50-60 lbs
20-22"
France
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a superb gun dog. He originated in France in the mid-to-late 1800s. He is a mixture of a number of breeds; a Mr. E.K. Korthals, a native of Holland, crossbred a number of dogs, including Setters, Retrievers, and Pointers. His intention was to create the best possible gun dog. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon does not disappoint. He is intelligent, following his handler’s command, pointing and retrieving with perfection. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a relatively healthy dog. Only on occasion are health issues seen in the breed. He is usually steel gray in color; however, occasionally a white with brown or orange markings will present. This breed naturally has “eyebrows” and a moustache and beard.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is named such because of its wiry coat, its prowess as a hunting dog, and Griffon is another term for “Russian setter.” Most experts attribute the development of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon to the breeding of dogs owned by E. K. Korthals, a Dutchman who wanted to create the ideal gun dog. While it is not certain exactly what breeds he used to come to the modern Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, most experts think he crossed the Otterhound with various Setters and Spaniels (and possibly a Pointer). Korthals began this breeding experiment in 1874. The Wirehaired Point Griffon became a very popular breed in France in the late 1800s. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is known as “the supreme gun dog.”
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized dog. He has a slightly rounded skull which is in proportion to the dog’s body. The nose is brown and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. Its round eyes are generally yellowish-brown in color. Its ears are at eye-level, hanging flat against the side of the head The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has webbed feet. Any dewclaws are usually removed, and some owners dock the tail to about half of its original length. It is usually carried straight or raised. Its coat is of medium-length, rough and coarse. It has thick, bushy eyebrows with a thick “beard and moustache.” The coat is generally steel gray with some brown markings; however, the brown is often a variation of chestnut or roan. The coat is also occasionally white, solid brown, white and brown, or, rarely, white and orange.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a thick double coat. The undercoat is thick and weather-resistant. The topcoat is coarse with straight, medium-length, wiry hair. Surprisingly, the undercoat is the source of the thick eyebrows and moustache. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally a dog that sheds very little; however, the coat needs to be combed at least once a week and stripped at least bi-weekly. Cleaning the ears of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is of the utmost importance as they do have some issues with the outer ear becoming inflamed. The ears should be kept as dry as possible. They should be checked weekly for dirt, debris, redness, or foul odors. This could be a sign of infection. The Griffon’s teeth should be brushed two or three times a week to ensure dental health. Daily brushing will prevent gum disease and bad breath. Nails should be trimmed monthly or every other week if you notice a “clicking” sound when your Griffon walks. Griffons need daily exercise; they do best when exercised off-leash in a fenced-in yard. They are not recommended for apartment living.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a very intelligent, quick learner. It is recommended that you begin training as early as possible as well as socialization. The Griffon can be nervous around strangers, other dogs, and timid in new situations. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is also very energetic. They are easily trainable; they point and retrieve impeccably well. They are independent dogs, yet they look to their handlers for firm, consistent demands. Keep in mind that Wirehaired Pointing Griffons need a moderate amount of exercise in order to be happy and healthy.
