Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

• ExerciseVery high

  Thrives with a job, sport or serious daily exercise.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Ear infections · Entropion

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, or Korthals Griffon, was created in the late nineteenth century as a versatile hunting dog that would point, track and retrieve on land and in water, and would do it close to the gun rather than ranging far. That closeness is the breed's defining trait as a companion too: this is a dog that wants to be near its person constantly and struggles with isolation. It is an athlete and needs to be treated as one. Expect at least an hour and a half of real activity daily, ideally including swimming, retrieving and scent work; a Griffon that only gets neighbourhood walks becomes restless and inventive. Their eagerness to please makes them highly trainable, and they excel at dog sports and at anything that combines nose work with teamwork. They are friendly with children and other dogs, but their drive means small pets need supervision. The harsh double coat is weatherproof and sheds little, but it needs weekly brushing and hand-stripping a few times a year; clipping softens the coat and removes its protective quality. The beard and drop ears trap moisture and debris, so wipe the face and check and dry the ears regularly. Buy from a breeder who hip-scores and screens eyes, and be aware of entropion and hypothyroidism in the breed. Kept working, this is a healthy dog that often reaches fourteen or fifteen.

• How much exercise does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need?

  Very high. Thrives with a job, sport or serious daily exercise.

• How much grooming does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Wirehaired Pointing Griffon live?

  12–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Ear infections, Entropion. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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