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Breed Characteristics
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Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
| Other Names | Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur Korthals, French Wire-haired Korthals Pointing Griffon, French Wire-haired Pointing Griffon |
| Country of Origin | Netherlands/ Germany |
| Weight | 50 - 60 lbs. (23 - 27 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 20 - 24 in. (50 - 60 cm) |
| Coat | The Griffon possesses a double coat, which is usually a steely grey. It sometimes comes in a chestnut brown with white patches, and in rarer cares, all black coats have been noted. The overcoat is always straight, thick and wiry - given to its name. The undercoat will differ in its style depending on the season, but is usually much lighter. It comes with a full beard and fluffy moustache. The dog also exhibits patches of hair around the ears, although this isn't wiry like the hair on the main body. |
| Colour | Grey/Brown, Steel Grey, Brown/White, Chestnut Brown, White, Black |
| Litter Size | 6 - 9 puppies with an average of 6 |
| Life Span | 10 - 12 years |
| Origin & History | The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed by Eduard Karel Korthals beginning in 1873. Korthals' dream was to create the ideal versatile gun dog; one with extreme resiliency, vigor, and devotion to its master. The dog would also have to work close to its master, and be open to training. Korthals' breeding line began in 1874 with "Mouche", who would be used as its foundation bitch, as well as five other dogs described as "Griffons": Janus, Satan, Banco, Hector, and Junon. He interbred the dogs carefully until offspring were produced that resembled his dream pointing dog. Much speculation is given as to which other breeds contributed to Korthals' line. Some sources refer to other pointers from Germany and France, others point to continental Spaniels, while still others believe English and French waterdogs played a part in creating the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. In any event, the resulting offspring (Moustache I, Lina, and Querida) are referred to as the "Korthals Patriarchs" because they are the Griffon's direct ancestors. However, these dogs still looked very different from today's modern Griffon. The American Kennel Club's first registered Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was "Zolette", who was entered into the stud book in 1887. However, the Griffon was still relatively unknown, and she was registered as a "Russian Setter(Griffon)" for her presumed Russian heritage. It was not until 1916, twenty-nine years later, that the breed was officially recognized in the United States. In that same year, sixteen Griffons appeared in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, one of the most prestigious shows in the country. Since then, the breed has grown in popularity as not only a show dog but also a versatile gun dog, Korthals' original intention for the breed. For the most part, the breed still resembles his original intentions: a medium size, harsh coat, good degree of trainability, and resilient on the field and in the ring. |
| Personality | The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a loyal, skilled energetic field dog. It is intelligent and makes a distinguished gundog and tracker. These excellent hunting companions can point and retrieve with a deliberate style, generally staying within the hunter's gun range. Especially good for hunters on foot, it combines the ability to be directed by the hunter with the ability to think independently. It has an exceptionally fine sense of smell and a great passion for the hunt, especially for quail and hare. Friendly, lively and active, the breed works well in marshland and upland, and is a fine pointer, flusher and water retriever. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's coat protects him from dense brush and bad weather. Very loving, it is also an excellent family pet, gentle and affectionate with children. It is very eager and willing to please and is easily trained. If not properly socialized, exercised and given enough mental stimulation, it can be rather high-strung and nervous with strangers and unfamiliar situations. Dogs that do get enough exercise are generally friendly toward strangers, other dogs and pets. Socialize extensively when young and be sure to always be the dog's pack leader. This breed is an excellent watchdog. |
Care Requirements
| Health | There are no known breed-specific health concerns. |
| Grooming | 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 | 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. |
| Other Considerations | The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not recommended for apartment life. Will not do well left in a kennel or backyard. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. It prefers cool climates. |
