German Wirehaired Pointer

  • Female German Wirehaired Pointers are slightly smaller than males. They should not stand less than 22 inches tall. Males stand up to 26 inches tall. All German Wirehaired Pointers should weigh between 60 and 70 pounds.

    German Wirehaired Pointers are multi-purpose companions who can be excellent companions on a hunt and affectionate family dogs indoors. They are happiest when they are able to spend plenty of time in the company of their owners. Their unique coat gives them a distinctive appearance and requires occasional care to maintain its texture and shape.

    View Grooming Diagram for german wirehaired pointer
German Wirehaired Pointer
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Brushing

A light weekly brushing will help the German Wirehaired Pointer keep his coat clean and tidy. Use a slicker brush to remove dead hairs.

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Bathing

With preparation, perseverance and a positive attitude, bathing can become a fun and fulfilling part of the regular grooming cycle, while helping your dog avoid many diseases and infections.

The general rule of thumb for dog bathing is every three months but wire-coated dogs can be done with greater frequency, often within a four-to-six week range. The coat should end up fresh smelling, shiny, with no loose or shedding hair. First give the dog a good brushing to remove dead hair and mats. Place a rubber mat in the tub to provide secure footing and fill the tub with three to four inches of lukewarm water. Use a spray hose, pitcher or unbreakable cup to wet the dog, taking caution to avoid getting water in the eyes, ears and nose. Massage in pet shampoo, saving the head for last. Immediately rinse thoroughly, starting with the head to prevent soap from dripping into the eyes. Towel dry. The coat should be fresh smelling, with no loose or shedding hair.

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Hair Clipping

German Wirehaired Pointers will benefit from some light stripping at least twice a year to remove dead hairs and help create a defined shape throughout their coat.

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Nails

Many dog owners are apprehensive about trimming their dog’s nails because they are nervous about cutting into the quick. But with the right conditioning and careful cutting, nail clipping can be a simple, stress-free activity for you and your dog.

Provide your dog with plenty of positive reinforcement and even treats to help associate nail clipping with a positive experience.  As you start to clip, gently press on your dog’s paws to help him become accustomed to the feeling of having his nails clipped. Then, work gradually, shaving down just a thin portion of the nail at first to make sure you don’t reach the quick. Clip one nail, reward your dog with a treat, and stop to give him some positive reinforcement before moving on. Gradually increase the number of nails you clip in one sitting to help your dog get used to the process. Never trim extremely long nails down to a short nail in one sitting, because this is an excellent way to accidently quick the dog’s nail. Instead, work gradually, shaving small portions of your dog’s nails off each time.

You can tell if you’re getting close to the quick by the texture of your dog’s nail. The nail is hard closer to the surface and becomes softer as you get closer to the quick. If your dog’s nail starts to feel softer, that’s a good indication that you’re getting close to the quick.

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Eyes / Ears

Check your dog's hanging ears weekly for infection and trim hair around the ears and feet if it seems to become painful for your dog.

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Teeth

German Wirehaired Pointers should have their teeth brushed twice or three times a week to help their mouths stay fresh and their teeth stay healthy.