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Written by PetCoach Editorial

About Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are intelligent, sensitive people-pleasers who enjoy active lifestyles in close proximity to their owners. Devoted and easy to train, this breed benefits from daily exercise and routine, and is well suited to being a family pet. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have a classic scruffy appearance with the added benefit of minimal shedding.

 

Origin: France, Netherlands   Other Names: Korthals Griffon, Griffs, Griffon

Sporting Group

Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions.

Dog breeds in the Sporting group are usually remarkable for their instincts in water and woods, and many of these breeds actively continue to participate in hunting and other field activities. Potential owners of Sporting dogs need to realize that most require regular, invigorating exercise.

General appearance

With the breed’s defining feature included in the name, the Wirehaired Pointer Griffon is most famous for a coarse double coat. Described as being “rough as boar bristles”, Griffons are practically weatherproof, and have a downy undercoat topped with a wiry, shaggy top coat. Griffons also possess an exaggerated beard and eyebrows, giving them an almost comical, untidy appearance. The AKC recognizes standard coat colors as brown and gray, or chestnut and gray, but also accepts brown, chestnut, white, white and brown, or white and orange. Roan or ticked markings are also acceptable. In countries where it is still legal, the tail is often docked.

Size & Weight

Griffons are medium sized dogs. Males weigh between 50 to 70 pounds and stand 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulders. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 35 to 50 pounds and standing 20 to 22 inches tall, on average.

Full Grown
Female 20 in. / 40 lbs.
Male 24 in. / 60 lbs.

Height is measured up to the shoulders.

Female Size Chart
Height Figure
Male Size Chart
6 ft. 4 ft. 2 ft.

Cost of Owning

On average, owning a middle-aged Griffon costs around $1400 per year
$400
Vet Care
$300
Grooming & Boarding
$250
Others
$450
Food & Treats

Characteristics

Size

Male Griffons stand 22 to 24 inches tall. Females are slightly smaller, standing 20 to 22 inches tall, on average.

Tiny
Jumbo

Weight

Griffons are medium sized dogs. Males weigh between 50 to 70 pounds while females weigh between 35 to 50 pounds.

Light
Heavy

Living space

Griffons are a hunting breed that require a decent amount of activity outdoors on a daily basis. This breed loves long walks in the woods and vigorous games of fetch to stay healthy and entertained. If you own a pool, they will want to swim as frequently as possible

City apartment
Ranch

Exercise

Bred to be active hunting companions, Griffons make for great retrievers and gun dogs. Their coat offers hearty protection from the elements, so be assured that that this breed is suited to outdoor activity year-round, and thrives in wet and cold climates. Griffons are ideal companions for hunters or frequent hikers.

Couch potato
Bring it on!

Personality

Griffons are incredibly sweet, kind dogs who take great comfort in being near their owners. Unfortunately, this also means that they can suffer from separation anxiety. Their cautious and shy nature can sometimes be mistaken for aloofness. Griffons are also prone to distraction and can frequently be found off-path, sniffing interesting scents with such focus that they don’t hear their owner calling them back. Because of their naturally cautious tendencies, it is best to socialize this breed frequently from a young age.

Antisocial
Outgoing

Protection

While Griffons are renowned for their adaptable and sweet personalities, their attachments to their owners can mean that they are more likely to stick close to them and be suspicious of new people. While hardly a professional guard dog, they will alert you with a swift bark if they notices anyone on your property.

None
Bodyguard

Behavior with kids

The Wirehaired Pointer Griffon is usually fine around children, providing that the dog has been socialized and exposed to children on a regular basis from a young age. The breed is definitely suited to families with older, active children. They can be active jumpers as puppies, so keep an eye on them around younger children.

Always monitor
Babysitter

Training

Griffons are sweet natured and pleasant dogs, but are very prone to distraction. Since the breed is on the more sensitive side, it is best to take a consistent and patient approach to training. Keep in mind that pointer breeds can be easily distracted and may take longer to housebreak, but they are worth the time and investment.

Headstrong
Obedient

Shedding

There is a misconception that Wirehaired Pointer Griffons don’t shed. This would be an easy mistake to make, as they shed so little it’s barely noticeable.

Minimal
Abundant

Climate

Griffons can thrive in most climates. They are bred especially to thrive in wet and cold hunting conditions, If you live in a Northern climate with harsh winters, it’s worth investing in some warm dog clothes to protect their extremities. Don’t fall into the trap of shorter and less frequent walks in the winter! They need just as much exercise in the cold months to stay healthy and happy.

Warm
Cold

Barking

Griffons are not notorious barkers, but it’s best to keep it in check with training.

Mute
Loud

Temperament & Behavior

Wirehaired Pointer Griffons love to be involved in their family’s daily activity. Easygoing and relatively adaptable, but also active and intelligent, this is a loving and affectionate breed. Griffons are prone to wandering off-task to investigate anything that peaks their interest. Pointer breeds have strong independent minds and are regularly distracted. It is best to remember that Griffons aim to please, and any harsh words will not roll easily off this dogs back.

Barking: Understanding your dog

Griffons are mostly prone to barking and destructive behavior when separated from their owners for long periods of time, and are generally needier than other breeds in the Sporting category. If left to their own devices all day, they can be prone to anxiety. Being around familiar people and having sufficient activity may help to curb this anxiety. This dog responds best to kind words and gentle, consistent encouragement.

Training

It really can’t be emphasized enough that this breed requires a kind and patient training technique in order to be successful. Due to their sensitive and people-pleasing disposition, Wirehaired Pointer Griffons are keen to learn, but respond best to a gentle-handed and consistent approach to housebreaking and socialization. It is best to start as early as possible to prevent timidness and to reassure them, especially in new and chaotic environments.

Habits and Exercise

Griffons were bred to be versatile and vigorous hunting dogs, and are still suited to that job. If you’re more of a frisbee-thrower than waterfowl hunter, make sure to spend as much time outdoors with your Griffon as possible. They thoroughly enjoy long walks and investigating their surroundings. Griffons also enjoy swimming and tromping through swamps chasing birds. You are guaranteed to have an enthusiastic hiking partner in all weather and all seasons.

 

It is best to give your Wirehaired Pointer Griffon a minimum of one hour of exercise a day to keep them sharp and occupied. If you keep to a regular activity schedule, they will be a loving relaxed pet at home.

Energy Level

Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Energy Level

Nutrition

With proper nutrition and exercise, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should be able to maintain a healthy body weight. However, if overfed or under-exercised, the Griffon can become overweight. Be sure to feed your Griffon portion-controlled meals of a high quality and balanced diet. Steer clear of table scraps or too many treats, since these will quickly pack on the pounds.

Daily Consumption

Average daily consumption for an adult Griffon is 2 to 4 cups.

Daily Consumption

Preventive care

Although the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally a healthy breed, certain health conditions can arise. The best way to keep your Griffon in tiptop condition is to keep a close eye on your four-legged friend at home to monitor for changes, as well as through regular routine visits to the veterinarian. Picking up on subtle changes in your dog’s appearance or behaviors may aid in more prompt diagnosis and treatment of health conditions.

 

Responsible breeders perform several screening tests on their dogs prior to breeding in order to minimize the likelihood of developing problems within the breed. At minimum, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should have their eyes evaluated by an ophthalmologist, hip screening, and elbow screening.

Inherited health issues

Health conditions can arise in dogs of any breed, either occurring at an increased frequency within the breed or due to a known genetic link, and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is no exception. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Cystic follicular dysplasia and Flank alopecia.

Life Span

On average, Wirehaired Pointer Griffons live to be about 12-15 years

Life Span

Did you know?

  • Wirehaired Pointer Griffons are incredibly rare in the United States, with only 75-150 puppies born each year.
  • Zolette, the first Wirehaired Pointer Griffon entered in the American Kennel Club Stud Book, was mistakenly labeled as a Russian Setter.
  • Eduard Karel Korthals was only 22 when he developed the first version of the Korthals Griffon.
  • Their signature double coat takes two to three years to reach full growth.

Coat and Grooming

The Wirehaired Pointer Griffon has a unique double coat that features a down-like base layer and a coarse, bristly top coat. Bred especially to thrive in wet and cold hunting conditions, this breed requires minimal grooming apart from the occasional brushing. The Griffon’s beard is prone to dip into his water and food bowls, so it will need additional care to keep it tidy.

Coat length

Short

Coat length

Grooming

Occasional

Grooming

Shedding

Griffons shed so little that they are often mistaken for a breed that doesn’t shed. If you take care to brush your Griffon on a weekly basis, there will be almost no trace of your dog’s fur in your home.

History

Though the exact country of origin for the breed is disputed, breeder Eduard Karel Korthals is credited with the development of the Wirehaired Pointer Griffon in 1873. The breed is often thought of as being Dutch in origin due to Korthals’ nationality, but since the breed was mostly developed in Biebesheim am Rhein, it is widely considered a German breed. However, it was also developed for a period in France, and became incredibly popular there.

 

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Korthas created a breed with a tough water-repellent coat best suited to hunt and retrieve waterfowl in thick undergrowth and wild terrain. He achieved this by breeding German Griffons with French and German Pointers and Spaniels. Officially recognized by the Westminster Kennel club in 1916, Griffons have continued to be coveted for their hearty dispositions and sweet personalities ever since.