Pointing Griffons, also known as gun dogs, are fierce and unstoppable in country fields, but they’re also little babies that won’t leave your side at home. Their specific look will turn heads everywhere you go, and their smart, energetic, and lovable persona will charm your guests. Everyone they meet can become their best friend.
If you want to know more about this fun dog breed, read on:
- Meet the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Naturally Disheveled Appearance
- The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon’s Unmatched Persona
- Nutrition for a Hardworking Sporting Dog
- Possible Health Issues
- Grooming
- Where to Find Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Puppies
Meet the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
This is a sporting dog with lots of energy and willingness to please you. They’re excellent family dogs and real comedians. Plus, their unique unkempt appearance makes them even more adorable.
The Wirehaired Griffon is a retriever and pointer, so it’s a great hunting companion. The breed is famous for being incredibly friendly and affectionate. It’s a fierce hunter on the field but sweet and gentle at home.
These dogs are an excellent choice for first-time pet owners because of their calm nature and adaptability. Positive reinforcement techniques are the best way to train them.
The Supreme Gundog
Wirehaired Griffons are among the best gun dogs. Because of their strong sense of smell, they help hunters locate shot birds. Aside from a gundog, the Wirehaired Pointer is also a bird dog. Its skills are excellent on land and water, making it a helpful hunting companion.
Its Roots Date Back to 19th Century France
In 1874, the European upper class was obsessed with shooting and hunting.
Eduard Korthlas, the Dutch hunter, was the first who came up with this unique breed. He wanted to create the ideal hunting dog that has strength, endurance, and a great olfactory sense. So, Korthlas sought after an intelligent dog that could hunt on all types of land and be an obedient hunting companion.
Eduard began by cross-breeding the Cheville Griffon with pointer and settler. The result was the superior Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. In honor of its first breeder, you can also find the breed under the name of Korthlas Griffon.
When he created the breed, Eduard traveled through France and promoted it at every dog show and business meeting. The French were fascinated by it, so the Griffon gained an excellent reputation. That’s why the dog’s origins are French rather than Dutch.
Fun Fact: Prince Rainier III of Monaco had one of these dogs, which increased the breed’s popularity. They shared a powerful bond. When he died, the dog followed the casket to his funeral with respect for its owner.
AKC’s Declaration as an Official Breed
The American Kennel Club first registered the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog as an official breed in 1887. At that time, the dog was called Russian Setter.
Naturally Disheveled Appearance
These are medium-sized dogs with a somewhat untidy appearance. With their low and catlike gait, they look like calm and funny dogs. Their coat is wiry and straight with a thick undercoat. That provides protection from harsh weather conditions.
A WPG dog can be grey with brown markings, roan, chestnut brown, or orange. Its big eyes and bushy eyebrows give it a friendly and approachable look. Following its large head and neck, the breed has a well-proportioned body, and its webbed toes make it a terrific swimmer.
There are a few types of Griffon dogs that differ in their coat. In contrast to the rough-looking Wirehaired Pointer is the Brussel Griffon — a small dog with a smooth and short coat, suitable for people living in apartments. Although they originate from the Griffon breed, the Brussels Griffon’s personality and appearance differ significantly from the Wirehaired Pointer.
Medium-Size Appearance
The Griffon Pointer is a medium-sized dog. Males are typically 24 inches, while females are around 22 inches.
A fully grown male Griffon can weigh up to 70 pounds, and a female — 50 pounds. It’s common for female dogs to be smaller.
Luxurious Mustache & Unkempt coat
The Griffon dog has whiskers and a mustache, forming a serious yet fun look. The wiry and messy coat will tempt you to give your dog a good trim, but the breed feels more comfortable with its natural and sloppy appearance.
Ideal for Allergy Sufferers
Some breeds shed very little, including this one. Dogs with double coats are usually heavy-shedders but not this unique breed.
Another reason why these dogs are perfect for allergy-prone people is that they don’t droll. The protein in dogs’ saliva may cause itching and redness if you have an allergy.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon’s Unmatched Persona
Once you get to know the Pointing Griffon, you’ll notice that it’s gentle and lovable towards people and other animals. Being a hunting dog, it’s also very obedient. The dog may remain steady for hours until you give it another task.
Wirehaired Griffons are very fond of their owners, sometimes even seeing them as their personal belonging. They can even act arrogant and territorial towards you.
The Wirehaired Griffon is an excellent watchdog but a terrible guard. The dog may bark to alert you about something suspicious, but it’ll never act on its own.
The breed’s commitment issues are due to its solitary work in the fields, so don’t leave your pet alone for too long. Even a short trip to the supermarket may cause the dog separation anxiety, resulting in destructive chewing.
Energetic & Quick-Witted
A Pointing Griffon can be very energetic while playing or training. But at home, it’s tame and reserved most of the time. You can easily train this breed to obey commands.
These Griffons aren’t dominant among other dogs, but they may easily outsmart them. So, never underestimate the calm and nonchalant look of a Griffon Pointer.
Devoted Family Companion
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are ideal family dogs. They follow the rule “the more, the merrier,’’ meaning they fit well in large families. They’re usually very gentle with children but always watch them around toddlers.
These dogs are adaptable as long as their family is with them. Being medium-sized to large dogs, we recommend you provide them with a decent backyard. If you live in an apartment, it’s better to look for smaller types of Griffon dogs.
Accepting Yet Wary of Strangers
These dogs are friendly to almost everyone, so you won’t worry about inviting people into your house. They may act suspiciously and be nervous around strangers, but that won’t provoke any harmful reaction like excessive barking.
The best you can do is socialize Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppies early and expose them to various sounds, smells, and animals.
They Thrive in the Countryside
Although the breed can quickly adapt to city life, it’ll always have a countryside temperament. It’s used to wandering around hills and swamps.
City pet owners should give this dog the freedom to run and explore, at least in the backyard. We also recommend getting an invisible dog fence to broaden your pet’s sight and ease the impression of a confined space.
Gentle Around Kids
Generally, this breed gets on very well with children. But since Wirehaired Griffons are hunting dogs, they may try to herd and jump on small children. So, always keep an eye on them, especially in the presence of kids under six years old.
Nutrition for a Hardworking Sporting Dog
Wirehaired Griffons spend energy that requires a significant amount of high-quality food. The recommended daily intake for an average-sized dog is two-and-a-half cups. In contrast, an active and large Griffon dog needs three cups, divided into two meals.
Pointing Griffons should get plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals for a healthy life. Whether you decide on commercial or homemade food, always try to carefully pick the ingredients.
Busy dog owners will find Ollie’s fresh food options a real-life-saver. It’s high-quality dog food that will fulfill all your dog’s nutritional needs.
Health — As Hard as a Rock
Like many gun dogs, Pointing Griffons are generally healthy, except for a few potential issues.
The average lifespan of a Griffon hunting dog is from 10 to 14 years.
Common Health Problems
Pointing Griffons aren’t immune to every disease. Being hunting dogs, they spend most of their lives physically active, which comes at a cost.
Hip & Elbow Displaysia
Hip Dysplasia is a deformity in a dog’s body, and Wirehaired Pointers are prone to it. Although painful, it’s not a life-threatening condition, but it can decrease your dog’s quality of life.
Something you can do to prevent the condition or ease the symptoms is to provide a comfortable bed and supplements for dogs with joint issues. That way, your dog will get quality rest and won’t put pressure on its joints as much.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
For a dog that relies on its senses while hunting, retinal atrophy can be fatal for the Griffon’s mental and physical health. It’s an eye disease that can cause night blindness. If it progresses, it can cause further retina damage and complete sight loss.
Grooming — They Prefer the Bristly Look
The unique double coat of a Griffon dog requires weekly brushing to stay tangle-free and keep its natural “just got up” look. You should trim and plush its beard and eyebrows regularly so that they don’t cover the eyes or mouth.
Bathing
Reduce bathing to a minimum because their coat should be rough and unkempt. We recommend doing it once every three months. If your dog starts to smell, you can wash it off with dry shampoo or wet wipes.
Ears & Teeth
Regular ear checks will save you many vet appointments. Carefully examine your dog’s ears, and always keep them dry and clean, especially after swimming or bathing.
Brush your Pointing Griffon’s teeth two to three times a week. For better dental protection and fresh breath, do it daily.
Nails
You should also trim your dog’s nails once or twice a month. If you notice your pet’s experiencing pain while walking, it’s probably time for a trim. Try to keep the nails as short as possible. Otherwise, they can cause nail infections.
Finding a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The breed isn’t very common in the US, so it might take some time to find it. Luckily, there are many rescue and adoption centers where you can try your luck and find the perfect dog for you.
Adopting From a Shelter or Rescue Center
Is there a more beautiful feeling than knowing you’ve helped someone in need? Thousands of dogs are up for adoption, patiently waiting for love and a warm home. You can visit some of your local Wirehaired Pointing Griffon rescue or shelter centers and get one. Plus, it’ll save you time and money.
Choosing a Breeder
Buying a puppy from a breeder can cost you a lot, but at least you’ll ensure a healthy and purebred dog. Always do background research about the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breeders you’re planning to visit.
Finding a reputable breeder isn’t an easy task. It’s hard to trust a person you see for the first time with something so delicate as choosing the most suitable dog for your family.
The average price of a Wirehaired Pointing puppy is $1,100, but that can raise up to $1,500 with a breeder who can provide updated puppy health certificates.
Never fall for prices below $1,000 because it’s more likely that you won’t get a purebred dog. For serious Griffon fans, the price for a dog with a superior pedigree can go up to $5,000 and more.
Conclusion
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon brings fun and joy to any family. Under the messy and rugged coast, you’ll find a gentle and charming personality.
Pointing Griffons are country dogs, so they need their space. That’s why they’re more suitable for a house than a small apartment.
The breed has a double coat that sheds minimally. It’s suitable for allergy-prone people. Being a gun dog, it can sense danger blocks away from your home, so you won’t have to worry about safety.
Generally, if you have the time and love for this dog, your relationship will be the purest form of love and friendship!