Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Coat & Grooming: The Wirehaired Pointer Griffon has a unique double coat that features a down-like base layer and a coarse, bristly top coat. Bred especially to thrive in wet and cold hunting conditions, this breed requires minimal grooming apart from the occasional brushing. The Griffon’s beard is prone to dip into his water and food bowls, so it will need additional care to keep it tidy. Regular ear checks, nail trims, and dental care keep them comfortable, healthy, and ready for their next outing.

Coat length: Short
Grooming: Occasional

Shedding: Griffons shed so little that they are often mistaken for a breed that doesn’t shed. If you take care to brush your Griffon on a weekly basis, there will be almost no trace of your dog’s fur in your home.

Training: It really can’t be emphasized enough that this breed requires a kind and patient training technique in order to be successful. Due to their sensitive and people-pleasing disposition, Wirehaired Pointer Griffons are keen to learn, but respond best to a gentle-handed and consistent approach to housebreaking and socialization. It is best to start as early as possible to prevent timidness and to reassure them, especially in new and chaotic environments.

Barking: Griffons are mostly prone to barking and destructive behavior when separated from their owners for long periods of time, and are generally needier than other breeds in the Sporting category. If left to their own devices all day, they can be prone to anxiety. Being around familiar people and having sufficient activity may help to curb this anxiety. This dog responds best to kind words and gentle, consistent encouragement.

Temperament & Behavior: Wirehaired Pointer Griffons love to be involved in their family’s daily activity. Easygoing and relatively adaptable, but also active and intelligent, this is a loving and affectionate breed. Griffons are prone to wandering off-task to investigate anything that peaks their interest. Pointer breeds have strong independent minds and are regularly distracted. It is best to remember that Griffons aim to please, and any harsh words will not roll easily off this dogs back.

Behavior with kids: The Wirehaired Pointer Griffon is usually fine around children, providing that the dog has been socialized and exposed to children on a regular basis from a young age. The breed is definitely suited to families with older, active children. They can be active jumpers as puppies, so keep an eye on them around younger children.

Protection: While Griffons are renowned for their adaptable and sweet personalities, their attachments to their owners can mean that they are more likely to stick close to them and be suspicious of new people. While hardly a professional guard dog, they will alert you with a swift bark if they notices anyone on your property.

Life span: On average, Wirehaired Pointer Griffons live to be about 12-15 years

Inherited health issues: Health conditions can arise in dogs of any breed, either occurring at an increased frequency within the breed or due to a known genetic link, and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is no exception. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Cystic follicular dysplasia and Flank alopecia.

Preventive care: Although the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally a healthy breed, certain health conditions can arise. The best way to keep your Griffon in tiptop condition is to keep a close eye on your four-legged friend at home to monitor for changes, as well as through regular routine visits to the veterinarian. Picking up on subtle changes in your dog’s appearance or behaviors may aid in more prompt diagnosis and treatment of health conditions.

Responsible breeders perform several screening tests on their dogs prior to breeding in order to minimize the likelihood of developing problems within the breed. At minimum, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should have their eyes evaluated by an ophthalmologist, hip screening, and elbow screening.

With proper nutrition and exercise, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should be able to maintain a healthy body weight. However, if overfed or under-exercised, the Griffon can become overweight. Be sure to feed your Griffon portion-controlled meals of a high quality and balanced diet. Steer clear of table scraps or too many treats, since these will quickly pack on the pounds.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Griffon is 2 to 4 cups.

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: Griffons were bred to be versatile and vigorous hunting dogs, and are still suited to that job. If you’re more of a frisbee-thrower than waterfowl hunter, make sure to spend as much time outdoors with your Griffon as possible. They thoroughly enjoy long walks and investigating their surroundings. Griffons also enjoy swimming and tromping through swamps chasing birds. You are guaranteed to have an enthusiastic hiking partner in all weather and all seasons.

It is best to give your Wirehaired Pointer Griffon a minimum of one hour of exercise a day to keep them sharp and occupied. If you keep to a regular activity schedule, they will be a loving relaxed pet at home.

Climate: Griffons can thrive in most climates. They are bred especially to thrive in wet and cold hunting conditions, If you live in a Northern climate with harsh winters, it’s worth investing in some warm dog clothes to protect their extremities. Don’t fall into the trap of shorter and less frequent walks in the winter! They need just as much exercise in the cold months to stay healthy and happy.

Living Space: Griffons are a hunting breed that require a decent amount of activity outdoors on a daily basis. This breed loves long walks in the woods and vigorous games of fetch to stay healthy and entertained. If you own a pool, they will want to swim as frequently as possible