Description

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a rough-coated, strong and graceful, medium-sized hunting dog. It has a large, long head, square muzzle, and soft, thick, bushy eyebrows, beard and mustache. The neck is rather long, without dewlap and the skull is the same length from the stop to occiput, as from nose to stop. The eyes are large and elliptical with brown or yellow irises. It has a lively, but mild expression. The medium-sized ears lie flat and close to the head. The nose is always brown. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The ears are pendent. The body is slightly longer than it is tall. The limbs are vigorous and muscular. The straight topline slopes gently downward from the withers to the tail. The tail is docked to about 1/2 to 2/3 its length and is carried horizontally. The chest extends to the elbows and is moderate in width to allow the dog freedom of movement. The front legs are straight. The feet are rounded with webbed toes. Dewclaws should be removed. The straight, hard, wiry outer coat is lined with a fine but thick downy undercoat. Coat texture varies depending on the percentage of wiry vs. soft hair. Coat care and type of dog food can also affect coat texture. The wiry coat does not shed but must be stripped so new hair can grow. The coat comes in silver or steel- gray with chestnut or roam markings, or in solid chestnut.

Origin

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the period between mixing German Griffons with French and German Pointers, Spaniels, Barbets and a Setter. The result of his breeding program was an enthusiastic hunting dog with a fine nose especially good for small game such as hare and quail. The Griffon Club of America was formed in Kennel Club Dog Show in New York. In the 1980's a few breeders elected to import Cesky Fousek dogs and breed them into the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon lines. Disagreements over this practice resulted in a rift among breeders and the subsequent formation of the American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association to preserve the purity of the original breed. That organization is now the AKC parent club for the breed. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is fairly rare; about 75-150 puppies are produced in the USA each year.

Temperament

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a skilled field dog. Energetic, loving and intelligent. It is a superior gundog and tracker, and an excellent hunting companion. It points and retrieves with a deliberate style, generally staying within the hunter's gun range. His style is especially good for hunters on foot. It combines independent action with the ability to be directed by the hunter. This breed is gifted with an exceptionally fine sense of smell and a great passion for the hunt, especially for quail and hare. Lively and active, the breed works well in marshland and upland, and is a fine pointer, flusher and water retriever. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's coat protects him from dense brush and bad weather. It is also an excellent family pet - being gentle and affectionate with children. This dog is very willing to please and is easily trained. Devoted and friendly, but some can be rather high-strung and nervous with strangers and unfamiliar situations, but for the most part is generally friendly toward strangers, other dogs, and pets. Socialize extensively when young to maximize this tendency. This breed is an excellent watchdog.

Height

Height: 20-24 inches (50-60 cm.)

Weight

Weight: 50-60 (23-27 kg.)

Known Health Problems

Some lines are prone to hip dysplasia.

Conditions for Living

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. It loves personal contact and does not do well relegated to a kennel or backyard. They prefer cool climates.

Exercise Requirments

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons need a tremendous amount of exercise to walks or out for a run. It will make an excellent jogging companion and love to swim. If these dogs are allowed to get bored, and are not walked or jogged daily, they can become destructive and start to display a wide array of behavioral problems. It will do best in a country setting where it can get plenty of chances to run off lead in a safe area.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Grooming

Some stripping and trimming of the coat is needed for showing. Pet dogs look best if groomed professionally twice a year. The harsh coat needs to be combed and brushed once or twice a week. The ears should be cleaned and plucked of hair within the canal in order to avoid ear problems. The Griffon sheds little to no hair.

Group

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting Group