The German Wirehaired Pointer-Poodle mix (or German Wirepoo) is a fairly new crossbreed that has been bred to bring together the best traits of two very different breeds.
It’s not yet recognized by any major kennel clubs, but it’s gaining popularity as a family companion. They are an excellent choice if you like active dogs but also love to cuddle on the couch with their owners.
This guide will take an in-depth look at what makes the German Wirepoo unique and how it compares to other dogs in its class.
What is German Wirepoo?
German Wirepoo is a mix between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Poodle. It’s a medium-sized Doodle dog that takes after its Poodle parent in terms of size, but it has the coloring and coat of a German Wirehaired Pointer.
German Wirehaired Pointers are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and affectionate dogs originally bred to be hunters. They’re energetic, active dogs with a lot of stamina. To be happy and healthy, they need to get a lot of exercise every day.
Poodles are among the most intelligent breeds in the world, so it’s no surprise that the Poodle parent for this mix breed is also highly intelligent. They’re known to be gentle with children, yet they maintain their natural hunting instincts.
History of the Parent Breeds
The German Wirehaired Pointer-Poodle mix breed is relatively new, with parents coming from two continents.
Both breeds are known for their hunting abilities and calm demeanor, so it’s no wonder that this breed was created to be an excellent family pet and a loyal companion of hunters.
German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP)
This breed of dog originated in Germany. The breed was originally bred to hunt but has since become popular as a show dog and a companion dog.
They were bred to be an all-around hunting dog, capable of tracking and retrieving birds, rabbits, and other small game. It was also used for bird control on farms and estates [1]en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Wirehaired_Pointer, [2]gwpca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GWP-History.pdf.
The breed started in Germany, where Baron Sigismund von Zedlitz und Neukirch wanted to make a versatile hunting dog that could work closely with one individual or a small group of people hunting on foot in different terrain [3]youtube.com/watch?v=Wc2q6xF3JTg.
The Germans wanted a dog breed with a coat that would protect the dogs when they worked in thick brush or cold water but also be easy to care for.
Today, GWPs are popular hunting dogs and family pets in many countries around the world. They are known for their intelligence, energy, and strong work ethic, and are often used as gun dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs.
Poodle
Poodles are a breed of dog that was first developed in Germany. They were bred to help waterfowl hunters retrieve dead birds from the water and have become known for their intelligence, obedience, and loyalty.
The Poodle’s popularity rose in the 1800s when it became fashionable among aristocrats to have pet Poodles. This led to a rise in breeding standards for these dogs, originally bred to be working dogs and not necessarily attractive ones.
They come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
Standard Poodles are the largest, standing at least 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 45 and 70 pounds. They are athletic and energetic dogs, well-suited for obedience, agility, and tracking activities.
Miniature Poodles are smaller than standard Poodles, standing between 11 and 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 15 and 17 pounds [4]akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard. They are still energetic and intelligent but may be more suitable for apartment living or families with less space.
Toy Poodles are the smallest, standing up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 6 and 9 pounds. They are playful and affectionate and make excellent companion dogs.
Regardless of size, Poodles are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are also known for their hypoallergenic coat, which makes them a good choice for people with allergies [5]youtube.com/watch?v=_Pw-39u9344.
Appearance
The German Wirehaired Pointer-Poodle mix is an adorable combination of the two parent breeds. The wirehaired poodle and the German wirehaired pointer are both sporting and active dogs, so it’s no surprise that their offspring have inherited these traits.
Coat Type
The German Wirepoo is a hypoallergenic mix breed. The coat of the German Wirepoo is dense and smooth to the touch but not overly soft. In addition, the coat is short and wiry, with an abundance of feathering around the tail, neck, chest, and legs.
The dog has a double coat that protects it from heat and cold. Furthermore, the coat is low shedding and requires little grooming other than regular brushing to keep it in good condition.
Coat Colors
The German Wirehaired Pointer-Poodle mix can come in a wide range of coat colors. The German Wirehaired Pointer and Poodle are both known for their array of coat colors, so the potential for this breed to come in a variety of different colors is pretty high.
The German Wirehaired Pointer-Poodle mix can have a black coat that may also be reddish or brownish. It can also be brindle in appearance or a white coat with black spots. The Poodle may contribute to white spotting as well.
Size
German Wirepoo dogs are medium-sized. This mix breed’s size can be estimated based on the sizes of both parent breeds.
Height
The German Wirehaired Pointer-Poodle mix is a medium-sized dog. They will be around the same size as their parents, which range from 18-25 inches in height.
The male German Wirehaired Pointer will typically be 25 inches tall at maturity, while the female will stand at 24 inches. The male and female Poodle stands 18-24 inches in height.
Weight
The German Wirehaired Pointer-Poodle mix can weigh anywhere between 45 and 70 lbs, depending on the size of their parents.
The male Poodle will weigh between 45 and 60 lbs, while the female will weigh about the same. The male German Wirehaired Pointer weighs about 70 lbs, while the female weighs only 60 lbs.
Traits & Characteristics
Temperament & Personality
The German Wirehaired Pointer-Poodle mix is a friendly, energetic dog with a big personality.
Even though they are known for being patient with kids and accepting of other dogs, they can display aggressive tendencies. It’s important to socialize these dogs early on so they learn how to be calm around strangers in public settings.
This mixed breed needs a lot of exercise and would do best with someone active for at least part of the day. They can make excellent guard dogs because they tend to bark at anything unusual that appears outside their home.
Common Health Issues
The German Wirepoo should be a healthy dog, but he does have some hereditary health issues that you must be aware of.
Hip dysplasia and several eye disorders may be common in this breed, and you must be aware of them so that you can take steps to manage them.
In addition, German Wirehaired Pointer-Poodle mix may be at an elevated risk for idiopathic epilepsy and sebaceous adenitis.
A reputable breeder will take steps to ensure the parents of the litter are fit for breeding. It is essential for dog breeders to carefully consider the health of the parent dogs before breeding them, as this can help reduce the risk of inherited diseases in the offspring.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that not all inherited diseases can be prevented through breeding, and even healthy dogs may develop certain health conditions later in life.
Lifespan
The lifespan of the German Wirehaired-Pointer Poodle mix is between 12 and 15 years. However, this depends on many factors, including size, age, weight, and genetic health conditions.
Final Thoughts
The German Wirehaired Pointer-Poodle mix is an excellent choice for a pet owner who wants a loyal and energetic dog. These dogs are very playful and intelligent, so they need plenty of exercise to stay happy. However, these dogs also make excellent watchdogs because of their protective nature.
Where are there breeders for German wire poos?
Hi Nichole, thanks for the question. I am not sure there are any dedicated breeders to German Wirepoos just yet. This is sometimes common in rare Doodle breeds. They usually first start off as an accidental litter or a one-off. Hopefully, in the future someone will start breeding them! In the meantime, keep your eyes out for any local listings or posts about German Wirepoo litters – and let us know!