All Dog Breeds >>Temprament of German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer was bred to be "the dog who can do it all." Today, the breed is a multi-purpose hunting dog and a versatile companion dog. One thing is for sure: they need a job to do. If you don't plan to hunt with your GWP, they also excel at agility, obedience, tracking, and retrieving. This is a high energy breed that needs lots and lots (and lots) of stimulating exercise, every day. They usually like to swim and make good jogging companions. The breed does best when he has a lot of space to run around in. If their energy needs are not met, they will likely destroy your house.
They are not particularly reliable off lead, as they have a strong prey drive and will chase squirrels, birds, and other small animals, and these are fast dogs. They are generally not good with cats. They usually get along with other dogs but may try to dominate them. They do well with children, but all dog-child interactions should be closely supervised for the safety of both dog and child. While GWPs can be stubborn, they do well with obedience training. It seems as if the more they learn, the happier they are.
They are eager to learn and eager to please you -- usually. These are loyal and affectionate dogs who crave human companionship. They bond closely with their family and do not like to be left alone for hours on end. They are devoted to their masters, sometimes even becoming jealous of them, and they seem to truly worship their owners. They are accused of being clingy, as they like to follow their owners everywhere they go.
They make good watchdogs and are often aloof toward strangers. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a well-rounded, adaptable dog. They are funny and will spend evenings entertaining your whole family, or cuddled up beside you with an attentive and lively expression. They sometimes have an attitude, they are sometimes a challenge, but they are always loving and wanting to be loved.