Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Complete Breed Guide — Temperament, Care & Grooming

History & Origin

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the late 1800s by Eduard Karel Korthals, a Dutch breeder living in France. Korthals spent over 20 years selectively breeding various European sporting dogs to create the ideal versatile gun dog—one that could point, retrieve, and track game across any terrain and in any weather.

Korthals used a foundation of French and German griffon-type dogs, likely crossing them with setters, spaniels, and other pointing breeds. The result was a rugged, all-purpose hunting dog with a distinctive wiry coat that provided protection from thorns, cold water, and harsh weather conditions.

The breed is sometimes called the Korthals Griffon in Europe in honor of its founder. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887, making it one of the earliest AKC-recognized sporting breeds. Despite its long history, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon remains relatively uncommon in the United States, which appeals to enthusiasts who value the breed's versatility and unspoiled working character.

Appearance & Size

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are medium-to-large, athletic dogs with a distinctly unkempt, rustic appearance. Their harsh, wiry outer coat and bushy eyebrows give them a scruffy, expressive face that many owners find irresistible. Beneath their rough exterior is a well-muscled, balanced frame built for all-day performance in the field.

The breed's signature feature is its coat—a harsh, straight, wiry outer layer with a thick, water-resistant undercoat. This double coat protects them from brush, cold water, and inclement weather. Their bushy eyebrows, beard, and mustache are not just charming—they serve a practical purpose by shielding the face from thorns and brambles during fieldwork.

Temperament & Personality

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are known for their eager, willing temperament and close bond with their families. They are often described as the “supreme gun dog” for their versatility in the field, but they are equally beloved for their gentle, affectionate nature at home. They are people-oriented dogs that want to be involved in everything their family does.

This breed is notably gentle with children, patient, and tolerant. They are neither overly reserved nor hyperactive, striking a balance between enthusiasm and composure. Griffons form strong bonds with all family members rather than being a one-person dog.

Griffons are sensitive dogs that respond best to positive, encouraging interactions. They do not thrive in tense or chaotic households and can become anxious if there is frequent conflict. Their strong desire to be near their people means they are not well-suited for living outdoors or being left alone for extended periods.

Exercise & Activity Needs

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are high-energy sporting dogs bred for long days in the field. They need at least 1 to 2 hours of vigorous exercise every day. This is not a breed that will be satisfied with a casual stroll around the block—they need activities that challenge both their body and mind.

Recommended Activities

• Hunting and field work: This is what Griffons were born to do. Upland bird hunting, retriever work, and tracking all tap into their natural abilities.
• Swimming: Griffons are strong, enthusiastic swimmers thanks to their water-resistant coat. Swimming provides excellent low-impact exercise.
• Hiking and trail running: Their endurance and surefootedness make them ideal hiking partners for adventurous owners.
• Agility and rally: Their athleticism and trainability make them competitive in organized dog sports.
• Nose work: Scent-based activities leverage their exceptional sense of smell and satisfy their need for mental stimulation.

Training

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are intelligent, eager-to-please dogs that respond exceptionally well to training. Their desire to work with their handler makes them one of the more cooperative sporting breeds, and they typically learn new commands quickly with consistent, positive methods.

This breed thrives on having a job to do. Whether it is formal obedience, field work, or learning household routines, Griffons are happiest when they have structure and clear expectations. They are sensitive to their handler's tone and body language, which makes the training relationship feel collaborative rather than adversarial.

Training Priorities

• Early socialization (8–16 weeks): Expose your Griffon puppy to diverse people, environments, sounds, and animals. While naturally friendly, early socialization builds confidence.
• Basic obedience: Sit, stay, come, down, and heel are quickly mastered. Start early and be consistent.
• Recall: A strong recall is essential for field work and off-leash activities. Begin training recall in controlled environments before progressing to distracting ones.
• Steadiness: For hunting dogs, teaching steadiness (remaining still when game is flushed) is an important advanced skill.
• Water introduction: Gradually introduce your Griffon to water during puppyhood to develop their natural swimming ability and enthusiasm for retrieving from water.

Griffons are soft dogs that do not respond well to harsh training methods. Positive reinforcement with treats, toys, and praise produces the best results. Their cooperative nature makes them suitable for owners of varying experience levels, though first-time owners should consider professional obedience classes.

Health Issues Common to Wirehaired Pointing Griffons

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are generally a healthy breed with fewer genetic issues than many other sporting dogs. Their relatively small breeding population and careful stewardship by breed enthusiasts have helped preserve their overall health. However, like all breeds, they are predisposed to certain conditions.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is the most common structural concern in the breed. Responsible breeders screen all breeding stock through OFA or PennHIP evaluations. Maintaining a lean body weight, providing appropriate exercise (avoiding high-impact activity on growing puppies), and joint supplementation can help manage risk and symptoms.

Preventive Health Recommendations

• OFA hip evaluation at age 2 for all breeding dogs
• Annual eye exams (CERF/OFA) to screen for PRA and cataracts
• Weekly ear cleaning to prevent infections, especially after swimming
• Annual thyroid panels starting at age 4
• Regular veterinary checkups with complete blood work

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's overall health profile is one of its strongest attributes. With proper preventive care, this breed offers a long, active lifespan of 12 to 15 years—exceptional for a medium-to-large sporting dog.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Grooming Guide

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has medium grooming needs centered around maintaining their distinctive wiry coat. Unlike smooth-coated breeds that need only brushing, Griffons require hand-stripping to preserve the proper harsh texture that protects them in the field. However, they shed minimally and do not need frequent bathing.

Coat Care & Hand-Stripping

• Brushing: Brush 1–2 times per week with a slicker brush or pin brush to remove debris, prevent tangles in the beard and eyebrows, and distribute natural oils.
• Hand-stripping: Strip the coat every 3–4 months to remove dead hair and maintain proper wiry texture. This can be done by hand or with a stripping knife. Clipping is easier but softens the coat over time and can change its color.
• Bathing: Bathe only when necessary (every 6–10 weeks) since their coat naturally repels dirt and water. Overbathing strips the natural oils that give the coat its weather-resistant properties.
• Beard care: The Griffon's beard gets wet and dirty easily, especially after eating and drinking. Wipe the beard daily to keep it clean and prevent odor.

Nail, Ear & Dental Care

• Nails: Trim every 2–3 weeks. Active dogs that run on varied terrain may need less frequent trimming.
• Ears: Clean weekly—and always after swimming. The Griffon's pendant ears trap moisture, making them the most ear-infection-prone area. Dry ears thoroughly after water activities.
• Teeth: Brush 2–3 times per week with a dog-specific toothbrush and paste.

Professional grooming with hand-stripping for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon typically costs $75–$125 per session. Not all groomers are experienced with hand-stripping, so finding one who specializes in wire-coated breeds is important. Many dedicated Griffon owners learn to hand-strip at home, which saves money and allows for more frequent maintenance.

For a complete breakdown of grooming expenses, see our dog grooming cost guide.

Feeding & Nutrition

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are active, athletic dogs that require high-quality nutrition to fuel their energy and maintain their lean, muscular build. Their dietary needs are straightforward, and they are generally not as prone to weight gain as some other sporting breeds.

Feeding Guidelines

• Daily intake: Adult Griffons typically need 2–3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. Active hunting dogs may need more during the season.
• Protein: Look for foods with 25–32% protein from named animal sources to support their active lifestyle and muscle maintenance.
• Fat: Moderate fat content (12–18%) provides sustained energy for field work and active exercise.
• Seasonal adjustment: Working and hunting Griffons may need 25–50% more food during peak activity seasons. Adjust portions based on body condition.

Is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Right for You?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are outstanding dogs for active, outdoorsy families who want a loyal, versatile companion. Their combination of athleticism, gentle temperament, and manageable grooming makes them a strong choice—but their exercise demands are non-negotiable.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a breed that rewards active, engaged owners with unmatched versatility, deep loyalty, and a long, healthy partnership. For hunters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a devoted four-legged companion, the Griffon is hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions