belongs exclusively in responsible hands—ideally those of hunters or very active dog sports enthusiasts. It is not a city dog and unsuitable for pure apartment living. Optimal conditions include a house with a large yard and daily physical and mental exercise. Without hunting leadership, it should be regularly challenged through scent work, dummy training, mantrailing, or tracking. Long walks, running, or riding can provide additional stimulation.
Coat care is simple: Regular brushing is sufficient, as the harsh topcoat is dirt-repellent and easy to maintain.
Nutrition
The nutrition of the Deutsch Drahthaar must be adjusted to its energy needs. A working hunting dog has a high calorie consumption depending on the area of use (such as searching or water work). Recommended is a diet with high meat and moderate fat content. Feeding should be completed before hunting activities to minimize the risk of gastric torsion—ideally, the last meal is given the night before. During hunting, only small snacks or fluid breaks are allowed. With heavy exertion, sufficient water breaks—especially in heat—are essential. For dogs with less activity, the food can be adjusted accordingly or supplemented in a BARF-compliant manner.
Susceptibility to Certain Diseases
The Deutsch Drahthaar is considered an overall robust breed with careful breeding selection. Hip dysplasia (HD) and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) of the shoulder are rare thanks to strict controls. However, some hereditary diseases are known: including entropion (eyelid malformation), epilepsy, hemophilia B, and von Willebrand disease (blood clotting disorder). A rarer but serious condition is craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO), which primarily affects young dogs and can lead to painful changes in the skull area. Regular veterinary examinations, health certificates of the parent animals, and breeding under the VDD standard minimize the risk of genetic diseases.
Can the German Longhaired Pointer Also Be Kept as a Family Dog?
Correct Keeping and Care of the American Pit Bull Terrier
For Experts Only: The Beagle Harrier Can Quickly Become Bored as a Family Dog
The Deutsch Drahthaar at a Glance
- Character: Confident, handler-oriented, eager to learn, hunting, highly motivated
- Size: Males 61–68 cm, Females 57–64 cm
- Weight: approx. 27–35 kg
- Coat & Colors: Wiry, robust, with undercoat; roan, black roan, brown
- Maintenance Effort: low—regular brushing is sufficient
- Special Features: All-purpose dog for field, forest, and water; not suitable for beginners