Comparison: German Rough-haired Pointer and German Wirehaired Pointer

German Rough-haired Pointer and German Wirehaired Pointer are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

German Rough-haired Pointer
Photo: Alephalpha, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
German Wirehaired Pointer
Photo: JainaKo, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
German Rough-haired PointerGerman Wirehaired Pointer
FCI group7. Pointing dogs7. Pointing dogs
Country of originGermanyGermany
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers58–70 cm57–68 cm
Recognition features
  • Stiff, harsh, bristly coat about 4 cm long with a moderate beard
  • Pronounced bushy eyebrows giving a stern expression
  • Brown, brown roan or light roan colouring; light to dark brown nose
  • Harsh, flat-lying, water-resistant coat with pronounced eyebrows and beard
  • Brown or black roan, or solid brown, often with a white chest patch
  • Noble, powerful build with a slight roman nose and high-set ears
CoatStiff, harsh, bristly coat about 4 cm long on the body, lying loosely and growing in one direction, with a hardly visible undercoat; short and harsh on the head, free of soft or silky hair, with bushy eyebrows and a moderate beard. Brown with or without a white chest patch, brown roan or light roan, with or without brown patches.Harsh, flat-lying and dense coat, outer coat about 2 to 4 cm long with a dense water-resistant undercoat; shorter and denser on head and ears, with pronounced eyebrows and a not too long, harsh beard. Colours: brown roan with or without patches, black roan with or without patches, brown with or without a white chest patch, or light roan.
PurposeA versatile, easily managed working gundog.A versatile gundog for work in the field, woods and water, both before and after the shot.

Breed page: German Rough-haired Pointer · Breed page: German Wirehaired Pointer

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.