Page 222 - Showsight April 2013

The German Wirehaired
Pointer was originally
bred to be a “versatile”
gun dog. They had to
be adaptable to a myriad
of situations. Not only
were they used on many types of game—
upland birds, waterfowl, fox, hare, roe
deer—but in many types of cover, from
the forest to the open fields. Their purpose
not only included hunting to put food on
the table or for sport, but to be a family
companion and often to be the guardian
of a small farm or business in town. The
standard states “the German Wirehaired
Pointer is an intelligent, energetic and
determined hunter.” It also says that the
GWP is a “loyal and affectionate compan-
ion who is eager to please and enthusiastic
to learn”. What do these things mean in
terms of “what can a Wirehair do for you?”
Most people interested in this breed
enjoy hunting or competing in events
that utilize the dogs’ abilities in that area.
However, finding land and opportunities
to actually hunt are ever decreasing. Con-
sidering the numbers of GWPs registered
with AKC, the percentage of “Dual” dogs
(Dual Champions or Bench Champions
with an Amateur Field Championship or
Master Hunter title) is quite high. Those
involved in this breed have worked hard to
keep it that way, breeding for correct con-
formation and natural ability in the field.
The breed was created to hunt both feather
and fur, in varied terrain, to retrieve both
on land and in water and to have the
capability to track wounded game. These
capabilities go a long way in preparing the
dog to compete in multiple venues. The
AKC provides the GWP with many sports
to test its natural instincts in the field.
WHAT CAN A GERMAN
WIREHAIRED POINTER
DO FOR YOU? By Judy Cheshire
“THE bREED
WAs CREATED
TO HUNT
both feather and fur,
in varied terrain, to
retrieve both on land
and in water and to
have the capability to
track wounded game.”
222 • ShowSight Magazine, April 2013