Page 213 - Showsight April 2013

Judging the german
Wirehaired Pointer
By Judy Cheshire The German Wirehaired
Pointer is first and fore-
most a versatile hunting
dog. It was developed
by a pragmatic people
to find game, point it
and retrieve it on both land and in water
and to blood track wounded game as well.
Its quarry was varied and ranged from
upland birds and waterfowl to rabbit, fox
and roe deer. The terrain that these dogs
hunted was diverse and besides versatility,
adaptability was a key goal in its develop-
ment. In this breed, a good percentage of
the dogs that you’ll see are in some way
utilized in the field. Therefore, prioritiz-
ing by function is the most positive way
that you can judge. The essence of the
breed is a rough coated, athletically built,
versatile hunting dog—practical, low
maintenance, efficient.
Many judges don’t see significant
numbers of German Wirehaired Pointers.
This, in itself, makes it a difficult breed
for some to evaluate. Additionally, it’s
often misrepresented as a German Short-
haired Pointer with a rough coat and
furnishingss—it is, rather, a breed onto
itself and not, nor was it ever, a “variety”.
Our standard, just like many other breed
standards, doesn’t always present a crystal
clear picture of its intent and interpreta-
tion can be difficult. There are also no
disqualifications in our standard. That
doesn’t mean that “anything goes” or that
no matter how much an individual dog
deviates from the standard, it should be
awarded championship points.
When a class of German Wirehaired
Pointers enters the ring, get a first impres-
sion of the dog that you’re judging. The
silhouette of the dog should be immedi-
ately identifiable as a GWP. Is the outline
pleasing, is the dog balanced, is there sub-
stance without coarseness? Do you get the
impression of athleticism and good capac-
ity for muscling? As you put your hands
on the dog to evaluate him, remember that
this dog should be sound, both physically
and mentally, and functional. “Function”
is the key to all aspects of the standard.
For example, if you have a dog with a light
eye and one with a soft, open coat, keep in
mind that the dog can see with an undesir-
able colored eye, but cannot be protected
in dense, harsh cover or in cold water with
a bad coat. Approach the dog from the
front so that it can see you and confidently
put your hands on him. Wirehairs usually
have a strong sense of self and their per-
sonal space. Not a breed you should stare
at or “coo” at!
From the side, the head should give a
rectangular appearance, the impression
of two rectangles with parallel planes and
relatively equal length. Facial furnishing
(beard and eyebrows) should be present,
in order to be protective, but not over-
ShowSight Magazine, April 2013 • 213