Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a strong and active dog that combines traits of both a retriever and a pointer. They move with a graceful, cat-like gait and have a medium-length, rough coat that shields them from thorns and underbrush. Their facial fur adds to their curious expression, which matches their friendly and laid-back nature perfectly.

Quick Info

Size
Medium
Colours
Brown and gray, chestnut and gray, white and brown, white and orange, white, brown, or chestnut
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
20 to 24 inches
Type
Sporting
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
35 to 70 pounds
Family
Pointer

Personality

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is great at finding and indicating game. This breed is both friendly and self-reliant. They fit in well with families, showing loyalty and reliability, and they often have a playful side. Their friendly attitude isn’t limited to just their family; they are welcoming to everyone, whether people or other animals.

History

The history of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog breed is well recorded and began in the mid-1800s when a mix of twenty dogs from seven different breeds took place. Edward Korthals from Holland is recognized for developing this breed, which is commonly referred to as the Korthals Griffon in many parts of the world. Although it originated in the Netherlands, the breed became more popular in France due to Korthals’ travels. At times, they were called Russian Setters, and the first Wirehaired Pointing Griffon registered in America was listed as a Russian Setter in 1887. Although this breed is not as widely known today, they are still wonderful companions and hardworking dogs.

Ideal Owner

A person who owns a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (WPG) should be considerate, lively, and full of energy to keep up with the dog's character. These dogs are kind and affectionate, and they want to make their owners happy, which makes training enjoyable. However, they can get restless and dissatisfied if they don’t have enough challenges, so it’s important for owners to ensure they get plenty of physical activity and mental exercises.

Exercise Needs

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a friendly dog that gets along with everyone. To keep them happy and calm, it's important to socialize them and give them lots of exercise each day. They really enjoy energetic games like fetch and agility courses. These dogs thrive when they are part of family activities, whether it’s running, hiking, swimming, or any fun outing, as long as their loved ones are with them.

Space Requirements

The WPG dog, which is medium to large in size, thrives best in a bigger house but can adapt to smaller living areas if they receive enough exercise and mental challenges each day. They love to run freely, so having a secure yard or ample open space is perfect for their needs.

Training

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a flexible and eager-to-learn dog that works hard and aims to make its owner happy. They respond well to training and can perform a variety of tasks effectively when given clear and encouraging guidance.

Grooming

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon doesn't shed much, but it needs regular brushing or combing to keep its fur healthy and shiny. Sometimes, you may need to hand-strip to get rid of dead hair. Since their floppy ears can easily get infections, it's important to check and clean them often.

Suitability for Family Life

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a friendly, reliable, and kind dog, which makes them great companions for families. They can fit well into any household, but their energy and size are more suitable for families with older kids or those without children.

Did You know?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a great swimmer. While this breed is not very common in the United States, it is found more often in Germany and France.

Similar Breeds

Portuguese Water Dog

Need to Know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Medium to large dog
Some drool
Requires regular grooming
Quiet dog