Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Breed Information

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is also known as Korthals Griffon and Griffon d’arrêt à poil dur. It is a medium-sized gun dog known for its harsh, low-shedding coat. It is an excellent gun dog that also does great as a family companion. They can both point on land and retrieve in water.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a square-shaped head that is covered with harsh hair. The distinctive head traits are its mustache and bushy eyebrows that gives it a friendly expression. The neck is slightly arched following with a medium width chest. They have a catlike graceful movement while in hunting.

Origin and History

The origin of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was in France somewhere in the 18th century. The developer of this breed E. K. Korthals, who wanted a dog that could work as a pointer on land and retrieve in water. It is believed to be developed with the crossing of Otterhound with different Setters, Spaniel and a Pointer. It was used to hunt both feathered and fur game.

The American Kennel Club recognized Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in 1887, the same year it was brought to the United States. It is recognized as a member of the Sporting Group.

Is Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Child-Friendly?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon does very well with children of all age. It is a very friendly, loving, and fun dog that does great as a playmate for kids. They are best suited to kids above 6 years old but also do well with younger children who know how to treat dogs.

It is always necessary to teach your children how to behave around dogs. It is also important to always supervise your dog’s interaction with children of small age.

Temperament, Behavior, and Personality

Temperament: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a friendly and devoted temperament. It is very loving of its people and will not want to leave your side. Like it is devoted to the hunting, it is also very devoted towards its family.

Behavior: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can get separation anxiety if left alone for a long time. They are very attached to the family and do not want them off their eyes for a long period of time. If they are left alone, they tend to be depressed and also shows their destructive behavior by chewing stuff and continuously barking.

Personality: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a friendly personality. It is not usually an aggressive dog but also is not welcoming of strangers and look them with suspicious eyes. Therefore, a proper introduction is necessary whenever someone visits the house.

Trainability

Training the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is somewhat difficult as they are independent and have a mind of their own. A novice owner is not for them and only an experienced dog owner who knows his ways with dogs can train them.

They need firmness and consistency in training from a good and gentle leader. As a source of motivation, reward them with treats and vocal praises as they complete a task.

Facts

• The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed after getting inspired by Mendel’s experiments on inheritance. It was published in the 19th century.
• It ranks 65 of 193 (as of 2019) American Kennel Club registered breed, which is quite a rank to earn.
• Grace Kelly’s husband, Prince Rainer III of Monaco has owned a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
  

Health Issues

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon average life expectancy is 12-15 years. During these years, they can face possible canine health problems which are explained below:

• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition that is seen due to underdeveloped or dislocation of the hip joints. If it gets serious, it causes sharp pain on the back, making your dog difficult in moving. Therefore, while buying a puppy, ask your breeder about the genetic problem it might have.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): It is an eye disease that causes gradual deterioration of the retina. Early symptoms include night blindness and as the disease spreads, your dog will slowly lose vision during the day as well. Therefore, proper treatment after consulting a vet is needed.

Colors

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon comes in the following colors and markings according to the American Kennel Club:

• Brown and Gray
• Chestnut and Gray
• Chestnut
• White and Orange
• Gray
• White
• White and Brown
• Roan markings
• Ticked markings

Puppies

Height and Size: The average height of the male Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is between 22-24 inches and the female is between 20-22 inches. Whereas, the average weight is between 35-70 pounds.

Cost: The average cost of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppy is between $600-$800 USD.

Dog Breeds Similar to the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

• Spinone Italiano
• German Wirehaired Pointer
• Pudelpointer
• Wirehaired Vizsla
• Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

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• Dog Breeds That Start With W
• Hunting Dogs
• Medium Sized Dogs