What makes the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Unique?
Medium sized and bred to cover all terrain encountered by the walking hunter, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has been called the “4-wheel drive of hunting dogs” as he will enter briars or underbrush without hesitation. Griffs excel equally as pointers in the field and as retrievers in the water. Their coarse double coat protects them in rough cover and gives them an unkempt appearance. It can be a variety of colors, most often steel gray with brown markings.
Breed Groups
- Working Dog Breed
- Medium Size
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| Size: | Males – 53.340 to 58.420 cm (21 to 23 inches) Females – 48.260 to 53.340 cm (19 to 21 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 22 to 27 kg (50 to 60 pounds) Females – 22 to 27 kg (50 to 60 pounds) |
| Origin: | France |
| Life Span: | 10 to 12 Years |
| Colour: | Steel gray with brown markings, chestnut brown, roan or white with orange or brown. |
| Litter Size: | 6-10 puppies |
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Right For You?
The Griffon’s easy trainability, devotion to family, and friendly temperament endear him to all. He thrives on human companionship and prefers to be house dog. The breed’s wiry coat will not develop fully until the dog is about 2-3 years old and is maintained with regular brushing and stripping. This sporting dog needs plenty of exercise to keep it physically and mentally fit.
In 5 Words
- Alert
- Docile
- Friendly
- Responsive
- Courgeuos
Characteristics
Learn More About Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Description
The dogs are carefully bred for more than thousands of years, on occasionally through inbreeding dogs as of similar ancestral lines whereas on sometimes through mixing of dogs from the extremely different lines.
Even this process is continuing nowadays, which results in ample or extensive multiplicity of hybrids, breeds and types of dogs.
Short History of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons were developed by a 19th-century Dutch breeder who wanted to create a new, adaptable kind of hunting dog. By crossing Griffon-types with European pointers, retrievers and spaniels, this versatile and durable hunter was soon through swamps and fields. With the ability to track game over land and water, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon quickly caught on as an outdoor companion and household friend.
Temperament
Ideal for active families, the Wirehaired Pointing needs to get plenty of outdoor exercise. This breed is a great gun dog, up for any hunting challenge in any terrain or condition. If the Griff is going to be your new family companion, you won’t be disappointed – he’s quiet, affectionate and loves to play. He won’t make a good guard dog, but he’ll alert you with a quick woof if he sees someone or something approaching. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon does well with older children and other family pets, as long as they are raised together.
The best household for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is one where there is a stay-at-home parent. This breed is prone to separation anxiety when left alone, so if you work long hours from home, this is not the breed for you. For times when you have to be away for an extended period of time, make sure your Griff is well-exercised and tired out – this way he’ll be too tired to be stressed out.
Caring for Your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Grooming & Bathing
Brush and comb the harsh coat once or twice a week. The ears should be cleaned and plucked of hair within the canal in order to avoid ear problems. Show dogs need stripping and trimming. Some pet owners have their dogs professionally groomed once or twice a year to keep them looking their best. The Griffon sheds little to no hair, but must be stripped so new hair can grow.
Exercise & Training
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are super high-energy dogs. They need to be taken on daily, long, brisk walks or out for a run. They will make excellent jogging companions and love to swim. If these dogs are allowed to get bored, and are not walked or jogged daily, they can become destructive, high-strung and start to display a wide array of behavioral problems.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Picture Gallery
