Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Description, History, Grooming, Health Issues and Living Conditions

Description: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a hunting dog that is very strong. With a slightly rounded top to the skull that, on profile, will look square. The head is in proportion to the body. This breed has a brown nose with wide-open nostrils, and their teeth meet in a scissor bite. This breed has large eyes that are round in shape and come in brown to yellow colouring. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon ears are set at the head line and hang down, lying against the head. This dog has a long neck. The height is 20-24 inches and the weight is 50-60 pounds. It has rounded front legs that are straight; this dog has webbed feet and is a marvellous swimmer. In countries that permit docking the tail is docked, this is a straight tail that is carried high. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a coat that is medium in length, rough, course and double coated. The under coat is soft. This dog has bushy eye brows, beard and moustache. Colours we see are: steel grey with brown, white and orange, white and solid brown, white and brown.

History: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon came about due to the hard work of a Dutchman called Eduard Korthal, he was a very keen hunter and wanted the best hunting dog he could breed. He mixed setter, German Griffon, and the French and German Pointers. The amazing thing was that he got the dog he wanted in about 20 years, he also wrote the standards and formed the Griffon Club of America in 1916. This breed more than matched what he was seeking and this dog exceeds in small game hunting.

Temperament: This is an intelligent dog that makes a characteristically good gundog and tracker. This dog is an excellent hunting companion, and can point and retrieve. The breed are exceptionally good hunters, for hunting on foot. This dog can think independently. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a very loving dog and makes an excellent family pet. This breed is good with children. This dog is easily trained and very willing to please. This dog can be highly strung, if not given enough exercise and socialized well. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, like all dogs require you to be a good pack leader. Another skill this dog has is to be a good watchdog, for the home. This dog is an excellent swimmer and will love to go on long walks especially when some sort of swimming is involved. This breed is a high-energy breed so needs to have long daily walks. They can show signs of behavioural problems, if their needs for mental and physical exercise are not met, such as becoming destructive and shy with strangers. This is a gentle dog and can make a great pet, providing you meet their needs.

Health issues: Hip dysplasia can occur in some lines. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon overall has good health.

Grooming: This dog requires brushing once or twice a week. Some wirehaired pointing Griffons will require stripping. This breed sheds little to no hair. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons need to be stripped for new hair to grow.

Living conditions: This dog is not recommended for apartment life, and will always want to be with their family not left in a kennel in the garden. A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires a medium to a large sized garden.