The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog breed is known for its distinctive appearance and graceful hunting skills.
- Dogs have a rough coat; the outer coat is wiry and thick, while the undercoat is downy. The coat is usually silver, gray, or chestnut with roam or chestnut markings.
- The Pointing Griffon has large brown or yellow expressive eyes, a large head, bushy eyebrows, mustache, and beard, a long neck, flat pendant ears, and muscular limbs.
Temperament
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are loving, intelligent, energetic, and skilled in the field as a tracker, gundog, and hunting companion.
- Dogs are eager to please and highly trainable. Most are friendly and devoted, but may become nervous with strangers or high-strung if not properly socialized and stimulated.
- Excellent family pets, this breed is gentle with children and loyal to its owners.
- Griffons are skilled watchdogs.
Height and Weight
- Adult dogs tend to be 20-24 inches tall and weigh around 50-60 pounds.
Living Conditions and Exercise
- The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog breed is not well-suited for apartment living, and do best with large yards.
- Dogs need extensive exercise to stay happy. Dogs should be taken for long walks, jogs, and runs, and they love to swim and play.
- Exercise is absolutely essential for this breed. Dogs without proper exercise may become destructive and display problematic behaviors.
Life Expectancy
- Well-cared for dogs can be expected to live 10-12 years.
Grooming
- Dogs look best if professionally groomed twice a year. The coat should be stripped and trimmed. Dogs need to be combed or brushed twice a week, and ears should be cleaned to avoid problems.
- They are very light shedders.
History
- The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog breed was developed from 1870 to 1873 by E. K. Korthals, a Dutch Breeder who mixed German Griffons, spaniels, setters, Barbets, and French and German Pointers.
- The breed was designed to have a fine sense of smell and to be an enthusiastic, loyal hunting dog.
- Pointing Griffons are rare in the United States; fewer than 150 puppies are born in the country each year.
Group and Recognition
- Grouping: AKC Sporting Group, Gun Dog
- Recognition: CKC, ACR, NKC, APRI, FCI, AKC, AWPGA
