The German Wirehaired Pointer dates back to the end of the 19th century when it was selectively bred by combining the wire-haired types of German gundogs (Poodlepointer, Griffon Korthals, Deutsch-Stichelhaar) and German Shorthaired Pointer, resulting in a versatile hunting dog with a practical weather-resistant coat. In its home country it is known as the Deutsch Drahthaar and is the preferred breed amongst the large working gundogs.

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a well muscled, medium sized dog of distinctive and noble appearance. Sturdily built, the breed's most distinguishing characteristic is its weather resistant, wire-like coat that is close-fitting and
tight with the outer coat approximately 2 to 4 centimetres long.

This harshness and density of coat gives the dog protection against both weather and injuries. The coat of the lower parts of the legs, the chest and belly is shorter than the body coat but still dense. The coat on the head and ears is shorter but still harsh. Distinct eyebrows and a strong beard of as harsh texture as possible emphasise the typical energetic expression of the German Wirehaired Pointer.