The German Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile hunting dog that is at home both in the fields and as a companion to active families, preferably those living in rural areas. These dogs have high exercise requirements--but otherwise, GWP care isn't very time-consuming. Below you'll find lots of details on caring for this active breed, including puppy development, exercise needs, and more. For answers to your questions about owning a German Wirehaired Pointer, read on!
German Wirehaired Pointer exercise--and lots of it--is a must in keeping these dogs happy and healthy. Since GWPs were developed to spend hours at a time in the field, they'll need a lot of physical activity on a daily basis. And since they're very intelligent and task-oriented, they'll do best if those activities stimulate them mentally as well as physically.
But specifically how much exercise does a German Wirehaired Pointer need? The typical adult GWP, depending on its age and overall activity level, will need 90 minutes of proper exercise per day at the very least--and most can probably handle twice that or more. You can begin exercising your German Wirehaired Pointer puppy at three months of age by taking it on short (10-minute) walks, then increasing the walks' length and frequency as the puppy grows.
A few precautions to keep in mind when exercising your GWP: first, puppies younger than nine months old shouldn't participate in activities that include a lot of jumping, running, and navigating of stairs, as doing so can injure their still-developing joints and bones. And regardless of age, a GWP will require a leash when in public. These dogs have very high prey drives, so they may take off after interesting-looking critters if given the chance; they can also be aggressive towards other dogs. A leash will help you control your GWP in these situations. Even when exercising a GWP in your own yard (which is hopefully large!), the area will need to be secured with a tall, sturdy fence to keep the dog from chasing other animals--which it may do for hours if it can.
Safeguards aside, owners must exercise their GWPs every single day. A bored or restless dog of this breed will become high-strung, disobedient, and destructive--so exercising a German Wirehaired Pointer is good for both your sakes! A few exercise ideas:
When indoors, it's a good idea to give your GWP access to one or more balls or chew-toys that will allow the dog to burn any excess energy. It's also recommended that you establish a consistent exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks or jogs after breakfast and dinner and a play period in the afternoon.
In terms of shedding and drooling, care needed for these dogs is fairly low overall. German Wirehaired Pointer shedding is year-round, but light; drooling isn't much of an issue.
GWPs have double-layered, wiry coats (hence the breed name) that shed all the time, but the shedding is fairly low. Weekly brushing, owners say, will keep the amount of shed hairs to a minimum. Owners may need to vacuum the floors and use lint rollers on clothes and furniture from time to time to pick up excess hair, but it won't be a constant need.
And a GWP might drool a bit in anticipation of food or when especially excited, but not much otherwise. If your GWP is drooling excessively, it may be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care will be necessary.
Read the grooming requirements for German Wirehaired Pointers including coat care and other maintenance.
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