Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Developed by a Dutchman in France in the 1870s to be the one gundog that could do everything. It works slowly and close, which suits a walking hunter.
Photo by Pets Adviser from Brooklyn, USA, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was created in the 1870s by Eduard Korthals, a Dutchman working in France and Germany, who wanted a versatile gundog that worked close to the gun rather than ranging wide. It is often called the Korthals Griffon in Europe.
The harsh wire coat with eyebrows and a beard protects it in thorn and cold water, and the close working style is what distinguishes it from a Pointer.
Temperament
Affectionate, biddable and closely bonded. Griffons are good with children, sociable with other dogs, and they are notably people oriented for a gundog.
They are sensitive and respond to encouragement. They are also high drive and they need real work. They want to be with their families and they do badly kennelled or left alone.
Care and grooming
The harsh wire coat needs brushing weekly and hand stripping a couple of times a year. It should not be clipped. The beard needs regular attention and it carries water everywhere.
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia occur, and the breed is generally sound. Twelve to fifteen years.
Living and exercise
Two hours a day with field work or scent work.
They are bred largely by people who hunt, which has kept the working ability intact, and they suit an active household that will give them a job.
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