For those of us who love GWPs, we can't imagine life without one (or two or more) but GWPs are NOT a breed for everyone. Because they are a breed that was designed to hunt hard all day long, GWPs are a high-energy breed that needs regular exercise.  With regular exercise, a GWP is an excellent house dog, but without regular exercise, GWPs, especially youngsters under 2 years old, can be more active indoors than many families appreciate.

The GWP breed standard says that GWPs are supposed to be "aloof with strangers."  This does not mean timid or shy, but means that they may take a little longer to become friendly with someone they don't know.  Of course, American breeders have worked hard to breed excellent temperaments, so there are more GWPs that are now friendlier towards strangers.  Owners can also reduce the level of aloofness by socializing their puppies so they learn that new people, places and things are not "bad" but are only "different." 

Because of their natural aloofness, GWPs usually make very good guard dogs who are unwilling to let strangers into their home if their family is gone, and they will sound the alarm if they hear an intruder.  This is another reason that socializing your puppy--and adult dog--is very important!

GWPs are people dogs, and want to be with their families whenever possible.  They do NOT make good kennel dogs.  If left alone in a kennel for long periods of time, GWPs can become destructive and will bark, if they don't figure out a way to escape!

Because they love their families, GWPs are good with kids.  GWPs also usually get along well with other dogs.  They can get along well with cats, too if they have been raised around cats.

Because of their wire coats, GWPs shed less than breeds with short coats or with long coats.  Their coats are fairly easy to maintain with regular brushing and a little hair plucking (called "stripping") to remove dead coat. Please do NOT shave down your GWP--this will cause the coat to grow back longer and softer, an will remove the natural weather-resistance the coat usually has.

Please contact us for more information about GWPs.