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Wirehaired Pointing Griffon - Sporting


Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Family:

gundog, pointer, versatile hunting dog


Area of origin:

France


Original function:

pointing, retrieving


Average size of male:

Ht: 22-24, Wt: 50-60


Average size of female:

Ht: 20-22, Wt: 50-60


Other names:

Korthals griffon, pointing wirehaired griffon, griffon D'Arr't a poil dur


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    Energy

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    Exercise

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    Playfulness

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    Affection

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    Friendliness towards dogs

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    Friendliness towards other pets

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    Friendliness towards strangers

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    Ease of training

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    Watchdog ability

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    Protection ability

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    Grooming

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    Cold tolerance

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    Heat tolerance

Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen |

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Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament

The wirehaired pointing griffon is a skilled field dog, pointing and retrieving with a deliberate style, generally staying within the hunter's gun range. He combines independent action with the ability to be directed by the hunter. He is an equally adept family pet, absolutely devoted, willing to please, amiable and often comical. He is generally friendly toward strangers, other dogs and pets.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Care

The wirehaired pointing griffon needs daily exertion, either in the form of jogging, games or a run in the field. He particularly enjoys swimming. He does best when allowed to be both an indoor and outdoor dog. His harsh coat needs combing or brushing once or twice a week, plus hand-stripping to remove dead hair twice a year. His ears need regular cleaning and plucking of hair within the canal in order to avoid ear problems.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Health

Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: CHD, otitis externa, entropion, ectropion
Occasionally seen: none
Suggested tests: (hip), (eye)
Life span: 12-14 years

Dogs Related to the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Brittany
Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointer
Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Interested in the history of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed?

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Unlike the development of most breeds, most of the development of the wirehaired pointing griffon was deliberate and fairly well-documented, beginning in the middle 1800s with the creation of the Cherville griffon, which was subsequently crossed with the setter and pointer. It was Edward Korthals of Holland, however, who is credited with developing and refining the breed. In fact, the griffon is still known as the Korthals griffon throughout most of the world. He began his mission in 1874, crossing 20 dogs representing seven breeds (griffon, spaniel, water spaniel, German and French pointer, and setter). Korthals traveled extensively in France and popularized his new breed wherever he went, whether it was a field activity, bench show or business meeting. Through his French connections, his new breed became adopted in France, where he gained a reputation as a deliberate, careful hunter with a good nose. It was in France that the breed found a stronghold, causing people to consider him as a French breed despite his Dutch roots. By 1887, the breed type was stable, and a breed standard was published. The first show classes for the breed were offered in 1888 in England, although at that time he was referred to as a Russian setter or retriever (apparently any well-furred dog was assumed to be of Siberian origin). In fact, the first griffon registered in America was registered as a Russian setter in 1887. His popularity grew steadily, only to be halted by the Second World War. After the war, his reputation as an ideal dog for the walking hunter again gained him new popularity, but the initiation of competitive field trials, in which faster-paced breeds dominated, caused many competitive hunters to turn away from the griffon. Despite his low numbers, the wirehaired pointing griffon has loyal followers, who value his excellent abilities not only as a pointer and retriever but also as a versatile and loyal companion. In fact, He is often called "the supreme gun dog."


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