Full name: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog
Type: Medium-sized dog
Alias: French wire-haired Korthals Pointing Griffon, Griffon d’arrêt à poil dur, Griffon d’arrêt à poil dur korthals, Korthals Griffon, Korthals Pointing Griffon, Pointing Wirehaired Griffon
Height :20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
English name: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Country of Origin: France and Holland
Weight :50-60 pounds (23-27 kg)
Hair length: Shorthair
Function: Gun Dog
Life: About 10-12 years
History
Gregor Mendel’s groundbreaking work on genetics led to a more deliberate and scientific method of dog breeding during the 19th century, which would give rise to many new breeds, among them the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. This breed was the brainchild of a Dutch sportsman named Eduard Korthals, who was interested in combining many of the sporting dogs of his time to create a uniquely versatile breed. Dozens of dogs were bred in this pursuit, including Boulets and Barbets, as well as various griffons, pointers, setters, spaniels and retrievers. The new breed began to take shape in 1874, and soon after Korthals began touring France with the dogs, where they immediately caught on; the race would quickly come to be strongly identified with the French despite its Dutch origins. The dog’s ability to retrieve, point and track by scent made it very popular in the field.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887, though at the time it was known as the Russian Setter (another mistaken national identity). The breed steadily climbed in popularity up until World War II, when its numbers dipped significantly. The Wirehaired Griffon never recovered its reputation, and today the race has a small but loyal following.
Appearance
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a fantastic looking breed of dog with a thick wiry coat of wavy hair that can range in colour from silver-grey to light brown or white and orange. The most prominent feature of this dogs coat is its thick bushy eyebrows and pronounced thick goatee that gives it a distinctive “wise old man” expression and appearance.
Due to its extremely thick wavy coat of hair, it often has an unkempt appearance. It’s a medium-sized very sturdy looking breed who’s serious looks and expression belies its friendly, relaxed overall demeanour. In spite of its hairy appearance, it is far less prone to shedding than other breeds of dog with similar shaggy coats, but its coat does require some occasional brushing as it can tend to gather debris.
When in motion, it will have a smooth, highly coordinated gate that is purposeful and slower than most dogs its size and shape. It has a large thick head with medium-sized ears that lay flat on its cheeks and jowls and a boxy muzzle that appears more significant than it is due to the thick shaggy hair that covers it. Its brown eyes are elliptical and can have some yellow in them. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will often tend to be relaxed and reclining when it is not at play and is most comfortable reclining on a chilly day in the sunshine. It will have a straight backline that has a slight slope downwards from front to back with a cropped one-quarter sized horizontal tail that will stand erect when it is alert.
Body type
Ideal size Height: Male :22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Female :20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Weight: Male :55-60 pounds (25-27 kg) Female :50-55 pounds (23-25 kg)
Temperament
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a happy go lucky dog always ready to please its owner. It is highly intelligent and trainable. Like most smart dogs, they can be easily bored and frequently act stubborn. The breed is friendly with strangers and usually gets along well with other dogs and animals. They are affectionate, outgoing, and very active. For families with children, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are a great choice because they are intense yet gentle.
The Wired Hair Pointing Griffon has strong hunting instincts that are passed from generation to generation through the blood. It is a breed that works hard and is capable of perfecting its method of hunting.
Care
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons should not live in apartments. They are happiest with a large backyard and possibly a swimming pool because the breed loves to swim and is well-suited for the activity. Additionally, the race needs an active family who can give them plenty of exercises and possibly a job to keep them stimulated. This is not the dog for families who are inexperienced or who are not firm. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons also do best in more relaxed environments.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons must be trained by someone firm because of their stubborn natures. They also need lots of exercises and usually do well with if they are given a job. Their grooming routine is relatively simple, especially if they are being kept as companions not show dogs. Their coats need to be brushed at least once a week, and the dead hair needs to be stripped out twice a year. To avoid ear problems, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons need to have their ears cleaned, and the hair around them trimmed regularly.
Health Issues: Skin allergies, thyroid problems, and hip dysplasia.
