Instructions
Look at the size and proportion of the dog. The male German Wirehaired Pointer is 24" to 26" tall measured at the withers; the female is a bit smaller, but should not be shorter than 22" at the withers. The body is a bit longer than high. In order to be versatile and have agility and endurance in the field, the German Wirehaired Pointer should not be over- or undersized.
Make sure the head has the correct conformation. It is moderately long. The brown eyes are medium in size and oval-shaped. The rounded ears should not be overly broad and should hang close to the head. The muzzle is quite long, ending in a dark brown nose that has wide-open nostrils. The nose should be completely pigmented and should not be spotted or flesh-colored.
Check that the neck is of medium length and does not have a dewlap. The skin should be tight to the body. The chest is deep and has well-sprung ribs leading back to a tuck-up under the short back. The tail is high-set and should be carried up when the dog is alert. The tail is docked 2/5 of its length in this breed. The front leg bones are more flat than round, and while strong, should not be heavy or coarse. The dewclaws are removed. The round feet are webbed and have high arches and close toes leading to thick, hard pads. The muscular thighs are strong, and their angles balance out the forequarters. The dewclaws are removed. The feet are the same as the front feet.
Feel the wiry coat. This is the German Wirehaired Pointer’s distinctive feature. The weather-resistant coat repels water to some extent. This breed also has a dense undercoat that helps to insulate against the cold. In the summer, the undercoat thins out so much that you may not be able to tell it exists. The outer coat should be wiry, harsh and lie flat on the body. It is not more than 1" to 2" in length. The coat is usually liver-and-white-spotted, but may be liver roan, solid liver or liver-and-white-spotted with some ticking and roaning. The head is usually liver, and may have a white blaze. There should be no black in the coat.
How to Identify a German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer has a reliable temperament, but may be aloof at times. Nonetheless, it should not be unfriendly with strangers. The loyal companion is affectionate and eager to please. It is a well-muscled breed that is balanced in size, making a determined, intelligent and energetic hunter.