German Wirehaired Lab

German Wirehaired Lab History

The German Wirehaired Pointer, also commonly referred to as the German Pointer, is a breed of gundog, developed originally for hunting, and used as a pointer. The coat of the German Pointer is coarse, wiry, and straight, with harsh guard hairs. The fur can be any color, although a brown or yellow coat is preferred. The hair on the tip of the nose and whiskers is erect. The origin of the name is not entirely clear. One theory is that it is derived from the surname of a 16th-century hunter, Hans Hirth, who is said to have owned such a dog. Another theory, which has gained considerable support in recent years, is that the name comes from the word “wire”, referring to the wire-like texture of the hair. This is based on the fact that a wirehaired pointing and flushing hound was described in the 1611 book titled the “Theatrum Animæ” by Conrad Gessner, who was a German naturalist and physician. This text described a “wire-haired griffon”, which is generally considered to be a forerunner of the modern German Pointer.

German Wirehaired Lab Physical Characteristics

The German Wirehaired Lab is a mid-sized, non-sporting breed that is typically slightly smaller than the German Shorthair Pointer and is larger than the Springer Spaniel. The average height of this breed is between 18 to 22 inches. The weight for males and females is between 50 and 60 pounds and 40 to 60 pounds respectively. They have a thick, double coat that is long, hard and coarse. Their undercoat is thick, soft and woolly. The guard hairs are mostly straight however they are slightly wavy. The coloring for this breed of dog is white, gold, amber, or red.

German Wirehaired Lab Health

Description of breed health.

German Wirehaired Lab Temperament and Behaviour

The German Wirehaired Lab is an energetic, friendly and protective breed of dog. They are very friendly and love to be around people, especially children. They are highly intelligent and eager to learn, which means they make excellent candidates for any canine sport, from obedience to agility. They also make wonderful family companions, and are very patient with younger children.

German Wirehaired Lab Activity Requirements

German Wirehaired Labs are a hybrid between the Standard and Miniature Labrador Retriever. They are a high-energy dog that loves to play, swim, and retrieve. Like most other retriever breeds, they need lots of exercise and regular opportunities to burn off their excess energy. A daily walk or run is a good routine for these active dogs. If you live in an apartment or don’t have easy access to a yard, be prepared to take your German Wirehaired Lab to a park or on long walks. These dogs are intelligent, loyal, and eager to please. They are great with children and do well in homes with other dogs. If you are looking for a high-energy dog with lots of love to give, a German Wirehair may be your perfect match.

Kennel Club Recognition