The German Wirehaired Pointer

Fit for Function

What is a GWP ?

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a continental, HPR (hunt-point-retrieve) gundog. It is a courageous breed, with a keen nose and protective coat making it a truely versatile gundog.

As an HPR breed, the GWP’s primary role is to;

  • Search any type of terrain in front of the hunter (hunt)
  • Locate and stop to indicate game (point)
  • Retrieve injured or dead game that has been shot (retrieve)

It is bred to be capable of hunting before and after the shot in a variety of situations – on land, in the woods and in water – and hunting both small furred and feathered game, through to large quarry such as deer and wild boar.

A natural pointer, the GWP is also an excellent retriever, waterfowl dog and blood tracking dog and of course, intended to be a well adjusted family dog also.

Origins of the Breed

The German Wirehaired Pointer has its origins in the Germany’s third most popular breed, the Deutsch Drahthaar.

The Deutsch Drahthaar was developed in the early 1900’s a gundog so versatile that a hunter would not need any other dog but also expected to be a loyal, family dog.

The Deutsch Drahthaar was developed by combining four breeds:

  • Deutsch Kurtzhaar (German Shorthaired Pointer)
  • Stichelhaar
  • Pudelpointer
  • Pointing Griffon

The UK German Wirehaired Pointer breed standard is governed by the KC (with input from the GWP Club). It is similar to, but different to, the Deutsch Drahthaar FCI breed standard.

GWP Champions

Here is a complete KC list of all Champions in our breed, in the show ring and in the field.

List of GWP Champions

Complete list of all GWP Champions recorded with the KC to date

Further Information

If you want to research different breeds of dog and compare to the German Wirehaired Pointer, then the Kennel Club provide some useful information about puppies and dog breeds in general.

KC Guide – German Wirehaired Pointer

The KC breed information centre for the German Wirehaired Pointer.

KC Breed Standard

The official KC breed standard for the German Wirehaired Pointer in the UK.