Nicknamed the Supreme Gundog, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are one of the top choices for versatile hunting dogs today. Read on for more on this tough, energetic hunting companion.
Commonly known as “Griffs,” these powerful pointers are trainable to upland birds, waterfowl, and most anything you’d like to do with your hunting dog. Cap off their versatility with an impish and ruggedly handsome countenance, and it’s easy to see why they’re one of the more popular dogs for serious bird hunters.
Griffs tend to be a tad mellower than some of their short-haired pointing counterparts, which makes them a great house dog for families in addition to being a high-octane sporting partner.
Read on for more about this muppet-like hunter.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, by the Numbers
A long-lived and hardy medium-size breed, you can expect to have your Griff as a partner for 12-15 years. They tend to measure 22-24 inches and weigh 50-70 pounds, although they can certainly be bigger than that depending on bloodlines.
Of course, the coat makes them distinguishable from many pointers. And its wiry texture lends itself to minimal shedding and more cold-weather hardiness than many of its slick-coated brethren.
A debate exists on whether the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is truly Dutch or French, as its history claims both countries as its origin grounds. But, the breed is overall considered French.
A well-to-do Dutchman by the name of Eduard Korthals set the breed in motion in an attempt to develop a pointer that could retrieve equally well in the water. And Korthals developed the breed on both German and French grounds.
Griffons do differ from other wirehaired pointers like the Deutsch Drahthaar and German Wirehaired Pointer. They tend to be smaller with more coat, denser bodies, and a more old-school pointing style that is lower to the ground and less upright.
Hunting the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
