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Contact Info:

East Coast GWP Rescue
gwprescue@gmail.com
617-320-8165
North Bethesda, MD

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated ... I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man."
- Mahatma Gandhi

Happy Tails

Wires Around the Country

Who we are . . .
East Coast GWP Rescue is an all volunteer organization of GWP lovers located along the Eastern seaboard . . .including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. If you need help outside of these areas, please don’t hesitate to email us so that we may direct you to an appropriate contact.

What is a German Wirehaired Pointer?
History
A German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP for short) is a medium build sporting breed that can trace its origins back to Germany during the late 1800’s. A group of hunting/dog enthusiasts wanted to create the ultimate hunting dog; it needed to be rugged and versatile that would work closely with either a person or small hunting party on foot in a varied terrain. The Germans desired to breed a dog that would have a coat that would protect the dogs when working in heavy cover or in cold water, yet easy to maintain. Through a careful breeding program, they created the GWP. Though exact linage of the breed differ, it is believed they crossed the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Puddlepointer, Stichelhaar, Polish Water Dog and the German Shorthaired Pointer. They created a true gentleman’s hunting dog.

Personality
German Wirehaired Pointers are noble and distinctive in appearance. They are muscular, sturdily built, and hardy. This is a powerful breed that is extremely versatile and incredibly strong. The German Wirehaired Pointer has an attentive and lively expression. Often a clown, the Wirehair provides entertainment for his family. His whiskery face can switch from a clown to a noble show dog or a stern uncle. They are keenly alert and exceedingly loyal. GWP's are extremely devoted dogs. When raised in a home with one owner, they become very definite one-person dogs. When raised in a home with several people, including children, they become devoted to the whole family, although some dogs may attach more strongly to one member of the household. They are particularly attached to their master and may display jealousy. The German Wirehaired Pointer is highly energetic and active. It is important they have vigorous exercise. This breed requires an active family. They make wonderful jogging companions and enjoy swimming. They are not recommended for apartment life as they can be high strung and active indoors. Sufficient exercise is essential. If bored, his excess energy can turn to destructive entertainment. The German Wirehaired Pointer needs a lot of space and room to stretch their legs. This breed requires early socialization to humans and other dogs. They can be stubborn and willful, but are eager to please. Obedience training given in a patient, firm, and consistent manner is crucial. The more they are taught, the happier they are. The breed needs a mixture of firm training with all-out rough-housing. German Wirehaired Pointers excel in agility, tracking, retrieving, and hunting. This is a breed that is extremely affectionate and active. They are eager to learn, like to be occupied, and enjoy being with their owner. This breed will generally get along well with other dogs and pets, but may try to dominate them. They can be aloof and suspicious of strangers and make good watchdogs.

Please note that this is just a general breed standard for the German Wirehaired Pointer, each GWP is unique in their personalities and may not fit “this” mold. If you have decided on adding a wire to your family, one that fits your personality and lifestyle can be found. GWP’s are truly an amazing breed and anyone should be proud to be “owned” by a wirehair.