drahthaar
Very LowTechnical/Specialized
Definition
Meaning
A breed of versatile hunting dog, specifically a German Wirehaired Pointer.
A robust, weather-resistant working dog developed for hunting and retrieving in varied terrain, often used in specialized contexts like game tracking.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to the formal breed name; the term is used almost exclusively by hunters, breeders, and dog enthusiasts. It is not a general descriptor for any wire-haired dog.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in both varieties, as it is a direct loanword and a proper breed name.
Connotations
Associated with serious hunting, field trials, and skilled dog handling. Connotes toughness and utility.
Frequency
Equally rare in both regions, confined to niche communities.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Own a + DrahthaarThe + Drahthaar + retrieved + the birdA + Drahthaar + is known for + its enduranceVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts of breeding, kennel management, or pet supply.
Academic
Rare, may appear in veterinary science or animal husbandry papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in general conversation.
Technical
Primary context: used by dog breeders, hunters, and in canine sports/judging.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- That is a big dog. It is a Drahthaar.
- My uncle has a Drahthaar that he uses for hunting.
- The Drahthaar is prized for its ability to work in harsh weather and retrieve from water.
- Adherence to the breed standard is paramount for Drahthaars entered in field trials, evaluating both pointing and retrieving proficiency.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DRAHT' sounds like 'DROUGHT' – a tough, hardy dog for dry, rough terrain. 'HAAR' sounds like 'HAR' (hard). A hard, tough dog.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HUNTER IS A TOOL-USER (the dog is a precision instrument for the hunter).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating literally as 'проволочная шерсть' (wire hair). It is a fixed breed name.
- Do not confuse with the more general 'жесткошёрстная собака' (wire-haired dog).
Common Mistakes
- Using lowercase ('drahthaar') as a common noun.
- Misspelling as 'drat-har' or 'draht-har'.
- Assuming it describes any dog with wiry fur.
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the word 'Drahthaar'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a high-energy working breed, it can be a family pet only with extensive exercise and training; it is not a typical casual companion dog.
It is pronounced 'DRAHT-har', with a clear 't' sound in the first syllable and a long 'a' in the second.
The key difference is the coat: the Drahthaar has a dense, wiry, water-resistant outer coat, while the Shorthaired Pointer has a short, sleek coat.
No, it is almost exclusively a proper noun referring to the breed. One would say 'a Drahthaar' or 'a Drahthaar's coat', not 'a drahthaar dog'.