Origin
France
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
23–27 kg
Height
51–61 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Steel Gray · Gray and Brown · Brown and White
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
About This Breed
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a versatile gun dog known as the 'supreme gundog' for its adaptability in field, forest, and water. Their harsh, bristly coat provides excellent protection and gives them a distinctive unkempt appearance.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Origin
| Origin | France |
| Group | Sporting |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 23–27 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Height | 51–61 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Steel Gray · Gray and Brown · Brown and White |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Friendly · Devoted · Gentle · Trainable |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is most well-known for their role as a hunting bird dog. The Griff, as they’re sometimes called, are smart dogs that desire to please their family. They were bred in The Netherlands, but much of their development took place in France during the 1800s, according to the American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association (AWPGA). While Wirehaired Pointing Griffons were created to assist in hunting (both on dry land and in the water), they also make affectionate family members.
Care Guide
As a medium-size dog, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons stand 20–24 inches tall and weigh 35–70 pounds. They have a scruffy, wiry coat that comes in shades of gray and brown. Their coat doesn’t shed a lot and doesn’t require extensive grooming, though they’re not considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. Griffon dogs are eager to please and work hard in the field. At home, these pups will cuddle closely to their family. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They are an active breed that needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation.