Minimum Breeding Requirements

Below are the minimum breeding requirements that all German Wirehair Alliance breeders agree to follow. These Minimum Breeding Requirements provide an elevated genetic baseline for hunting ability, health, temperament, and conformation for all German Wirehair Alliance approved litters. In addition to the requirements below, all breeding stock shall be hunted and evaluated on wild game and proven themselves as top performers in the eyes of experienced hunters and trainers. 

​1.  ​Both parents must be certified free of hip dysplasia by a recognized organization, such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals(OFA) or a University with a recognized hip certification program such as University of Pennsylvania (PENNHIP), Saskatchewan or Guelph. Other foreign organizations may be considered. According to OFA statistics, nearly 10% of the German Wirehaired breed tests positive for hip dysplasia.

2.  Both parents must be certified free of hypothyroidism through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). The OFA evaluation is a more complete evaluation that can identify dogs with the genetic form of autoimmune hypothyroidism. According to OFA statistics, nearly 10% of the German Wirehaired breed tests positive for autoimmune hypothyroidism. 

3.  Neither parent may have a known genetic disorder. Genetic disorders may be diagnosed through obvious visual symptoms, veterinarian diagnosis, or health testing. It is encouraged, but not required, to test for other less common disorders in the breed, such as elbow dysplasia, eyes, cardiac, and von Willebrand's disease. 

4.  Neither parent may have a temperament fault. Man shy, gun shy, aggressive, fearful or otherwise mentally unstable dogs of unsound nerves shall not be used for breeding.

5.  Neither parent may have a major conformation fault as defined by the FCI standard.  Disqualifying faults include: over or undershot jaw, entropic or ectropic eyelids, or missing testicles. More exhaustive conformation and coat evaluations are highly recommended for breeding stock. Evaluations include the VHDF Conformation & Structure evaluation (CSE), VDD ZR rating, or by obtaining an AKC bench championship.

6.  At least one parent must be evaluated at a higher level versatile dog test which includes work before and after the shot, on land and in water. Approved evaluations and minimum performances include: NAVHDA UT prize II level work in all subjects, VHDF AHAE GOOD level work in all subjects, JGHV HZP GOOD level work in all subjects, or equivalent from foreign organizations.

7.  The other parent must be evaluated at least at a minimal level versatile dog test which includes evaluation for searching land, pointing, tracking, water entry, nose, desire, and cooperation. Approved evaluations and minimum performances include: NAVHDA NA prize II level work in all subjects, VHDF HAE GOOD level work in all subjects, or equivalent from foreign organizations.

8.  Requirement number 7 above may also be fulfilled under certain circumstances by the utilization of a dog that is proven to be an outstanding performer in a non-versatile, all breed competition. Such examples of outstanding proven performers include AKC Field Championship or NSTRA Field Championship.  Requirement number 6 above may also be fulfilled under certain circumstances by the utilization of a dog that is proven to be a consistent performer over time in a non-versatile, all breed hunt test.  Such examples of consistent performers include AKC Master Hunter or Senior Hunter titles.  To be titled as an AKC FC, MH, or SH, the dog must have also passed a water test.  This allowance gives our breeders the flexibility to use an outstanding individual performer that may be able to contribute to the gene pool on a limited basis. This allowance is only used when the pedigree in question demonstrates significant strength at higher level versatile dog evaluations. This allowance may not be used as a substitute for requirement number 7 above.