German Wirehaired Pointer

My husband has been training Labrador Retrieverspoint, flush and retrieve not only upland game birds, but
since before we met. He is very good in working withalso water fowl and fur bearing animals.
the dogs. Before long I began helping him with fieldIn Europe the dogs are judged in all these categories.
training as well as basic obedience training. WeHe said that they are a very loyal and protective dog.
belonged to a retriever club and our dogs took part inUnlike Labrador's that will approach everyone, the
the field trial competitions. It was at one of theseGerman wirehaired pointer needs to warm to a
competitions that I saw a German wirehaired pointerperson first. The owner explained that they are very
for the first time. The dog stood out for severalcomical to have around because they are so intuitive
reasons, the majority of the dogs competing that dayand fun loving, yet they have such a serious look
were Labrador's, this was an advanced field trial soabout them because of the beard and their distinct
there were not that many dogs present, and theeyes. Their eyes are hazel color. Unlike other dogs
German wirehaired pointer has a very uniquethey look you in the eye as you talk to them or pet
appearance that is quite different than a Labrador.them.
I pointed the dog out to my husband and asked whatMy husband and I were so intrigued by this dog that
type of breed this was. The breed has the markingswe looked into purchasing a German wirehaired
and build of German shorthairs, but they are coveredpointer of our own. We had never trained a pointing
in long hairs and also have curly beards and ears. Thebreed and thought that this would be a fun area to
long hair and beards give the German wirehairedlearn. We did not realize that the fur hunting instinct
pointers a very unique and comical appearance. Thiswould be so strong in this breed. After several months
particular dog was liver colored and white. There areof basic obedience training we gave the dog to a
also black and white dogs in the breed.game farm to be used in upland game hunting. She
I kenneled the dog that I was field testing that day andwas a fun dog and quite a clown, however she
approached the owner of the German wirehairedstalked our cats every chance she had.
retriever. The dog immediately stood up from its sittingShe was also very strong willed and tried to be the
position and barked. The owner quieted the dog andtop of the pecking order with our other dogs. We
had her sit. He explained that he had brought her todecided that the German wirehaired pointer is best
the field trial for socialization training. He said that hetrained if they are an only dog, or are with their own
had been working with the breed for several years.breed.
They are a versatile breed in that they were bred to