Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
LoyalTrainableGentle
Netherlands / France · 12–15 years
About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, often called the 'supreme gundog' by enthusiasts, is a versatile hunting breed developed in the Netherlands by Eduard Korthals in the late 1800s. Their harsh, steel-wool-like coat provides excellent protection in thick brush and cold water, earning them a reputation as the ultimate all-terrain sporting dog. Griffons are intelligent, eager to please, and slightly less intense than many pointing breeds, making them excellent choices for hunters who also want a gentle family companion. Their expressive eyebrows and mustache give them an endearing, wise appearance.
Breed stats
- Height
- 20–24 in
- Weight
- 35–70 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Group
- Sporting
- Coat
- Harsh, wiry, double coat with soft undercoat
- Origin
- Netherlands / France
Coat colors
- Steel Gray with Brown Markings
- Chestnut Brown
- Roan
- White and Brown
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
2–3 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Elbow dysplasia
- Ear infections
Not every Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Wirehaired Pointing Griffons eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are outstanding family dogs — often considered one of the best sporting breeds for families. They are gentle, patient, and excellent with children. Unlike some pointing breeds that are too intense for family life, Griffons have a softer, more people-oriented temperament. They are eager to please, highly trainable, and get along well with other dogs. Their main requirement is daily exercise — they need an active family committed to at least an hour of vigorous activity. After exercise, they are calm and affectionate house companions.
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are low shedders. Their harsh, wiry coat does not shed heavily, making them one of the better sporting breeds for people with mild allergies. However, the coat does require maintenance — hand-stripping two to three times per year preserves the proper wiry texture, and regular brushing prevents matting. The thick facial furnishings (eyebrows and mustache) need daily attention as they collect food and debris. Many pet owners opt for clipping instead of hand-stripping, which is easier but softens the coat texture.
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffons earn the 'supreme gundog' title because they excel at every aspect of bird hunting — pointing, retrieving on land, and retrieving from water. Their versatility means a hunter needs only one dog rather than specialists for different tasks. Their harsh coat protects them in thick cover and cold water, their moderate pace keeps them in range for walking hunters, and their keen nose makes them excellent trackers. They are also gentle enough to deliver game without damage. This combination of versatility, temperament, and all-weather capability makes them uniquely complete sporting dogs.
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