Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
A detailed look at the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, covering its history, hunting versatility, specific health needs, and the reality of its coat and shedding.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized, versatile gundog developed in the late 19th century by Eduard Karel Korthals, weighing between 35 and 70 pounds depending on sex. This breed was specifically engineered to work in thick undergrowth and water, featuring a harsh, wiry coat that provides protection where other breeds would struggle.
History and origin are more complex than nationality
The breed's origins are a subject of debate between Dutch, German, and French claims, largely because the founder, Eduard Karel Korthals, was Dutch but established his Ipenwoud kennel in Biebesheim am Rhein, Germany. Korthals began his work around 1873 with a foundation bitch named Mouche and five other dogs, interbreeding them carefully to create offspring that resembled his vision of an ultimate hunting dog. The resulting "Korthals Patriarchs" established the breed type, which was then developed over twenty years in Germany before moving to France for further refinement. The first official club formed in 1888, followed by regional clubs in Bavaria, Belgium, and France, while the American Kennel Club registered the first Griffon, "Zolette," in 1887, though it was not officially recognized as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon until 1916.
Size and appearance are built for field work
This is a strong, medium-sized dog with a muscular body and a harsh, wiry outer coat over a softer undercoat, designed to shield the dog from wet vegetation and thorns. Females stand 20 to 22 inches tall and weigh 35 to 50 pounds, while males stand 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds. The standard color is steel gray with brown markings, though chestnut brown, white and brown, roan, and white and orange are also acceptable. A black coat is a disqualifying fault. The head is large and long, featuring large rounded eyes, a beard, and eyebrows, with a nose that is always brown. Depending on the country, the tail may be docked, a practice historically common for this breed to prevent injury in dense cover.
Temperament requires gentle handling and constant companionship
Griffons are intelligent and people-oriented dogs that prefer to remain in the vicinity of their owners rather than living in kennels. They possess a willingness to please but do not adapt well to harsh training methods, requiring a softer approach to achieve results. While they are highly trainable and versatile, the breed has faced a modern challenge: recent research has identified an infusion of other breeds into the global gene pool. This has caused a split in many countries between clubs wishing to retain the genuine Korthals line and those accepting outcross hybrids, making it essential for buyers to verify health clearances and lineage on written contracts.
Shedding and allergies are often misunderstood
Contrary to popular belief, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not a non-shedding breed, though it sheds considerably less than many other dogs. All dogs produce dander and saliva, which are the primary triggers for allergic reactions, and the Griffon is no exception. While some allergy sufferers may tolerate this breed, often referred to as hypoallergenic by owners, this is a matter of individual protein production differences rather than a breed-wide guarantee. Allergists note that the "luck of the few with their pets cannot be stretched to fit all allergic people," meaning a Griffon that is safe for one person may still trigger a reaction in another.
Hunting versatility defines the breed's purpose
The Griffon is a versatile gun dog used primarily for upland game birds and waterfowl, capable of pointing, tracking, and retrieving. Unlike British specialists that focus on a single task, the Griffon was bred to hunt a wider variety of game in difficult terrain, including dense undergrowth and water. This versatility comes from the breed's history as a continental pointing dog, designed to work close to the master and adapt to various hunting styles. The harsh coat is a functional adaptation, providing protection from wet or harsh vegetation, while the dog's stamina allows it to work effectively in endurance scenarios.