Wirehaired Pointing Griffons: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon!

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a sturdy dog with an outer double coat consisting of a stiff bristly outer coat and a soft undercoat. It has a noble, square-shaped head and is strong of limb that has its origins in the Netherlands but was mainly developed in France. It is a breed that can cover any terrain encountered by a walking hunter. It is often described as the ultimate walking hunter’s gun dog. “Korthal’s Griffon” was its former name after the man who worked for its development. The manner of hunting is characterized by slow but deliberate tracking of game following the scent. It is trained to freeze to a point with its cropped tail extending and its square nose pointing to the located game.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
12 to 15 years

Energy Level:
Higher than average. Country life preferred.

Living Conditions:
Apartments too restrictive.

Barking:
Average.

Exercise Needs:
Daily run and yard play.

Breed Group:
Sporting

Size:
Medium

Height:
20-24 inches

Weight:
40-60 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
Steel gray with chestnut markings; white and chestnut; just white.

National breed club:
American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Skills

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was originally developed to find and retrieve game of all species notwithstanding the climate and the terrain involved. It has become a reliable companion and watchdog. It has also shown much versatility in obedience and show rings. In some places, it is used to assist in search and rescue activities where its excellent nose and tenacity is put to good use.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Personality

A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is quite people oriented making it a wonderful family pet. It is easy to train, clearly manifesting a quick and intelligent mind. It is also friendly, trustworthy and outgoing. Devotion to its owners and the willingness to please is evident in its actions.

Exercise Needs

A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs regular exercise and such can be provided through daily romps in large areas that are far from major roads. Runs in the park, swimming in lakes or simply taking the dog as a jogging companion are also beneficial.

Living Conditions

A house with a fenced yard is a suitable place to stay for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Since it loves being with people, it is happiest when kept inside the house. However, as it enjoys water and walking in the field, country life may be better. They are not meant to be full time kennel dogs and apartment living might be too restrictive for its high energy level.

Grooming Requirements

Since the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a serious hunting dog, proper grooming should be observed to ensure excellent physical and mental condition. Grooming involves the brushing of the coat, stripping of dead coat, clearing the ears and removal of extra ear hair, bathing and examination, nail trimming and dental care. This breed does not shed spontaneously thus regular brushing and combing facilitates removal of dead hair and loose dirt. This usually means about once or twice monthly and on a more frequent basis for show dogs.

Health Issues

There are a few genetic problems associated with the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed but health problems such as hip dysplasia, skin allergies and thyroid diseases have been reported.

If you liked this dog…

...but would prefer a more protective and aggressive hunter, then a German Wirehaired Pointer could be a possible option. It excels in field trial competitions and its intensity of point is equal to that of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, only varying in style.