Deutsche Drahthaar

I have become so very infatuated with the Deutsche Drahthaars. They are German registered German Wirehair Pointers. I know, long story.. but I'll tell you. When the DDs were imported way long ago, about 1930's or something, they eventually were accepted in the AKC as German Wirehair Pointer. That is a direct translation of Deutsche = German, Draht = Wire, Haar = hair. But the AKC does not regulate the breeding of these dogs and thus some GWPs were not developed for hunting abilities and a few lines have even become aggressive. DDs on the other hand, are very strictly regulated by the VDD. They are all rated for hunting abilities along with coat and conformation and a list of medical examinations and tests. Thus, DD = excellent hunting ability with great conformation with a clean medical background. What more could you ask for?

I'm very happy with the way the ratings are done. There are 3 - 6 tests a DD goes through for hunting and conformation. In order to be accepted in the breeding program, the dog and bitch must pass all tests with high standards which includes hunting qualities, coat and conformation, along with all the proper medical examinations before it can even be accepted in the breeding program. Their hips are examined with x-ray and must be examined by a qualified doctor in the US and then sent to Germany to be examined by a doctor there as well. How's that for strict. I not only really like this but I also feel that medical examinations for breeding should be the standard for any breed.

In the AKC, the breeders are left to regulate everything in breedings. There are no requirements, no standards, no limitation on the production of any breed. I think the only requirement is that both parents are registered with the AKC. The breeding specimens are not tested in hunting abilities, examined medically for genetic disorders or judged in conformation. For any breed, it is up to the buyer to research hunting and medical background. No certifications are required in order to be registered or bred. There are hunting tests and certifications available in the AKC, it's just not required. This is as far as I understand.

So, that's really the main difference. When you get a Drahthaar, it's a true hunting dog with rated abilities on the parents and medical varifications. A GWP may or may not be good a good hunting dog. If you want a GWP for hunting, you should get one from proven hunting parents.

Be careful of breeders calling their GWP as Drahthaars. There are very strict rules in the VDD to be a Deutsche Drahthaar. All Drahthaar puppies are registered and tattooed on the ear and have registration papers before they leave the breeders home. These are required to be done by each breeder to be registered in VDD. This is not done by the buyer as with the AKC. Only those specimens who pass the medical, hunting and conformation tests with qualifying results may be allowed in the breeding program.

I just really appreciate those regulations. It makes sense to me. Also, every breeder site for Drahthaars has been very impressive. They absolutely love their dogs and let the whole world know about it. The dogs are always honored in the hunts. There are so many pictures and video that show them off!

I can't wait to have mine but as regulations go, I must be a hunting home in order to even be approved. I really like that. So a hunting I will go! I am signed up for the Basic Hunting Course this February. Now, I need a shotgun. :)

"GWPs ARE GWPs by right of birth and registration. DDs are DDs by right of performance and physical evaluation. A DD can only be "born" of dogs that have been recognized by the club and met breeding status. ALL DDs are tested and qualified ONLY as versatile dogs. There is no other kind of competitive or standard method of evaluation. Testing is not competitive - it is an evaluation against a standard of performance or the physical standard for the breed, which differs in many ways from the GWP standard. GWP members are free to reinterpret their breed as they wish and can breed any dog they wish. DD owner's can't. That said, the variety of DD within the VDD registry is very large and the quality of the genepool extremely good.

Approximately 90% of the world adheres to the Drahthaar standard and guidelines as outlined by the FCI. The US, England, and a few other countries do not.The AKC is not recognized by the FCI and therefore the GWP is not recognized as a DD by the world breed federation of clubs. The VDD, and its members who agree to its guidelines, maintains the DD ONLY as a versatile dog intended for hunting."

Oh yeah. DDs Rock.

P.S.
I'm still getting Khan, my GSP puppy. He is both champion show lines with hunting lines. We are still going to go through the AKC and compete for conformation championships. We still plan on testing in field and tracking and also go through the NAVHDA tests. He's my potential Dual Champion versatile hunting dog. :)

I have a lot of learning and work to do. I don't know too much about all of the field trials. Khan is a GSP, German Shorthair pointer, which is the most popular versatile dog in America. Most popular for good reason. They were bred to do it all. I will be training him in versatile hunting which means point, retrieve and track. Those Germans really know what they are doing.

GSPs are awesome and so are Drahthaars. I lean more towards the DDs because I really love that goofy, hairy, scruffy look. At the flip of a switch they can also look mean, ferocious and Wolfie. Nothing anyone would want to mess with. I would love to be part of the VDD and breed DDs in the future. A Labrador, a GSP and a couple of DDs. We shall see what the future holds. :)