Should you own a GWP or Drent?
Will this breed fit into your life? Let's see. The first thing we want people to know about this breed is that it is a moderately high energy breed. They need exercise and not just for their bodies. If you think a 30-minute walk once a day is adequate exercise, please begin looking elsewhere. Adequate exercise for an adult GWP or Drent will include a good (multi)hour run at least once or twice a week in addition to regular walks. Daily exercise will keep both you and the dog happier. The Drent is a thinking breed; they excel when they have a job, something to keep their brains engaged. While these dogs have a great “off-switch”, a bored and restless versatile pointing dog will find something to do. While not prone to destructiveness, you may find comedic value in what your dog has elected to do, or more likely, you probably won't appreciate their choice(s) very much. If you don't like the outdoors, please don't get a GWP, Drent or Spinone. They are honest to goodness hunting dogs! Their instincts will tell them to quest. They will hunt what animals they haven’t been socialized to, e.g., the birds at your feeder or the squirrels in your backyard. They love to pull moles out of the lawn, frogs out of the pond and snakes out of the garden, and if they can catch these critters, they will attempt to play with them until their untimely demise or they may bring them to you as a gift - alive or otherwise. If you are faint of heart in these matters, this will not be the breed for you. Hunting and cooperation are their heritage, it's in their blood, it is what they have been bred to do.
If you want a "sometimes dog", a dog that will go lie down and nap or entertain themselves without your involvement, don't get a GWP or Drent. These breeds need to be with their people. They are not happy being left out of whatever you are doing. If you don't like a dog that follows you everywhere, needs to be in the bathroom with you and wants to sit next to you, you will not be happy with this breed. Teaching a GWP and/or Drent to be alone, in their crate or in a kennel, is necessary when they are young. But don't expect to keep them this way for extended periods of time if you want a well-adjusted dog. The GWP/Drent is a breed that is extremely loyal to its family. They were designed to hunt all manner of game: fur or feather on land or water, announce visitors, and to be a playmate to the children. Not to mention taking on other odd jobs like carting goods to market as needed. A real Swiss Army knife of a dog!
If you are an immaculate housekeeper with white rugs and an intolerance for dirt, don't get a Drentsche Patrijshond. A good Drent coat will shed most dirt and debris, but it will collect some outdoor stuff, and this will be brought into your home and deposited wherever they lie down – most likely your furniture. A GWP coat will need to be hand stripped periodically to be in top shape and to offer its full protection from the environment and shed field debris.
If you are an immaculate housekeeper with white rugs and an intolerance for dirt, don't get a Drentsche Patrijshond. A good Drent coat will shed most dirt and debris, but it will collect some outdoor stuff, and this will be brought into your home and deposited wherever they lie down – most likely your furniture. A GWP coat will need to be hand stripped periodically to be in top shape and to offer its full protection from the environment and shed field debris.
If you are a truly kindhearted soul who hates to see dogs disciplined (read provide structure and boundaries) and can't bear to correct puppies, please don't get a German Wirehaired Pointer or Drentsche Patrijshond. They are a very smart breeds, but this also gets them into trouble. They may present as stubborn, but that would be your indication you have failed to appeal to and connect with your dog. As youngsters they must learn boundaries! You must be more determined and intelligent than they are, and you must have eyes in the back of your head to watch them all of the time. I’m guessing you would never be tempted to leave a 5-year-old child unattended, even a really well-behaved one. The same will apply to your GWP or Drent. High quality early socialization is critical for your GWP or Drent. You will get the dog you create in the first 6-months of bringing puppy home. Use that time wisely to create a strong bond, and you will have a great relationship with an incredible dog. Squander the opportunity and, well, good luck.
If you don't have a good strong high fence, you should not own a GWP or Drentsche Patrijshond. Remember, they are a working dog, a hunting dog, and they are likely to wander – remember the GWP Drent is a questing breed. Their noses and natural curiosity can lead them away from home if given the chance. GWPs and Drents are an athletic breeds. If they decide they are getting out, they will. Normally, they don't want to run away and will end up at your front door, but out they will be.
If you are not a hunter, should you own a GWP or Drent? Lots of people who don’t hunt own this breed and have had very long, happy, successful relationships with them. However, these owners have found ways to keep their dogs exercised both physically and mentally. In addition to hunting and structured field events, GWPs and Drents enjoy Agility, Obedience, Fly Ball, Scent work, Tracking, Barn Hunt, Fast CAT, hiking, jogging, joring… really anything that is a team effort! GWPs and Drentsche Patrijshonden are extremely loyal to their families, are highly intelligent and learn very quickly, have a wonderful sense of humor, make excellent companions in the house or in the field and are a healthy breed. A very “people oriented” breed for “dog oriented” people!
