Deutsch-Drahthaar
 To some the Deutsch-Drahthaar is another
name for the German wire-haired pointer. Others will argue that it is a
distinct breed in its own right. It was
created in the late 19th century by a group of dedicated sportsmen
who wanted a gundog that would suit all their hunting needs. Whilst there is
mainly German wire-haired blood in the breed there is also a trace of
pudelpointer and pointing griffon.
Why the breed’s originators felt there was a need
for yet another HPR breed on a continent that was bristling with this category
of gundog is hard to understand. They produced a dog that has all the
attributes of the others but which was destined to be worked by a small group of
purists in specific regions of Germany.
The breed has migrated successfully to North
America where there are several groups dedicated to its promotion. Owners of
the Drahthaar do point out that whilst their dogs are HPR dogs, they will track
large game, something they claim, the more traditional European HPR breeds will
not successfully do. The breed’s colouring is generally brown roan
or black roan with or without a white spot on the chest. Its coat is
wire-haired with a dense undercoat that gives it resistance to both water and
the cold.
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European
Gundogs