german wire-haired pointer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Specialized (specifically in dog breeds, hunting, canine sports); can appear in general informational contexts.
Quick answer
What does “german wire-haired pointer” mean?
A breed of large hunting dog of German origin, characterized by a distinctive wiry, harsh coat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of large hunting dog of German origin, characterized by a distinctive wiry, harsh coat.
A versatile gundog bred for pointing and retrieving game in both field and water. The breed is known for its intelligence, endurance, and protective, weather-resistant coat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'wire-haired' is standard in both. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical; both refer to the specific breed standard. Slightly more common in UK/EU contexts due to the breed's European origin.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but marginally higher in the UK due to greater breed recognition and registration with The Kennel Club versus the American Kennel Club.
Grammar
How to Use “german wire-haired pointer” in a Sentence
[Owner] has/owns/raises a German wire-haired pointer.[The] German wire-haired pointer [verb: points/retrieves/hunts].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “german wire-haired pointer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We are going to **German wire-haired pointer** our new pup with the local club.
- (Note: Extremely rare/non-standard verb use; noun form is exclusive)
American English
- (Noun form is exclusive; verb use does not exist.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form exists.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form exists.)
adjective
British English
- He has a **German-wire-haired-pointer** temperament—energetic and focused.
- (Note: Adjectival use is highly informal and hyphenated for clarity)
American English
- The **German Wirehaired Pointer** rescue organization held an event. (Used attributively as a compound noun modifying another noun)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only in specific contexts like pet industry, breeding, or veterinary supplies.
Academic
Rare; may appear in zoology, veterinary science, or animal husbandry texts.
Everyday
Low; primarily used by dog enthusiasts, hunters, or in general pet discussions.
Technical
Primary register. Used in kennel club standards, dog show commentary, hunting manuals, and veterinary breed-specific literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “german wire-haired pointer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “german wire-haired pointer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “german wire-haired pointer”
- Misspelling: 'German wire-hair pointer', 'German wired hair pointer'.
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'German wirehaired-pointer'.
- Misunderstanding 'pointer' as a general term for something that points rather than a specific dog type.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'German wire-haired pointer' (with hyphen) and 'German wirehaired pointer' (as a solid compound) are accepted. Official kennel club registries often use the solid form.
The primary difference is the coat. The wire-haired has a harsh, wiry, water-resistant double coat, while the shorthaired has a short, flat, dense coat. Their temperaments are similar but not identical.
They can be, but they are high-energy, intelligent working dogs requiring substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, they may become destructive. They are best suited for active families.
The original German name is 'Deutsch Drahthaar', which translates directly to 'German wire hair'.
A breed of large hunting dog of German origin, characterized by a distinctive wiry, harsh coat.
German wire-haired pointer is usually technical/specialized (specifically in dog breeds, hunting, canine sports); can appear in general informational contexts. in register.
German wire-haired pointer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒɜː.mən ˌwaɪəˌheəd ˈpɔɪn.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒɝː.mən ˌwaɪrˌherd ˈpɔɪn.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No idioms specific to this breed name]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a German engineer with a wiry beard pointing precisely at a target. The engineer (German), the wiry beard (wire-haired), and the pointing action (pointer) define the breed.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE DOG IS A SPECIALIZED TOOL. The breed name frames the dog as a precision instrument (pointer) with a specific construction (wire-haired) and origin (German).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function indicated by 'pointer' in the breed name 'German wire-haired pointer'?