Training and education of the drathaar

The Drathaar is a gun dog with excellent working characteristics. Every year these smart animals are gaining more and more popularity. Tireless helpers become faithful companions of many hunters. What is a drathaar: photo, its external characteristics and description of temperament - all information is presented in the article.

Breed standard

The Deutsch Drathaar is a strong, active, harmonious animal. The ideal height for males is 61-68 cm, for females - 57-64 cm. The weight of an adult dog is not specified in the standard - it usually ranges from 27-32 kg.

Official description of the breed (FCI drathaar standard No. 98):

• the head is wedge-shaped, corresponding to the size of the animal;
• the muzzle is long, with a pronounced stop. There is a small hump;
• nose - with wide nostrils. The color of the lobe depends on the suit of the drathaar;
• jaws are powerful. The incisors are tightly closed in a scissor bite;
• eyes – preferably dark. The look is lively, attentive and a little philosophical, as can be seen in the photo of the Drathaar dog;
• ears – hanging, triangular, with rounded edges;
• The neck is athletic, slightly arched. With its help, hunting dogs can easily reach the ground with their nose;
• the body looks square. The drathaar has a wide chest with a powerful front. The line of the back is slightly inclined towards the croup. The pelvis is massive;
• the tail naturally continues the line of the top. When intact, it has the shape of a saber. Animals used for hunting have it docked;
• limbs are placed parallel to each other. The shoulder blades and elbows fit tightly to the body, the pasterns are slightly tilted forward. The hips are wide. The fingers are closed, the pads are hard.

The color and texture of the coat is the main characteristic of the drathaar. It has coarse, wire-like fur that protects from rain, scratches and wounds. The literal translation of the breed's name is “wire hair.”

The length of the coat is from 2 to 4 cm. The dense and waterproof undercoat retains heat even in severe frosts. Drathaars are distinguished by specific eyebrows, mustaches and beards.

The German Pointer breed standard allows only 4 color options:

• brown or black with gray hair. Possible stains;
• coffee (may have a white mark on the chest);
• gray-haired

Other colors are prohibited. The exterior features can be easily assessed from a photograph of a drathaar.

For a long time in Russia there were only brown dogs of the Drahthaar breed, photos of which are often found on the Internet. The black and piebald color was not recognized. However, now such animals participate in exhibitions on a general basis.

The Wirehaired Pointer moves energetically and expansively, but at the same time smoothly and harmoniously. Thanks to its strong limbs, the German pointer is an excellent jumper. Drathaar instantly picks up speed, and his voluminous chest allows him to run for a long time without losing his breath. Animals with obvious physical or mental abnormalities are disqualified.

History of the origin of the breed

The German Wirehaired Pointer (Drathaar) was bred at the end of the 19th century in Germany by crossing already known breeds of hunting dogs. Among the ancestors: Stichelhaar, shorthaired pointer, Korthals griffon and other cops. The first standard for the breed and its description of the Darthaar was adopted by the FCI in 1981.

The breed is quite rare and specialized. Popular among hunters. Purchased mainly for hunting. Several hundred Darthaar puppies are born in Russian nurseries every year. There are few nurseries for breeding this breed.

Character

Strangers are frightened by the large size of the German cop. However, Drathaar dogs are balanced. They have a loyal, friendly, but slightly headstrong character. The German cop is not characterized by cowardice; she is not afraid of gunshots and other loud sounds.

Looking at the photo of the Drathaar, you get the feeling that this breed is very smart. Indeed, Wirehaired Pointers are easy to train, and the ability to make decisions independently often helps out when hunting.

Drathaar is affectionate, has a hard time with separation, and prefers to always be close to his owner. He is wary of strangers, but does not show obvious aggression.

You can see reviews from owners that describe the viciousness of the German cop. This behavior only appears as a result of improper upbringing or abuse.

If the owner does not plan to hunt with the drathaar, the animal needs to find another activity.

Training Drathaar

The breed has excellent hunting qualities and excellent training abilities. Drathaars are able to understand their master at a glance. Training these dogs is easy and interesting - they have a balanced character and a flexible psyche. Drathaars very quickly learn to follow all commands given by whistle, gesture or voice.

First of all, you need to teach the puppy to quickly respond to its name. At the first stage, watch how this skill is developed. It is necessary to gradually reduce the number of incentives. Use them only to mark the puppy’s quick and clear reaction to its name. When the puppy begins to respond effectively to the name, begin the second stage. Give encouragement if you notice that the reaction is weakening.

When the puppy is 2 months old, you can begin to carefully, without causing pain, accustom your baby to a leash and harness.

First stage: training to use a harness. It must match the size of the puppy. Be careful when putting on the harness, but act quickly. Let the puppy run freely. Is your baby worried? Start a game, a run. This will distract the dog. Is the puppy behaving well? Praise him, pet him, give him a treat.

At the second stage, the puppy is accustomed to a leash. You need a light leash with a light carabiner, the width of the leash is 1 cm, the length is from 1.5 to 2 m. Your task: attach the leash to the harness and lower it to the floor. Control the situation: the leash should not cling to anything. Start by keeping your puppy on a leash for 20 minutes.

At the third stage, take the leash in your hands to walk with the puppy. Does the puppy pull to the side or stop? Say the nickname, then command “Let's go.” Is the puppy stubborn? Engage him with a treat or toy. For good behavior, “reward” the dog with stroking, praise, and treats.

Remember: the leash cannot be used for punishment so that the puppy is not afraid of it. You should not allow the dog to pull the leash with its teeth or chew it - the leash is not a toy, but a training tool.

The puppy and the external environment: when and how to “get acquainted”

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The main thing is that by this time a strong contact has been established between the dog and the owner. Small puppies are very vulnerable and susceptible if they encounter harsh stimuli. At first you need to protect your dog from them. Choose quiet places for walks, where there are no adult dogs, and walk for a short time. Remember that the puppy has not yet completed the full course of vaccinations, so he must walk in a basket or in your arms.

But the puppy can still be afraid of something. If this happens, switch his attention to the toy and move away from the frightening object. Wait a little and return to the source of fear again. This way the puppy will understand that there is no danger.

The “Come to me” command on a walk

When, while walking, the puppy moves away from you at a distance of 7-8 steps, call him. Did the dog pay attention to you? Command “Come to me.” When your puppy approaches you, praise him, pet him and give him a treat. You need to repeat this exercise about 5 times.

Does your puppy not respond to its name? Repeat it, get attention. Give the command “Come to me” in a louder and more commanding tone. Then show the puppy the treat. Remember that shouting commands and nicknames is prohibited!

Does your puppy continue to ignore commands? Call him, quickly step aside or sit down. This should interest the puppy and he will come to you. Now you can praise him, treat him and pet him.

Application

Drathaar is a hunting dog with an excellent sense of smell and acute hearing. With proper upbringing, your pet can turn out to be a first-class watchman or security guard.

Modern German cops take part in competitions in:

• ski joring;
• bike joring;
• dryland.

Drathaars are often recruited to serve in the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Socialization

Drathaars are socialized at an early age - they are accustomed to new people, smells, sounds, and the company of other dogs. If this is not done, your German Pointer will have serious behavior problems in the future.

Drathaars do not like monotonous activities. An obedient pet can only be raised with praise, love and patience. Rough treatment breeds stubbornness and aggression.

The Drahthaar breed is suitable for large families with children. Energetic Wirehaired Pointers enjoy playing and playing pranks with kids: fetching a ball, running after a bicycle, swimming in the river, and in winter happily pulling a sled.

Properly socialized German cops get along in the same territory with other pets. In relation to cats and small rodents, the Drahthaar dog breed can exhibit a hunting instinct.

Description of the Drahthaar breed and FCI standard

1. Country of origin: Germany.
2. Use: a versatile gun dog, the German Drahthaar is suitable for all work in the field, in the forest and on the water, before and after shooting.
3. FCI classification: Group 7 Pointing dogs. Section 1.1 Continental Pointers. With performance tests.
4. General appearance: noble, energetic, active pointer with an attentive, lively expression in the eyes.
5. Important proportions: body length and height at withers should be approximately equal. The length of the body can exceed the height at the withers by up to 3 cm.

Photo of drathaar in side stance

The peculiarity of the German Drahthaar breed is its innate low aggression towards people.

Photo of drathaar in the bushes

Photo of drathaar on the hunt

Any dog ​​clearly showing physical or behavioral abnormalities must be disqualified.

Note: Males must have two normally developed testes, fully descended into the scrotum.

How to choose a puppy

Before choosing a puppy, you should find out everything about the Wirehaired Pointer breed: what are the features of its maintenance, advantages and disadvantages. Drathaars will not be able to play the role of a “couch” pet - the animals need to be constantly busy with work.

Puppy Adida (1 month) from the nursery https://animavenator.com.ua

How to choose a puppy that will not only be an excellent hunter, but also a brilliant representative of the breed? A beginner should invite an expert who has already seen hundreds of drathaar babies.

You can use the “old-fashioned” method - throw a bunch of keys into the enclosure where small wire-haired pointers live. The one who got scared and hid is not a hunter.

In general, choosing a hunting dog puppy begins with meeting the parents. The higher the score in field diplomas, the greater the likelihood of getting a great partner.

In European nurseries with a good reputation, puppies under 3.5 months cannot be adopted. Until this time, the litter is culled.

Character and behavior of the shorthaired pointer

Not only are pointing dogs endless sources of energy, but they are also very smart animals. If they receive enough attention and training, your four-legged friends will not cause damage to your property. The shorthaired pointer hunting dog also has a malleable temperament. It may not appear right away, but when you get to know each other better, the dog will begin to see you as his owner and best friend.

They are restless, very active, but quite obedient. Despite this, the German shorthaired pointer is full of equanimity and dignity.

It is worth noting that these wonderful dogs can become very attached to their family. Skeptical attitude towards outsiders. Pointing dogs always strive to protect their loved ones, so they are driven by the owner’s emotions. But they have a very friendly attitude towards small children and other animals.

If you have a rodent or an exotic bird living at home, then you should think twice before getting such a dog, because its thirst for hunting can have a detrimental effect on the health and life of your pet.

Features of maintenance and care

The Wirehaired Pointer is an energetic, active and temperamental animal. A country house with a spacious garden plot is more suitable for him. And if there is a forest or lake nearby, then the drathaar will be simply happy. The German Pointer can live outside even in winter if she has a warm kennel.

Keeping a drathaar in an apartment poses certain difficulties. In a confined space, the Wirehaired Pointer gets bored - he has nowhere to throw out his accumulated energy.

Combing/grooming

If drathaars live outside, they molt twice a year. In the apartment, hair falls out constantly. To prevent fur from flying around the house, the animal is combed daily. For yard keeping, it is enough to do this 1-2 times a week.

Although the German Pointer is a wire-haired breed, trimming of the Drahthaar is not required. Some owners try to hide natural flaws in this way. But experts immediately see the catch - the animals are simply removed from exhibitions. However, in other countries, particularly in the USA, drathaar trimming is practiced quite often.

It is better not to cut the beard and mustache - wire-haired pointers will lose their original appearance.

Otherwise, the Drahthaar breed requires standard care:

• eye examination, wiping off contaminants;
• ear cleaning;
• maintaining dental health with dental treats.

If the pointing drathaar does not grind its claws down on its own, they need to be trimmed periodically.

Bathing

Drathaars have self-cleaning wool - it only needs to be washed once every six months. Due to frequent bathing, the fur of the German pointer loses its protective lubricant and becomes soft.

Walk

The Wirehaired Pointer needs daily walks lasting 2-3 hours. The pet should not just walk on a leash, but run freely. The optimal distance is 3 km. If you restrict a drathaar's movement, it may run away from home.

After walks, the Wirehaired Pointer is examined for burrs, scratches, abrasions and other damage.

Feeding

The drathaar diet can be of three types:

• natural food;
• ready-made food (super-premium or holistic);
• natural and dry food: one type in the morning, another in the evening.

The Wirehaired Pointer is not picky about food. However, proper feeding of the Drahthaar implies the presence of balanced food, which ensures high physical activity of the German pointer.

What to feed the drathaar:

• 30-40% animal proteins;
• 60-70% cereals, vegetables and fruits.

About once a week, kefir, cottage cheese, sea fish, and chicken eggs should appear in the dogs’ diet. In consultation with the veterinarian, vitamins and minerals are added to the drathaar's menu.

How many times a day food should be given depends on your Wirehaired Pointer's activity level. If a Drathaar dog works a lot - at least 2 times, if it is in an apartment - it is permissible to get by with one feeding.

When the German Drahthaar hunting dog first appeared in the house, feeding the puppy should consist of food that is familiar to him. Nutritional features should be discussed with the breeder in advance. He will tell you what to feed your drathaar puppy and what foods are best to choose. The Wirehaired Pointer's menu from birth by month, as well as approximate weight and height, are shown in the table.

Character of Drathaar

German Drahthaars have an increased need for exercise. They are always on the move, at any moment ready to go for a walk or start a fun romp with their owner.

Active, lively disposition, excellent obedience, natural intelligence, the ability to easily learn new practical skills, exceptional endurance, lack of aggression towards other dogs and strangers, the ability to play well with children.

An excellent hunter, protected from the weather by thick fur, unpretentious in food. Completely non-aggressive towards people. Thanks to its balanced character, it makes an excellent companion.

When planning to get a Drahthaar, remember that this is an active hunting dog. It's better for her not to live in an apartment. Drathaar, if he does not hunt, requires serious physical exertion. In addition, drathaars need communication with the owner, in fairly close contact. These dogs will not be suited to the “feed twice a day, pet and forget” regimen.

If you prefer an active lifestyle and relaxation, then the drathaar will be a wonderful companion for you. Cycling, jogging, long hiking, relaxing by the pond (dogs love to swim) - your pet will love it all! And if in winter you harness the Darthaar to a sled, he will be happy to give your children a ride!

The Drathaar or German Wirehaired Pointer is a very active, intelligent and loyal dog. Dogs of this breed should always be busy; they love it when their owner has a job in which they can help him.

From idleness and lack of exercise, these dogs can easily become bored and uncontrollable. Therefore, it is very important to provide the drathaar with constant exercise or engage in vigorous exercise outside.

Puppies of this breed are very energetic and somewhat irritable. It should be noted that Drahthaar puppies mature late and only become fully mature by the age of 2.

If a Drahthaar is bored or anxious, it will bark excessively or chew on something, which can be a big problem for its owner. Also, the German Wirehaired Pointer often experiences severe separation anxiety from its owner and does not like to be left at home alone for more than a couple of hours. If you work a lot or are often away from home, then this dog breed is not for you.

The Wirehaired German Pointer is not a very easy breed to train. Typically, a Drahthaar puppy requires several months of persistent and consistent training.

Dogs of this breed are very attached to their owner and can be jealous. Early socialization will help to cope with jealousy or minimize its manifestation; it is important to convince the dog that people and their attention do not pose a threat.

Usually these dogs make good guard dogs and not bad protectors.

For families with small children, the German Wirehaired Pointer is not the best choice. However, the drathaar can get along well with older children.

This dog breed has a tendency to be wary of strangers, which can develop into shyness that will be difficult to overcome as an adult.

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The Drathaar is a great hunting companion. These are excellent hunters in any terrain. The Drathaar is a dog with a strong sense of smell that searches for prey, points to the location of the game and brings it to its owner. German Wirehaired Pointers are excellent hunting companions both on land and on water. They are hardy, energetic and tireless.

Dradhaars are easy to train and are capable of hunting animals and birds. They are unpretentious, easily trained on animals, and usually treat strangers calmly, although sometimes there are very strict dogs. But, as a rule, these dogs are balanced and quite active. Dradhaars have an innate excellent sense of smell and the ability to present prey to the owner; they require almost no special training. All these qualities of the breed have led to the fact that the Dradhaar breed has become very popular among hunters all over the world.

Mating

Drathaars are bred after full puberty - at 20-24 months. Ideal days are from 11 to 15 from the start of estrus. Wirehaired Pointers are introduced on neutral territory, after which the bitch is brought to the male.

Photo from the nursery https://animavenator.com.ua

Mating is carried out in a free manner. After 1-2 days it is better to do a control mating. Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, and childbirth is usually easy. Drathaar brings 5-8 puppies in a litter.

How much do German Drahthaar puppies cost?

How much a drathaar puppy costs depends on the nursery, the pedigree of the parents, and the number of exhibition regalia:

• the price of a pet-class pet is 5 thousand rubles;
• the cost of breed-class dogs is 10-20 thousand rubles;
• show-class animals will cost more – from 25 thousand rubles.

Puppies from the nursery https://animavenator.com.ua
Adult, trained wire-haired pointers cost from 50 to 200 thousand rubles.