Grooming the German Wirehaired Pointer

COAT: The functional wiry coat is the breed's most distinctive feature. A dog must have a correct coat to be of correct type. The coat is weather resistant and, to some extent, water-repellent. The undercoat is dense enough in winter to insulate against the cold but is so thin in summer as to be almost invisible. The distinctive outer coat is straight, harsh, wiry and flat lying, and is from one to two inches in length. The outer coat is long enough to protect against the punishment of rough cover, but not so long as to hide the outline of the dog. On the lower legs the coat is shorter and between the toes it is of softer texture. On the skull the coat is naturally short and close fitting. Over the shoulders and around the tail it is very dense and heavy. The tail is nicely coated, particularly on the underside, but devoid of feather. Eyebrows are of strong, straight hair. Beard and whiskers are medium length. The hairs in the liver patches of a liver and white dog may be shorter than the white hairs. A short smooth coat, a soft woolly coat, or an excessively long coat is to be severely penalized. While maintaining a harsh, wiry texture, the puppy coat may be shorter than that of an adult coat.

CHARACTER: Of sound, reliable temperament, the German Wirehaired Pointer is at times aloof but not unfriendly toward strangers; a loyal and affectionate companion who is eager to please and enthusiastic to learn.

RECOMMENDED CINDRA PRODUCTS:

Texturizing Shampoo

Reconstructor-Conditioner

PROBLEM	SOLUTION
Soft Coat	Mist with full strength Texturizing Mist and brush
Chalk Helper	Moisture Plus
Dry, Damaged Coat	Our version of a hot oil treatment: Wet dog with warm water, apply Moisture Plus liberally. Wrap in hot towel for 15-20 minutes. Shampoo with Moisturizing Shampoo and rinse.

🐾 Grooming the German Wirehaired Pointer

By Cindra Grooming Products – Coat Care for Harsh-Coated Breeds

The German Wirehaired Pointer’s rugged double coat was built for the outdoors—weather-resistant, dirt-shedding, and full of character. But even these hardy coats need regular care to stay clean, healthy, and functional. With the right tools and products, grooming your Wirehair becomes an enjoyable ritual that strengthens your bond and keeps their coat in prime condition.

🧴 The Basics

Every Wirehair needs regular attention to maintain their coat and health. Focus on these essentials:

Ears:
Check and clean weekly. Use cotton pads to gently wipe the ear leather and outer canal. Any redness, brown debris, or odor can indicate infection—if you notice head-shaking or scratching, consult your vet.

Nails:
Trim or grind regularly. German Wirehairs have tough nails—don’t let them overgrow. Start handling paws early so they get used to nail care. Use a Dremel-style grinder for smooth results, but avoid heat buildup by working in short bursts.

Pads:
Inspect between the toes and paw pads often. Grass seeds, burrs, and other debris can easily hide there and cause irritation or infection.

Bathing:
Most Wirehairs don’t need frequent baths—their coarse coats naturally repel dirt. Let mud dry, then brush it out. When a full bath is needed, use a dog shampoo for wire coats, such as Cindra Texturizing Shampooo, to maintain coat texture and protect natural oils. Always rinse thoroughly to prevent residue buildup.

✂️ Coat Maintenance & Hand Stripping

A healthy wire coat doesn’t shed like a smooth-coated breed—it must be stripped to remove dead hair and make room for new growth. Hand stripping keeps the coat harsh, weatherproof, and true to the breed standard.

When to Strip:
Most German Wirehaired Pointers benefit from a full stripping twice a year—spring and fall—when seasonal coat changes occur. You’ll know it’s time when the coat looks clumpy, dull, or feels soft and lifeless.

How to Strip:
Use your fingers or a stripping knife to gently pull out long, dead hairs in the direction of growth. Stretch the skin taut before pulling, and work in small sections. A good undercoat rake helps remove soft undercoat before stripping.

Cindra Tip:
Avoid clipping wire coats—it softens texture and traps dirt and moisture. Hand stripping maintains the coat’s natural water- and briar-resistant qualities.

🐶 Puppy Coats

German Wirehair puppies are born with softer coats that begin changing around 5–6 months old. Start light grooming early to get them accustomed to being handled.

After playtime, when your puppy is calm, gently pull out soft, fluffy hairs that stand out from the harsher ones. This helps the adult coat come in properly and keeps them looking tidy. Always make grooming calm and positive—especially around the head and mouth while they’re teething.

🧠 Advanced Coat Care: Becoming a Stripper

Stripping may sound intimidating, but it’s simply part of professional dog grooming for wire-coated breeds. A proper wire coat has two layers:

Undercoat: Soft, insulating hair that regulates temperature. Remove loose undercoat gently with an undercoat rake or Comb.
Outer coat: Harsh, protective hairs that lie flat. Once dead, they don’t shed naturally—they must be plucked to allow new growth.

For a full groom:

Brush thoroughly with a stiff bristle brush.
Comb through to remove tangles.
Brush the coat backward and strip any loose, dead hairs by hand or knife.
Always pull in the direction of growth.

Don’t worry if you over-strip a section—it always grows back! Regular, gentle maintenance keeps the coat rolling naturally all year.

🧼 Beards, Brows, and Details

The Wirehair’s expressive beard and eyebrows are part of its charm—but also dirt magnets. Comb through regularly and remove soft, dead hairs to keep the beard firm and clean.

For shaping, pull longer hairs along the cheeks and under the jaw to maintain a neat outline. Trim lightly around the eyes for visibility but never over-scissor—texture and expression matter.

🚿 Bathing & Aftercare

Wirehairs rarely need frequent bathing, but when they do, choose a shampoo designed for their coat texture.

Use Cindra Texturizing Shampoo to gently lift dirt without softening.
Follow with Cindra Moisture Plus for hydration that won’t weigh down coarse hair.
For conditioning between baths, try Cindra Maxi Care Coat Spray—it detangles, moisturizes , and preserves texture.

✂️ Tail, Feet, and Hygiene

Keep tails neat by pulling or lightly trimming stray hairs. Around the rear and genital areas, trim for cleanliness using thinning shears or a #10 blade. Trim paw hair around pads to prevent debris collection and slipping.

🧰 Tools of the Trade

For best results, stock your grooming kit with:

Bristle brush & metal comb
Slicker brush
Undercoat rake or knife
Stripping knives (coarse, medium, and fine)
Nail grinder or clippers
Thinning shears
Grooming spray (like Cindra Texturizing Mist)

🌿 The Cindra Difference

Grooming your German Wirehaired Pointer doesn’t just maintain looks—it protects skin health, coat texture, and natural insulation.

At Cindra Grooming Products, we create USA Made formulas designed for wire coats and working breeds. Our shampoos, conditioners, and sprays protect the harsh texture, restore coat balance, and keep your dog looking field-ready and fabulous—naturally.

Because a true Wirehair coat should look rugged, feel healthy, and move with confidence.