The creation of the german wirehaired pointer began in the 1700's as a mix between german gundogs, such as the wachtelhund, local hounds and possibly french griffons. More noble french and italian hounds, as well as english and spanish pointer played a role as well, in an attempt to create a versatile allround hunting dog. In the early 1900's, von Zedlitz started a project to refine the dogs and their hunting abilities, and the result was the modern german wirehaired pointer. It is an excellent allround hunter and has also been used as a sled dog.

The wirehaired pointer should appear powerful, noble and dry with a clearly rectangular body shape. The head should have a powerful muzzle and slight stop. The ears are set high and wide apart. The neck is of medium length, dry and slightly arched. The body has a deep chest with slight tuck up and muscular back. Good angulation in the legs. The tail should be straight and carried horizontally or somewhat up. The coat is thick and wirey with a thick undercoat, longer on the face.