Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The supreme gun dog, created to be the ideal all-around hunter
History & Origins
Eduard Korthals' Vision
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was created in the late 19th century by Eduard Karel Korthals, a Dutchman working in Germany and France. Korthals set out to create what he called "the supreme gun dog" - a versatile hunting dog that could point, retrieve on land and water, and handle any game bird or fur bearer.
Beginning around 1874, Korthals systematically crossed various pointing breeds, griffon-type dogs, and setters. His meticulous breeding records show contributions from French and German griffons, German Pointers, and possibly other sporting breeds. After about 20 years of selective breeding, he had established a distinct breed.
The "Korthals Griffon"
The breed is still called the "Korthals Griffon" in much of Europe, honoring its creator. Korthals established breed clubs and standards that emphasized working ability above appearance. His motto was "We want to breed dogs with which one can hunt, not dogs to look at."
The breed was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s and gained AKC recognition in 1887 (before the breed standard was fully established in Europe). American hunters appreciated the Griffon's versatility and weather-resistant coat.
Today, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon remains true to Korthals' vision - a working gun dog bred primarily for hunting ability, with conformation secondary to function.
"Supreme Gun Dog"
Korthals' goal was to create a dog that excelled at all aspects of hunting rather than specializing in one. The ideal Griffon points with intensity, retrieves with soft mouth, takes to water eagerly, tracks wounded game, and does it all with enthusiasm and close cooperation with the hunter.
Physical Characteristics
Size Standards
- Males: 22-24 inches, 50-70 pounds
- Females: 20-22 inches, 35-50 pounds
- Build: Medium-sized, well-muscled
- Proportion: Slightly longer than tall
Coat & Colors
- Outer coat: Harsh, wiry, straight
- Undercoat: Dense, water-resistant
- Colors: Steel gray with brown, chestnut, roan
- Facial hair: Eyebrows, mustache, beard
Distinctive Features
Head & Expression
- • Square head with pronounced eyebrows
- • Large, round eyes (yellow or brown)
- • Prominent mustache and beard
- • Medium-length, set-high ears
- • Friendly, alert expression
Body & Movement
- • Strong, muscular neck
- • Level back, deep chest
- • Webbed feet for swimming
- • Docked or natural tail
- • Easy, ground-covering trot
The Wire Coat Advantage
The Griffon's harsh, wiry coat provides excellent protection from brambles, briars, and cold water. The coat sheds dirt and debris readily and dries quickly after water work. Proper coat texture is considered essential for a working Griffon, and soft or silky coats are faulted in breeding programs.
Temperament & Personality
The Devoted Partner
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are known for their exceptionally close bond with their handlers. They're sometimes called "velcro dogs" for their tendency to stay near their people. This devotion translates directly to the field, where Griffons hunt cooperatively and check in frequently with their handlers.
The breed is known for having a "soft" temperament - eager to please and sensitive to their handler's mood. They respond best to gentle, positive training methods and can be set back by harsh corrections.
Positive Traits
- Extremely loyal and devoted
- Excellent with children
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Good with other dogs
- Friendly but not overly excitable
Considerations
- Needs significant exercise and activity
- Sensitive to harsh training
- May be reserved with strangers
- Doesn't do well left alone often
- Coat requires regular maintenance
The "People Dog"
Griffons are often described as wanting to be part of everything their owner does. They're not suited to kennel life or being left alone in the backyard - they want to be with their family. This closeness is part of what makes them such excellent hunting partners, but it also means they need significant time and attention.
Training & Development
Training Philosophy
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are intelligent, willing learners who thrive on positive reinforcement. Their desire to please their handler makes them highly responsive to training, but their sensitivity means harsh methods will be counterproductive.
The breed generally matures at a moderate pace - faster than some versatile breeds but not as quickly as some pointer breeds. Building a strong relationship through training is more important than rushing to advanced skills.
Puppy Foundation (8-16 weeks)
- • Socialization with people, dogs, environments
- • Introduction to birds and scent
- • Basic obedience through positive reinforcement
- • Encouraging natural retrieve instinct
- • Water introduction (most Griffons love water)
Basic Gun Dog Training (4-8 months)
- • Developing pointing instinct on birds
- • Introduction to gunfire (gradual, positive)
- • Basic retrieve work on land and water
- • Foundation for steadiness
- • Building hunting desire and confidence
Advanced Training (8-18 months)
- • Steady to wing and shot
- • Marking and memory work
- • Working in various cover types
- • Tracking and blood trailing (optional)
- • Hunting exposure and experience
NAVHDA Testing
Many Griffon owners participate in NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) testing, which evaluates dogs on pointing, tracking, water work, and cooperation with handlers. The Griffon Club of America strongly encourages NAVHDA testing as a measure of breeding stock quality.
Health & Genetics
Health Overview
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are generally healthy dogs with a good lifespan of 12-15 years. The breed has benefited from dedicated breeders who prioritize health testing and working ability over appearance. However, some inherited conditions occur and should be screened for.
Health Conditions to Screen For
Hip Dysplasia
Malformation of hip joint. Parents should be OFA or PennHIP evaluated.
Elbow Dysplasia
Abnormal elbow development. OFA evaluation recommended.
Eye Conditions
Including cataracts and PRA. Annual eye exams recommended.
Cardiac Issues
Some heart conditions occur. Cardiac evaluation recommended.
Thyroid Disease
Hypothyroidism occurs occasionally. Thyroid testing recommended.
American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association
The breed club requires or strongly recommends: hip evaluation, elbow evaluation, ophthalmologist evaluation, and cardiac examination for breeding dogs. The club maintains a health database and provides breeder education on genetic issues.
Hunting Applications
The True Versatile Dog
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons exemplify the versatile hunting dog concept - they point upland birds, retrieve on land and water, track wounded game, and work as all-around gun dogs. Rather than specializing in one task, they're designed to handle any hunting situation competently.
The breed's close-working style makes them ideal for foot hunters who want a dog that checks in frequently and responds well to direction. They work within comfortable gun range rather than racing to the horizon.
Hunting Applications
- Upland birds: Pheasant, grouse, quail, woodcock
- Waterfowl: Duck retrieving from water
- Tracking: Blood trailing wounded game
- Fur: Rabbit and hare work
Hunting Strengths
- Close-working, cooperative hunting style
- Excellent water work and desire
- Good nose and tracking ability
- Weather-resistant coat for tough conditions
Working Style
Griffons hunt with a methodical, ground-covering trot rather than the explosive speed of some pointing breeds. They use wind and ground scent effectively, and their points are typically intense and stylish. Most Griffons naturally honor other dogs' points.
The breed excels in thick cover where their protective coat allows them to push through briars and brambles. Their enthusiasm for water makes them willing retrievers in marshes, streams, and cold lakes.
The "Do Everything" Dog
For hunters who pursue multiple species throughout the season, the Griffon offers one dog that can handle it all. Morning pheasant hunt? Afternoon duck blind? Blood trailing a deer? The well-trained Griffon transitions between tasks with enthusiasm. They may not be the absolute best at any single task, but they're very good at everything.
Care & Maintenance
Exercise Requirements
- 1-2 hours of exercise daily
- Mental stimulation through training
- Swimming when available
- Off-leash running in safe areas
Grooming Needs
- Weekly brushing minimum
- Hand-stripping 2-3 times yearly
- Check ears and beard regularly
- Beard cleaning after meals
Coat Care
The Griffon's harsh, wiry coat requires regular maintenance to keep it functional. Hand-stripping (rather than clipping) maintains proper coat texture. The beard and mustache collect food and water, requiring more frequent attention.
Post-Hunt Care
- • Check for burrs and debris in coat
- • Examine ears for moisture and foreign material
- • Check feet for cuts or stuck material
- • Rinse off if hunting in water or mud
- • Dry beard and ear hair thoroughly
Living With a Griffon
Griffons want to be with their people - they're not suited to kennel living or being left alone frequently. They do best in homes where they're treated as family members and included in daily activities. Expect a Griffon to follow you from room to room and want to be involved in whatever you're doing.
Finding Your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Selecting a Breeder
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breeding community is relatively small but dedicated. Most breeders are active hunters who participate in NAVHDA testing and prioritize working ability alongside health. The breed club strongly encourages buyers to look for breeders whose dogs have proven hunting credentials.
Litters may be infrequent, and waiting lists are common. Plan ahead if you want a Griffon - the right puppy is worth waiting for.
Breeder Questions
- NAVHDA scores for parents?
- Health testing documentation?
- Do you hunt with your dogs?
- Coat texture of parents?
- Support and mentoring available?
Red Flags
- No health testing documentation
- No NAVHDA or hunting background
- Soft or silky coat on adults
- Multiple litters always available
- Breeding for unusual colors
Resources
- American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association: Breed club with breeder referrals
- NAVHDA: Testing organization and breeder network
- Griffon Club of America: Working dog focused breed club
Price & Availability
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppies from health-tested, NAVHDA-proven parents typically cost $1,500-$2,500. Expect waiting lists of 6 months to a year or more. Started dogs (6-18 months with basic training) may cost $3,000-$5,000 when available. The investment in a well-bred Griffon is worthwhile for years of hunting partnership.
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