Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Background Info & History

Unlike most breeds, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a fairly young breed that was created in the 19th century. Many believe these dogs were crossed with Pointers, Spaniels, Setters, and Otterhounds to create the beloved Wirehaired Pointing Griffon that is known today.

A man by the name of E.K. Korthals produced this breed in hopes of making the ultimate gundog companion. Even today, these dogs impress many due to their pointing and retrieving skills that are unmatched by most other breeds. Finally, in 1887, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon expanded past their native land of France and made their way to the United States.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament & Personality

Although these pups are known for their talents in hunting, they also serve as an excellent family companion as well. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is welcoming to almost everyone and usually does not show any signs of suspicion towards strangers. With that being said, however, they can be slightly nervous around unfamiliar people if they have not been properly socialized from a young age. All in all, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is talented, affectionate, and intelligent- perfect for any active household.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Training Tips

These dogs love to please their owners, making them an easy breed to train. Generally, it is always recommended to start the training process as young as possible. Even though these dogs are very intelligent, it is still important to use entertaining and fun training practices to keep them engaged throughout the entire lesson. Also, be sure to use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.

Lastly, make sure to socialize your dog from a young age with different people, sounds, places, and experiences. This will help him learn the necessary skills he needs to become a well-behaved pet later on in life.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Exercise Needs

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires a substantial amount of physical activity on a daily basis to stay both happy and healthy. About 20 minutes of running freely in an enclosed space is ideal for this breed. These dogs take advantage of playing off a leash, so large, fenced-in backyards would be perfect for them. If you do not have a backyard or a nearby dog park, all you have to do is increase their amount of exercise.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Lifespan

The average lifespan of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is about 10 to 14 years.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Breed Popularity

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a fairly popular canine within the United States today. These dogs are ranked as the 66th most popular breed out of 202 registered breeds by the American Kennel Club.  

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Feeding Requirements

What you feed your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon on a daily basis can have a major impact on his overall health. That’s why it’s important to provide your pup with nutritious and healthy food every single day. When choosing a product, look for all-natural ingredients free of any preservatives, fillers, or byproducts. As a general rule of thumb, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should consume about 2 to 2 ½ cups of high-quality food a day, split into two equal meals.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Grooming

The thick, double-coat of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires weekly combing or regular clipping to stay at it’s best and tangle free. This coat is meant to be rough, so bathing should be kept to a minimum in order to preserve its natural texture.

Aside from their coat grooming, their ears, eyes, and nose should be checked on a regular basis for any signs of redness, irritation, or infection. Also, trim this breeds nails every couple of weeks if they do not wear down naturally on their own. Lastly, brush their teeth at least once a week to prevent dental disease from developing.

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Good With Kids?

Generally speaking, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon does best in a household with children over the age of 6. Just like with any pet, make sure a parent is always around to supervise any interactions between a dog and child.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Health Problems

Lucky for owners, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is known to be a very healthy breed. With that being said, however, that does not mean they are immune to all health concerns. Possible canine health problems that may inflict a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can include:

Hip Dysplasia: Hip Dysplasia in dogs is a common health concern that affects many breeds. This hereditary condition occurs when the hip socket and thighbone no longer align together how they should which causes pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive Retinal Atrophy in dogs is a hereditary eye condition that causes the retina to deteriorate over time. Eventually, PRA will cause complete vision loss. In severe cases, some PRA can be cured through corrective surgery.

Other Resources

National Breed Website: American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association

Rescue: AWPG Rescue Program