How to Groom a German Wirehaired Pointer

German Wirehaired Pointers are the result of crossbreeding during the early twentieth century in Germany. Their developers mixed German Pointers with various other breeds, possibly including the Wirehaired Griffon, Poodle-Pointer mixes, the Foxhound and the Bloodhound. They are extremely loyal to their owners. They have a low grooming regimen which requires a monthly general grooming and a full grooming every 8 to 12 weeks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scissors
• Slicker brush
• Natural bristle brush
• Hand stripping knife
• #7 blade

1. Tidy up the hairs on the legs using scissors, but don't remove any feathering that appears on the back of the front legs.

2. Brush the dog's coat twice per week with a slicker brush or natural bristle brush.

3. Pluck dead hairs from the coat using a hand stripping knife. Only do this if you are a professional groomer or very skilled, otherwise, hire a professional. The hair on a German Wirehaired Pointer's coat should be as hard as possible without looking messy.

4. Give the dog a bath only when it is clearly necessary. These dogs don't require a certain number of baths per week or month, and their weather-resistant coat should remain somewhat hard and wiry.

5. Hand strip the dog using a hand stripping knife. Only do this if you are skilled and trained at doing it or have a professional groomer do it.

6. Use a #7 blade to trim the head, body and tail.

Tips & Warnings

• German Wirehaired Pointers have a life expectancy of about 12 to 14 years.
• This breed generally weighs between 60 and 70 lb. Males range in height from 24 to 26 inches and females from 22 to 24 inches.
• These dogs may get stressed out if confined to a small space, and are not suited for living in an apartment. Make sure they get plenty of exercise.
• This breed gets along with other dogs and animals, but may become dominant.
• Wirehairs have the ability to track and retrieve, both in the water or on dry land. They are very smart and have lots of energy.
• Some German Wirehaired Pointers suffer from hip dysplasia, ear infections, skin cancers and genetic eye disease.