The German shorthaired pointer (GSP)
was developed in the early to mid-1800s. And probably descended from the Spanish Pointer with crossing from the English Foxhound. As with almost all scent dogs of that period, the Schweisshunde probably contributed heavily to the gene pool. The Shorthair was developed as an all-purpose dog. He's a staunch pointing bird dog, a night trailer, proven duck dog, land and water retriever, watchdog, and companion. He was also used to trail and handle deer. As obedience was of prime importance, the early dogs were selectively bred for controllability. Later the Germans added the English Pointer to the mix for the ability of the "high nose," (elegance in working style), followed by the necessity of removing unwanted English Pointer characteristics of water aversion and lack of aggressiveness towards predators
The Shorthair is used for all types of hunting, pointing, and following game. He's good in the mountains, woods, marshes, and in all climates.
The German wirehaired pointer was developed little more than a century ago. He is known in Germany (his country of origin) as the Deutsch Drahthaar. Literally translated, this means German Wirehair. The early Wirehairs represented a combination of Griffon, Stichelhaar, Pudelpointer, and German Shorthair. The Pudelpointer is a cross between a Poodle and an English Pointer, and the Griffon and Stichelhaar are made up of Pointer, Foxhound, Pudelpointer and Polish Waterdog. It is believed that there is also Bloodhound and Airedale blood in the breed.
The Wirehair is an all-around hunting dog. Steady to point, a fine nose eager to retrieve. He works with intelligence and can fully respond to the needs of the hunter.
