German Wirehaired Lab is Vocal, Energetic, and Intelligent. They adopt these admirable traits from their parents, both of which are popular dogs. This dog is a hybrid that results from a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the German Wirehaired Pointer. They are filled with energy and love playing games, especially fetch.
They are intelligent dogs that will learn to obey commands from day one of training. Their strong, sturdy build gives them an intimidating look. But their behavior is contradicting to their appearance. They can act like puppies that want to spend their time in your lap, but they are also quite protective and will go into protective mode if they feel you’re threatened.
German Wirehaired Lab History
As a fairly recent breed, German Wirehaired Lab does not have much of a history to discuss. So, let us look at its parent’s history to find out more. German Wirehaired pointer was developed in Germany during the 1800s by crossing various dogs that contributed to their admirable personalities, including Pointers, Fox Hounds, poodles, Polish water-dogs, and Tracking Hounds.
Initially known as St. John Dog, the Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, Canada. Fishermen in the Labrador Sea used them for hunting and retrieving fish. Later on, they were brought to England, where they were used to retrieve waterfowl and fish. They were given the name Labrador, and now it is the most popular dog in North America.
German Wirehaired Lab Characteristics
German Wirehaired labs can take on the appearance of either of their parents depending on which one dominates and the specific traits of each parent of their specific litter. But generally have long, flat, and floppy ears rounded at the tips and stand on a round head with a medium to long muzzle with a black nose at its end.
Their coat is water and weather resistant like their parent’s coats. This dense coat with short to medium hair is a mixture of straight and curly hair. The wiry hair on its muzzle region gives this dog a cute mustache and gives them a unique appearance.
How Big do German Wirehaired Lab Get
German Wirehaired Lab is a medium-sized dog, which is predictable as both of its parents are medium-sized. The males have an average height of 22 – 25 inches and an average weight of 65 – 80lbs. In comparison, the females have an average height of 22 – 23 inches and an average weight of 55 – 70lbs.
How Long Does a German Wirehaired Lab Live
The larger breeds usually have a shorter lifespan than that of the shorter ones. But like the other shorthaired pointer mixes, this graceful dog defies the odds. They usually live between 10 – 14 years. You can ensure that they live longer by taking good care of them and ensuring their daily needs are met.
How much does a German Wirehaired Lab Cost
German Wirehaired Lab is still at the beginning of its rise to popularity. Consequently, it will be hard for you to find a reputable breeder that sells these amazing dogs. However, if you manage to find one, you should look forward to paying around $500 – $2000. Then there are the medical and nonmedical expenses. These may include Beds, vaccines, leashes, neutering, and toys.
German Wirehaired Lab Temperament/Personality
German Wirehaired Lab is energetic, out-going, and affectionate. They love playing and going outside where they can run freely, so having a fenced yard or garden will be an advantage. They will not live happily in an apartment so ensure that you have an open area where they can play.
They are very intelligent and love to please their owners; this makes them quite easy to train. They will usually respond to commands but can be a little mischievous at times. They love to spend time with their owners and forming close bonds with them, so if you’re getting this wonderful dog, you should look forward to giving lots of hugs and kisses.
Caring for German Wirehaired Lab
German Wirehaired Lab requires a moderate level of care. You need to ensure that they are getting proper grooming, High-quality food with adequate nutrition, and enough exercise daily to exhaust their energy. Also, ensure that you use the right products. Continue reading to know everything about taking good care of your pup.
German Wirehaired Lab Nutrition
German Wirehaired Lab requires high-quality food to maintain its health and meet the daily nutritional need. They have high levels of energy so, feed them at least 3 cups of top-notch food. Split their meal into four or more and feed them when they need. It’s best to keep them on the vets’ recommended diet.
How to Groom a German Wirehaired Lab
This Lab-Pointer mix has a Wiry and dense coat that requires brushing at least twice per week to remove any dirt, tangles, or loose hair. Cleaning their ears regularly is essential to prevent infections. Due to their water and dirt-resistant coat, they will not require bathing frequently. Overall this breed is low maintenance.
German Wirehaired Lab Activity Levels
German Wirehaired Lab is an active dog that requires a lot of daily activity to stay healthy. They have highly energetic parents, so consequently, we can expect the same from this one. They require at least 90 – 120 minutes of daily activity. This can be achieved by taking them on jogs, hikes, or a visiting daycare.
Caring for German Wirehaired Lab
Due to their high Intelligence, this super-smart dog is prone to boredom, which can cause the development of self-destructive behavior. They also require constant affection and human contact; otherwise, they can develop separation anxiety. So, make sure that you don’t leave them alone for long periods. If you are usually busy, consider hiring a dog walker or get them trained for spending more time alone.
German Wirehaired Lab Health
German Wirehaired Lab is a healthy dog, but like all the other hybrid dogs, they inherit some health issues from their parent breed. The most common health concerns are; Elbow Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia, Entropion, Cataracts, Allergies, Obesity, and Ear Infections.
Breeds Similar to German Wirehaired Lab
Best Dog Food For German Wirehaired Lab
The best dog food for German Wirehaired Lab is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe. With this glucosamine-rich food, you can provide your German Wirehaired Lab with 353 Kcal/cup of metabolizable energy. For lean muscle development and sharp teeth, you should feed your German Wirehaired Lab with this Blue Buffalo food.
- This chondroitin-rich food combines a chicken meal, alfalfa meal, etc.
- This no-soy diet is packed with pea fiber, pea starch, etc. make its supper fiber-rich.
- It has vitamin D3 and other vitamin supplements to make the body disease-free.
Best Puppy Food For German Wirehaired Lab
The best puppy food for German Wirehaired Lab is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal & Oat Recipe Dry Dog Food. Its controlled level of calcium, glucosamine, chondroitin, and essential minerals improve the immunity of the pup’s body. Overall, this meal is ideal for physical development.
- Added for preservation, the mixed tocopherol makes it a refreshing diet.
- The iodized salt keeps your pup’s blood pressure under control.
- Enriched with Beta-carotene, the recipe is suitable for maintaining a healthier immune response.
Best Dog Bed For German Wirehaired Lab
The best dog bed for German Wirehaired Lab is FurHaven Self-Warming Convertible Cuddle Mat Bolster Cat & Dog Bed. The convertible dog bed can be used as a slumber zone, crate mat, etc. This stylish dog bed has a furry sleeping surface, but for the outer layer, it uses polyester material.
- It comes in spruce and silver color.
- This insulating pet bed has a button to retain its unique shape.
- The hand-crafted suede bed is pretty soft, so it ensures a soothing sleep.
Best Dog Crate For German Wirehaired Lab
The best dog crate for German Wirehaired Lab is MidWest LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. The elegant wired crate can be placed inside your vehicle as well. Its hassle-free storage makes it easier for you to carry it wherever you go.
- There are six different sizes for this pet bed, and so dogs of any breed can fit inside it.
- This collapsible dog crate has two entry points adjacent to each other.
- This hand-crafted dog crate uses accessories like a plastic pan, divider, carrying handle, etc.
Best Dog Harness For German Wirehaired Lab
The best dog harness for German Wirehaired Lab is Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Crash Tested Smart Car Dog Harness, Black. If you are looking for a walking harness or training equipment, there is no better dog product than the German Wirehaired Lab. The safe and durable dog harness protects the soft neck and chest from direct impact and pressure during the car crash.
- It comes with a steel carabiner and a seat belt loop for tight fastening.
- This padded harness has five sizes, and all of them provide the customers with a warranty.
- Dogs up to 110 pounds of weight can wear this harness.
Sources:
Recommended Reading:
- Best Dog Food
- Best Dog Bowl
- Best Automatic Dog Feeder
- Best Interactive Dog Toys
- Best Dog Playpen
- Best Outdoor Dog Kennel
- Best Dog House
- Best Dog Crate
- Best Dog Treat
- Best Automatic Fetch Machine
- Best Dog Activity Monitor
- Best Dog Food Container
- Best Electronic Dog Door
- Best Dog Ramp
- Best Dog Cooling Vest
- Best GPS Tracker for Dogs
- Best Dog Bed
- Best Dog Cooling Pad
- Best Indestructible Dog Bed
- Best Dog Training Book
