GWPA
German Wirehaired Pointer Association
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The German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP)
The German Wirehaired Pointer, as the name suggests, originated in Germany where the breed is known as Drahthaar (the translation of Wirehair). The Germans wanted an all round sporting dog with a coat that would protect them against the elements in the sporting field. They crossed the GSP with the Stickelhaar, the Pointing Griffon and the Pudelpointer.
In 1902 they set up The Verein Deutsch Drahthaar (GWP Club) and were very strict in their selection of Breeding Stock, which resulted in the GWP we see today. The breed arrived in America in the 1920s and before long was proving to be an excellent all round Gundog there also.
In 1953 The German Drahthaar Club of America was formed and then in 1959, the breed was granted Championship status and accepted into the AKC Stud book under the breed heading of the German Wirehaired Pointer.
A few Wirehairs were imported into the UK soon after the Second World war, having been brought back by members of the returning Forces. It was not until 1972 that the breed was reintroduced into Great Britain.
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The Wirehair is an ‘HPR’ (Hunt, Point, Retriever) – They will hunt with great drive, tenacity and stamina to find quarry in all types of terrain. By the use of excellent scenting ability the Wirehair should be able to indicate where the quarry is and hold that position. It is this indication which gives us the term ‘on point’. The next stage is for the Wirehair, on command, to flush the game, to remain steady and then to adopt either a sitting or down position. This allows the quarry to be shot without harm to others. Hopefully the shot will reach its target and the Wirehair will then retrieve tenderly to hand.
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The German Wirehaired Pointer is one of the few Gundog breeds which has not developed a definite split between those dogs that can work, and those capable of winning in the showring. This is so important and good breeders strive to keep this quality in the German Wirehaired Pointer.