What is a Deutsch Drahthaar? This is a versatile hunting dog that can be used for different hunting applications. Some of these are bird hunting, small game, and large game hunting, blood tracking, search & rescue, and finding antler sheds to name a few. These dogs can be used in all forest, water and field work, the versatile hunting dog.
History
     The Deutsch Drahthaar started in the late 19 th century. These dedicated breeders needed a dog that could fulfill the need for all aspects of field, water and forest work. After coming up with the Deutsch Drahthaar the VDD program came into existence. This program is still in place today with registered breeders, which continue to use strict breeding standards to preserve the performance of this dog.
     Today the Deutsch Drahthaar is used mostly by the German hunting establishment, and is gaining popularity all over the world for its versatile characteristics.
Drahthaar or Wirehair pointer?
     The Deutsch Drahthaar is translated in English to Wirehair, so does this mean that they are the same dog? What is the difference?
  1. The Wirehair pointer is registered and recognized by the AKC; the Deutsch Drahthaar is registered in Germany and is not recognized by the AKC.
  2. The Wirehair pointer has been bred without regulation or restriction since the late 1950’s. The Deutsch Drahthaar has been bred with strict regulations and restrictions.
  3. The Wirehair has been bred without performance testing where as the Deutsch Drahthaar goes through performance testing to prove the ability of the Drahthaar. The Deutsch Drahthaar cannot be bred without going through these tests and passing the performance standards.
  4. These are the reasons why the Deutsch Drahthaar and Wirehair have become two different breeds.
     So how can you tell the difference between a Drahthaar and a Wirehair? One way is to look in the dog’s right ear; it will have a registration number tattooed in it. Another way ask where they got the dog and that person would be a VDD member. There is a list of breeders on the VDD-GNA website and more information on this topic.