Breed History
The emergence of a middle class along with improvements in the shotgun during the mid-19th century led to an explosion in the popularity of hunting, and with it, the demand for versatile hunting dogs....
Germany took to the pursuit of an all around hunting dog with particular zeal, and this fervor would eventually give birth to the German Wirehaired Pointer. Descending mostly from the Pudelpointer, the German Wirehaired Pointer also counts as relatives the Griffon, Polish Water Dog, Stichelhaar and German Shorthaired Pointer. These dogs were prized for their courageous and tough attitude, as well as their ability to retrieve on land and in water, point, scent and kill vermin. In a pinch, the German Wirehaired Pointer even made a respectable guard dog--truly a versatile breed. The German Wirehaired Pointer was recognized by the German Kartell for dogs in 1928, and brought to America around the same time. The German Drahthaar Club of America was formed in 1953, and the breed was recognized as the German Wirehaired Pointer by the American Kennel Club in 1959. Today, the breed is the most popular hunting dog in Germany, but enjoys only moderate popularity in the United States.