Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

50-60 lbs
20-22"
France
Korthals Griffon, Pointing Wirehaired Griffon, Griffon D’Arret a Poil Dur

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a superb gun dog. He originated in France in the mid-to-late 1800s. He is a mixture of a number of breeds; a Mr. E.K. Korthals, a native of Holland,  crossbred a number of dogs, including Setters, Retrievers, and Pointers. His intention was to create the best possible gun dog. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon does not disappoint. He is intelligent, following his handler’s command, pointing and retrieving with perfection.  The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a relatively healthy dog. Only on occasion are health issues seen in the breed. He is usually steel gray in color; however, occasionally a white with brown or orange markings will present. This breed naturally has “eyebrows” and a moustache and beard. 

purpose Purpose
pointing, retrieving
history Date of Origin
1800s
ancestry Ancestry
griffon, spaniel, pointer, setter

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Health

Sketch of Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Average Size
Male Wirehaired Pointing Griffon size stats
Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 50-60 lbs
Female Wirehaired Pointing Griffon size stats
Height: 20-22 inches Weight: 50-60 lbs
Minor Concerns
  • Otitis Externa
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion
  • Hip Dysplasia
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Breed History

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is named such because of its wiry coat, its prowess as a hunting dog, and Griffon is another term for “Russian setter.” Most experts attribute the development of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon to the breeding of dogs owned by E. K. Korthals, a Dutchman who wanted to create the ideal gun dog. While it is not certain exactly what breeds he used to come to the modern Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, most experts think he crossed the Otterhound with various Setters and Spaniels (and possibly a Pointer). Korthals began this breeding experiment in 1874. The Wirehaired Point Griffon became a very popular breed in France in the late 1800s. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is known as “the supreme gun dog.” 


Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Breed Appearance

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized dog. He has a slightly rounded skull which is in proportion to the dog’s body. The nose is brown and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. Its round eyes are generally yellowish-brown in color. Its ears are at eye-level, hanging flat against the side of the head The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has webbed feet. Any dewclaws are usually removed, and some owners dock the tail to about half of its original length. It is usually carried straight or raised. Its coat is of medium-length, rough and coarse. It has thick, bushy eyebrows with a thick “beard and moustache.” The coat is generally steel gray with some brown markings;  however, the brown is often a variation of chestnut or roan. The coat is also occasionally white, solid brown, white and brown, or, rarely, white and orange.

Appearance of Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Eye Color Possibilities
hazel Wirehaired Pointing Griffon eyes
Hazel
Nose Color Possibilities
brown Wirehaired Pointing Griffon nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
gray Wirehaired Pointing Griffon coat
Gray
brown Wirehaired Pointing Griffon coat
Brown
white Wirehaired Pointing Griffon coat
White
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Breed Maintenance

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a thick double coat. The undercoat is thick and weather-resistant. The topcoat is coarse with straight, medium-length, wiry hair. Surprisingly, the undercoat is the source of the thick eyebrows and moustache. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally a dog that sheds very little; however, the coat needs to be combed at least once a week and stripped at least bi-weekly. Cleaning the ears of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is of the utmost importance as they do have some issues with the outer ear becoming inflamed. The ears should be kept as dry as possible. They should be checked weekly for dirt, debris, redness, or foul odors. This could be a sign of infection. The Griffon’s teeth should be brushed two or three times a week to ensure dental health. Daily brushing will prevent gum disease and bad breath. Nails should be trimmed monthly or every other week if you notice a “clicking” sound when your Griffon walks. Griffons need daily exercise; they do best when exercised off-leash in a fenced-in yard. They are not recommended for apartment living. 

Brushes for Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a very intelligent, quick learner. It is recommended that you begin training as early as possible as well as socialization. The Griffon can be nervous around strangers, other dogs, and timid in new situations. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is also very energetic. They are easily trainable; they point and retrieve impeccably well. They are independent dogs, yet they look to their handlers for firm, consistent demands. Keep in mind that Wirehaired Pointing Griffons need a moderate amount of exercise in order to be happy and healthy. 

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes
activity minutes

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Wirehaired Pointing Griffon at six months
Male Wirehaired Pointing Griffon size stats at six months
Height: 17.0 inches Weight: 27.5 lbs
Female Wirehaired Pointing Griffon size stats at six months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 27.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Wirehaired Pointing Griffon at 12 months
Male Wirehaired Pointing Griffon size stats at 12 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 42.5 lbs
Female Wirehaired Pointing Griffon size stats at 12 months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 42.5 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Wirehaired Pointing Griffon at 18 months
Male Wirehaired Pointing Griffon size stats at 18 months
Height: 23.0 inches Weight: 55.0 lbs
Female Wirehaired Pointing Griffon size stats at 18 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 55.0 lbs

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Owner Experiences

Gus
10 Weeks
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing with toys
Run
We just got him. He's such an amazing boy who loves everyone and everything. he loves playing with different types of toys and running around the yard. soon, he will help my dad with hunting.
1 year, 2 months ago
Star
3 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The absolute best house dog and kid dog in the world. We have a 2/3/10 year old boy, girl, boy and Star is absolutely protective and loves the kids. Would 100% recommend a wiredhaired Griffon to anyone seeking a family dog!
6 years, 3 months ago
Benny
9 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bird hunting,
swimming
Loves bird hunting, general all excises
5 years, 7 months ago
Pearl
3 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I’ve had so many types of dogs over the years but never have any of them been as loving, well and easily trained or just down right enjoyable to be around as my Griffons.
3 years, 5 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd