Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Also known as: Griff, Griffon, Korthals Griffon
Energy Level
Apartment Friendly
Weight (Male)
50–70 lbs
Height (Male)
22–24 inches
Quick Facts
Coat Colors
Breed Summary
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a versatile, medium-sized gun dog dubbed the "supreme gun dog" for its all-around hunting ability. Their harsh, wiry coat provides protection in any terrain, and their eager, friendly temperament makes them excellent family companions.
History
Developed in the 1870s by Eduard Korthals, a Dutch breeder working in France, who spent 20 years perfecting the breed. He crossed various griffon-type dogs to create the ideal rough-coated, versatile hunting dog.
Appearance
Medium to large with a harsh, wiry coat and distinctive facial furnishings including bushy eyebrows and mustache. Their expression is friendly and alert. The rough coat provides excellent protection in brush and cold water.
Temperament
Eager, friendly, and devoted with a strong desire to please. Griffons are cooperative hunting dogs that form strong bonds with their handlers.
Personality Around Others
Very friendly with people, children, and other dogs. They are sociable and outgoing. Their gentle nature makes them excellent family dogs.
Exercise Needs
High exercise needs — at least 1–1.5 hours of vigorous activity daily. They love field work, swimming, and hiking. Mental stimulation is also important.
Training
Highly trainable and eager to please. They respond well to positive methods and enjoy learning. Less stubborn than many sporting breeds.
Grooming
Moderate grooming. Brush weekly. Hand-strip the wiry coat 2–3 times yearly. Clean facial furnishings after meals. Low-shedding for a sporting breed.
Health
Common Health Conditions
Very healthy breed with excellent longevity. Regular screening for hip and eye issues is recommended but problems are relatively uncommon.
Recommended Health Tests
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
Average Annual Vet Cost
$300–$700
Nutrition
High-quality food for active large breeds. About 2–2.5 cups daily in two meals. Adjust for activity level.
Living Environment
Need a house with yard. Not suited for apartments. They need outdoor space and active owners.
Ideal Family
Excellent for active families who enjoy outdoor activities. Great with children. One of the best sporting breeds for families.
Intelligence
Highly intelligent and cooperative. They learn quickly and enjoy working with their handlers. Their eagerness to please makes training rewarding.
Barking
Frequency
Alert
Separation
Quiet Indoors
Moderate barkers. They alert to visitors and may bark during play. Generally quiet indoors when exercised.
Shedding
Year-Round
Seasonal
Vacuum Factor 🧹
Hypoallergenic
Low shedding for a sporting breed. Their wiry coat traps loose hair. Regular hand-stripping helps manage coat.
Weather Tolerance
☀️
Heat
❄️
Cold
🌧️
Rain
🌨️
Snow
💧
Humidity
Breed Ratings
Fun Facts
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is often called the "supreme gun dog."
Eduard Korthals spent 20 years developing the breed in the 1870s-1890s.
They are equally capable pointing, retrieving, and tracking.
Their harsh coat provides natural camouflage in the field.
Despite their French development, the breed was created by a Dutchman.
Famous Dogs
Hector
One of Korthals' foundation dogs that helped establish the breed
Dorina
Notable field trial champion in American griffon history
Common Myths
"Griffons are rare and hard to find."
While less common than some sporting breeds, dedicated breeders exist throughout North America. The breed is growing in popularity.
"Their coat is high-maintenance."
Despite its rough appearance, the Griffon coat is relatively easy to care for. Weekly brushing and occasional hand-stripping is all that's needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called the supreme gun dog?
Because they can point, retrieve on land and water, and track — doing everything a hunter needs in a single dog. Their versatility is unmatched.
Are they good family dogs?
Excellent. They combine hunting ability with a gentle, friendly temperament. They are patient with children and sociable with other pets.
Puppy Guide
Griffon puppies are eager and energetic. Start training early with positive methods. Introduce to field activities if possible. Socialize extensively.
Senior Care
Senior Griffons remain active and healthy. Their excellent longevity means many years of companionship. Monitor for joint and eye issues.
Ownership Costs
Estimated Lifetime Cost
$15,000–$24,000
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supreme versatile hunter
Friendly, excellent family dog
Low shedding
Very healthy and long-lived
Eager to please and trainable
Cons
High exercise requirements
Needs outdoor space
Requires hand-stripping
Not suited for apartments
Strong hunting instincts