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Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Breed Profile

By:
| Updated: August 19, 2023
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon walking along a trail

Origin History of the:

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a rather interesting origin story. The breed is attributed to one E.K. Korthals, a Dutchman who lived in France and was determined to create the perfect gundog. It is believed that he crossed the Otterhound, various Setters and Spaniels, and possibly a Pointer to create the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Starting in 1874, Korthals eventually produced three dogs: Moustache I, Querida, and Lina. These dogs would produce the best lines of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed.

Korthals was able to quickly gain recognition for the breed’s superior ability to point and retrieve. In 1887, the first Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was registered in the United States, and the breed became popular in a very short amount of time. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized gundog breed that was traditionally used for hunting and flushing out waterfowl, game birds, and even hares. The breed is known for its remarkable ability to point and retrieve, which is why they are often referred to as the “supreme gundog”.

Despite the relatively young age of the breed, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has become a popular family companion as well as a working dog. They are known for their intelligence and ability to adapt, which makes them excellent candidates for activities like agility, tracking, and obedience. They are also loving, loyal, and good-natured dogs that do well with children and other pets. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon does require regular exercise, though, and is better suited for a home with a yard or in the countryside. They are also considered to be a non shedder and are overall a healthy breed.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon playing in snow
Credit: Václav Sonnek / EyeEm/ Gettyimages

Appearance:

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized dog with an unmistakable look. The breed is characterized by a wiry, steel gray coat with chestnut brown or roan markings. The coat is medium in length and should never be curly. The Griffon has a thick, weather-resistant undercoat and a harsh topcoat. It should also have eyebrows and a mustache, both of which are extensions of the undercoat. The desired coat color is steel gray with chestnut brown or roan markings, although uniform white or brown, or white and orange are less desirable in the show ring.

The Griffon has a compact and muscular body, with a deep chest and strong legs. It has a wedge-shaped head with a long muzzle and a black nose. The ears are medium in size and drop down close to the head. The eyes are dark and alert, and the tail is docked to three-quarters of its original length. The breed stands at about 22 to 24 inches tall for males and 20 to 22 inches tall for females, and weighs an average of 50 to 60 pounds.

Diet and Nutrition:

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an active breed and needs a diet that can provide it with the necessary energy and nutrition to keep up with a busy lifestyle. The best diet for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is one that is high in protein and includes a variety of fresh, whole ingredients. The diet should be tailored to the individual dog’s needs and should be adjusted as the dog grows and ages.

When selecting a food for your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, look for a food that is specifically formulated for active, working dogs. These formulas usually contain higher levels of protein and fat than standard dog foods. Additionally, look for foods that contain whole ingredients like real meats, vegetables, and grains. Avoid foods with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, as well as those containing by-products and fillers.

For optimal nutrition, make sure to feed your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon a balanced diet. The diet should include a variety of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It is also important to feed your Griffon on a regular schedule and to provide plenty of fresh, clean water.

If you are unsure if the food you are providing is adequate for your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can help you determine the best diet for your particular dog and ensure that it is getting all the necessary nutrients. Additionally, your vet can provide advice on how to adjust the diet as your Griffon grows and ages.

Common Health Issues Affecting:

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues. While they are generally a healthy breed, it is important to be aware of the potential health problems they may face. Common health issues affecting Wirehaired Pointing Griffons include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are genetic conditions caused by abnormal growth or development of the joints, which can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis. In order to reduce the risk of these conditions, it is important to only purchase Wirehaired Pointing Griffons from responsible breeders who have tested their breeding stock for these diseases.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon with large tennis ball
Credit: Stephen Simpson/ Gettyimages

Eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are also seen in Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. Cataracts cause a cloudy or opaque appearance to the eye, while progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative condition that can lead to vision loss. Regular eye exams with a veterinary ophthalmologist can help to diagnose and treat these conditions.

Ear infections are also common in Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. As these dogs have an abundance of hair in their ears, they can easily trap dirt and moisture, leading to infection. It is important to check the ears of your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon regularly and to keep them clean and dry, especially after swimming. If you detect any redness or a bad odor, this may indicate an infection and should be treated by a veterinarian.

Interesting Facts About:

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a truly unique breed with a fascinating history. Here are some interesting facts about this amazing breed:

1. The breed was developed by the Dutchman E.K. Korthals in the late 1800s. He crossed the Otterhound, Setters, and Spaniels with a Pointer to create the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

2. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is considered to be a supreme gundog, and they are still actively used for hunting and retrieving game birds, waterfowl, and even hares.

3. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a non shedder and is an excellent choice for those with allergies.

4. This breed is an energetic one and needs daily exercise. They do best when they have an area to run in, and off-leash exercise is preferred.

5. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a very intelligent breed and is easy to train. They’ll happily work closely with their owners and love to please.

6. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a very social breed that loves to be around their families. They’re gentle and loving and usually get along well with other pets and children.

7. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an incredibly versatile breed and enjoys a variety of activities. They’re successful in agility, tracking, and obedience, as well as hunting.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a truly remarkable breed. With their loving and loyal nature, they make excellent family companions and hunting dogs. They’re also nonshedding and easy to train, making them a great choice for those looking for a unique and intelligent breed.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Pointer, Agility Dog, jumping in rain, Canadian Agility, Championships.
Credit: Len Silvester/www.ttlphoto.com/ Gettyimages

Where to Adopt or Buy:

If you’re looking to adopt or buy a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, there are a few options available to you. You can check out local pet stores and shelters, as well as online sites such as Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet. There are also a number of dedicated breeders that specialize in Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. It’s important to do your research before deciding which route to take, as there are a few key things to consider.

Quality breeders will have a good track record, and the Griffon should be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). You should also ask for a health certificate from the vet to ensure the dog is healthy. Additionally, a reputable breeder will be happy to answer any questions you have about the breed and provide information about the puppy’s parents.

Rescues and shelters are also great places to find Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. Many of these dogs are surrendered due to a change in the owner’s circumstances, and not because of any fault of their own. Adopting a Griffon from a rescue or shelter can be a great way to give a second chance to a loving and loyal companion.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon on hind legs in snow
Credit: Václav Sonnek / EyeEm/ Gettyimages

Conclusion:

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an amazing breed that has been delighting hunters and families since the late 19th century. These dogs are supreme gundogs, able to flush, point, and retrieve waterfowl, game birds, and even hares. They also make excellent family companions and enjoy any kind of work.

The Griffon is an energetic breed that needs daily exercise and loves being with its family. They are intelligent, easy to train and have a sense of humor that is endearing. With proper care, training, and socialization, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can be a wonderful companion and hunting partner. They’re also fairly healthy, with only a few inherited disorders to watch out for. This breed is a great choice for those looking for an active, intelligent, and loving dog.

FAQ:

Q. How big is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

A. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized breed that typically stands between 20 and 24 inches tall and weighs between 40 and 60 pounds.

Q. What type of coat does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon have?

A. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a dense double coat with an undercoat of thick, weather-resistant down and an outer coat of straight, wiry hair that is medium in length. The coat should be steel gray in color with chestnut brown or roan markings.

Q. Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons good with children?

A. Yes, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a friendly and loving breed that generally gets along well with everyone, including children. However, they do prefer older children who understand how to properly treat a dog.

Q. Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon a good apartment dog?

A. No, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not well-suited for apartment living due to their high energy and need for regular exercise. They do much better in a house with a fenced yard or in the country.

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