Wirehaired Pointing Griffons

Appearance:

Body: Well-muscled, strong back, deep chest, moderately rounded ribs.

Coat: Hard, wiry, straight, and weather-resistant outer coat. Dense, soft undercoat.

Color: Steel gray with brown markings, chestnut, roan, white and brown, or white and orange.

Ears: Medium size, flat and lying close to the head.

Eyes: Large, somewhat round, well open, and shades of yellow or brown.

Feet: Round, tight, and well-padded with webbed toes.

Head: Large, long and square-shaped, well proportioned to the body, with slightly rounded top, slightly pronounced stop, square muzzle, brown nose, profuse mustache and pronounced eyebrows.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, strong, solid and placed well under the shoulders. Hindquarters are long with well-muscled thighs.

Neck: Long and slightly arched.

Size:
Weight: 50 - 70 pounds
Height: 20 - 24 inches

Tail: Docked and carried straight out or slightly raised.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers
Good with children
Requires vigorous daily exercise
Can become destructive if confined for long periods of time

A skillful hunter, excellent swimmer and water retriever, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is considered to be capable of hunting on any terrain, in any type of weather conditions, and for any type of game. He has a keen sense of smell and is quick to find and follow the trail of his prey. Once cornered he will stand and point until the arrival of his master at which time he will flush the game from the underbrush and then drop to the ground to allow the hunter clear sight for the kill.

He is responsive and obedient, rugged and athletic, trustworthy and eager to please. A highly energetic dog, the Griff is not well suited to be an apartment dweller or a kennel dog. He loves and needs to be with people and is laid back, well-behaved, and quiet when in the home.

He should be owned by an active, equally athletic master willing to take him for long hikes and swims so he can stretch his legs and work off some of his abundant energy. Without the attention and exercise he will become bored and restless.

AKC Standard says, "The Griffon has a quick and intelligent mind and is easily trained. He is outgoing, shows a tremendous willingness to please and is trustworthy. He makes an excellent family dog as well as a meticulous hunting companion."

Some Wire Haired Griffons are barkers but it's usually more of a quiet bout of yapping than of vigorous loud barking. He enjoys playing with children and is usually gentle and patient with them. Give him room to run, include him in family outdoor activities, and take him for a daily swim or hike and you will have a happy good-natured family dog.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Sporting Group

Pointer and Retriever.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Abundant exercise including long hikes, swimming, and hunting.

Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly. Keep ear canals clean and dry to avoid infections.

Some owners have the coat stripped (plucking out of dead hairs) two to three times yearly.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 Years

Possible Problems:
Hip Dysplasia

For more information visit the American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association

Country of Origin

The Netherlands / France - 1860s