Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

also known as Griffon D39;arrêt à Poil Dur, Korthals, Korthals Griffon

Pros History


The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a unique and versatile breed of dog that has a long and fascinating history. This breed is considered one of the oldest pointing breeds in the world and it's considered to be one of the most unique among the pointing breeds.

The origins of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can be traced back to the late 19th century in Europe, where the breed was created by a man named Eduard Karel Korthals. Korthals was a Dutch breeder who wanted to create a dog that could work well in the field, be a good family companion, and have a rough, wiry coat that would be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. He achieved this by crossing various breeds such as the Pointer, the Setter, the Pudelpointer, and the Stichelhaar.

The breed was first officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1887 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1887.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is known for its unique appearance, which includes a rough, wiry, and dense coat that is usually a steel gray or chestnut brown color. The breed's coat is thick, and it's waterproof, which makes it an excellent swimmer. The breed's body is athletic and muscular, which makes them good for hunting, retrieving and swimming.

The breed's name "Wirehaired Pointing Griffon" is reflective of its origin and its natural abilities in the field. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an excellent pointer and retriever, making it an ideal companion for hunters who need a dog that can work in all types of terrain, including water

Breed Information


Type

Is Wirehaired Pointing Griffon a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon name? How do you say Wirehaired Pointing Griffons?

WAHYUHR-haird POIN-ting grih-FAHN

Purpose

What were Wirehaired Pointing Griffons originally used for?

pointing, retrieving

Lifespan

How Long Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Live? What is average life expectancy for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon? How long can Wirehaired Pointing Griffons live?

12-14 years

The average Wirehaired Pointing Griffon lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

What is the average height of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon? How big is a Purebred Wirehaired Pointing Griffon height? Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 22-24 inches (55.9 - 61 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm)
Female 20-22 inches (50.8 - 55.9 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm)
What is the average weight of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon? How much should Wirehaired Pointing Griffons weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 50-60 pounds (23 - 27 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg)
Female 50-60 pounds (23 - 27 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons get fat easily?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon personality? What are Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs best known for?

Gentle
Proud
Vigilant
Loyal
Trainable
Intelligent

Shedding Level

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons heavy shedders? How Much Does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Shed?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons come from?

France

Ancestry

What are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons descended from?

griffon, spaniel, pointer, setter

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Continental Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
National Kennel Club
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Wirehaired Pointing Griffons first bred? How old is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Sporting (AKC:1887)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Wirehaired Pointing Griffon eyes?

Hazel

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Wirehaired Pointing Griffon nose be naturally?

Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Wirehaired Pointing Griffon coat be naturally?

Gray
Brown
White

Coat Length

How long is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffons coat?

The coat of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon have in a litter? How many puppies can a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have a lot of health problems?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Wirehaired Pointing Griffons?

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Ectropion
Hip Dysplasia

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed?

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have a lot of energy?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons need socialization? How social are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Wirehaired Pointing Griffons get?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon have? Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons sleep a lot?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon drool a lot?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons enjoy doing? How do I keep my Wirehaired Pointing Griffon busy?

Bird hunting, Swimming

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon? How much energy does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon have?

High

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon walk each week? How many miles should a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon walk every week?

14 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should exercise a day? How much activity does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need?

90 minutes

In general most Wirehaired Pointing Griffons usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Weekly

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Wirehaired Pointing Griffons?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon eat?

3 cups

For an average 50-60 pound (23 - 27 kg) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffon do well in apartments? Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons good with kids? Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons good around children?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons good with cats? How friendly Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are toward cats?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs get along with other dogs? Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons OK with other dogs?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons friendly with strangers?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons like to play? Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons playful?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffon easily trained?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Size
    Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are medium-sized dogs, making them a good size for families.
  • Hypoallergenic
    Due to their hypoallergenic properties, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons may be a safer option for those with allergies.
  • Personality
    Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are energetic, friendly and make great companions.
  • Coat
    Wirehaired Pointing Griffon have a dense, wiry coat that is naturally waterproof, making them great for hunting and outdoor activities.

Cons

  • Energy
    Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are high energy dogs and require regular exercise.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Wirehaired Pointing Griffons may not be able to handle the distractions of an office.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs may not be suitable for indoor living environments.
  • Grooming
    Wirehaired Pointing Griffon require regular grooming, including trimming and clipping. They have a unique, wire-haired coat that requires extra attention to maintain its appearance.