A Dutch breeder by the name of Eduard K. Korthals developed the wirehaired pointing griffon during the 1800s. The goal was to create a versatile hunting dog that could point and retrieve its various quarry on land and in the water. The initial undertaking to create the dog took place at a kennel in Germany, and the wirehaired pointing griffon became popular in France. The wirehaired pointing griffon first arrived in the United States in 1887. Later that year, the American Kennel Club recognized the wirehaired pointing griffon as a member of the sporting group.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized muscular hunting dog. Its body is lean and long with strong, straight legs. Its head is almost square and it has a broad muzzle. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons also have eyebrows, mustaches and bears. Their ears are medium-sized and pendant. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon’s coat is thick and wiry. The WPG should be brushed regularly.
Personality
The WPG is a very friendly and sociable breed. They are very good with children and affectionate towards their families. WPG are very happy dogs and are easily trained. They need plenty of exercise on a daily basis and are happiest when they are outdoors. They are friendly towards other dogs and people they don’t know.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Hunters |
| Function: | Sporting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Cold |
| Group: | Sporting |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | French wirehaired pointing griffon, French wirehaired Korthals pointing griffon, griffon d’arret a poil dur Korthals |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Build Information
The medium-sized hunting dog stands at a height of 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 40 to 45 pounds. Wirehaired pointing griffons are clad in coats that are medium in length and rough. The coat comes in various hues, but steel gray with brown highlights is the most common color combination. The triangular ears hang downward and the chin is adorned with a wiry beard. The tail, which is docked by one-third to one-half of its original length, is carried horizontally or slightly upward. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized muscular hunting dog. Its body is lean and long with strong, straight legs. Its head is almost square and it has a broad muzzle. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons also have eyebrows, mustaches and bears. Their ears are medium-sized and pendant. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon’s coat is thick and wiry. The WPG should be brushed regularly.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 19-25 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Docked |
Behaviour and Personality
The loyal wirehaired pointing griffon is a skilled hunter and a playful companion. The breed is friendly with children and other dogs, and it can get along with cats if it has been raised among them from an early age. The wirehaired pointing griffon is an alert and effective watchdog for the family. The breed is intelligent and easy to train. Its boisterous nature and need for daily romps and exercise make this dog a poor choice for apartment living. The WPG is a very friendly and sociable breed. They are very good with children and affectionate towards their families. WPG are very happy dogs and are easily trained. They need plenty of exercise on a daily basis and are happiest when they are outdoors. They are friendly towards other dogs and people they don’t know.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Brushing a wirehaired pointing griffon’s coat twice a week and stripping the dead hairs from the coat once or twice a year is all that is needed in the way of grooming. The ears should be inspected every week for debris, and they should be cleaned as necessary and kept dry to prevent ear infections. Brush the teeth three times a week to help maintain optimal oral and overall health.
| Colors: | Black, Chestnut, Gray, Grizzle, Light Brown, Orange, Red, White |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Rough |
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Common Health Conditions
Wirehaired pointing griffons live average lifespans of 12 to 14 years. The breed is hardy with few known health problems. Some of these few conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia, entropion and ectropion.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a playful companion that can keep up with an active family, the wirehaired pointing griffon is always ready for an adventure. The wirehaired pointing griffon originated in Germany. The wirehaired pointing griffon is also known as a French wirehaired pointing griffon, a French wirehaired Korthals pointing griffon and a griffon d’arret a poil dur Korthals. The outgoing and exuberant wirehaired pointing griffon makes an excellent family companion. The wirehaired pointing griffon stands 20 to 24 inches tall and weighs 45 to 70 pounds. Wirehaired pointing griffons have high energy levels. Wirehaired pointing griffons require moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a wirehaired pointing griffon is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | Yes |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
