🐾 #dailydog breed of the day: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The hardworking Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, renowned as the supreme gundog, known for the harsh, low-shedding coat the breed is named for. Outgoing, eager, and quick-witted, Griffs are incomparable in the field and loving at home. Griffs are medium-sized, all-purpose gundogs standing no higher than 24 inches at the shoulder. They’re known for an extremely harsh and bristly coat that gives them a natural, unkempt appearance. The preferred color is steel gray with brown markings. A lavish mustache and eyebrows frame large, rounded eyes that gleam with keen intelligence. Griffs are the very picture of an honest, hardworking sporting dog whose handsome looks result from a noble and unaffected ruggedness rather than fussy grooming.
History
In the 1800s, sportsmen of Continental Europe were obsessed with breeding hunting dogs of great versatility. Among them was Dutchman Eduard Korthals, son of a well-to-do banker. Through judicious crosses of several breeds, Korthals developed a dog that could work as a pointer on dry land and as an excellent water retriever, complete with webbed toes for swimming. Korthals refined his breed while working in Germany and, finally, France. Since Korthals’ time, partisans have argued whether Griffs are properly a Dutch or a French breed.
Quick Facts
Temperament: friendly / devoted / trainable
Height: 20 to 24 inches
Weight: 37 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Sporting Group
Health
There are several health and genetic screening considerations specific to the Griffon. While the occurrence of hip dysplasia in the Griffon is relatively low, it is still important that dams and sires obtain either OFA or PennHIP clearances. Some breeders also obtain medical clearances for eye, heart, elbow, and thyroid conditions.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
GroomingThe minimally shedding Griffon coat has a harsh outer coat with a soft, insulating undercoat. The breed requires weekly brushing or combing, regular nail trimming, and tooth brushing as well as occasional trimming around the feet and ears. Some coats may need to be hand-stripped periodically to encourage growth of new coat. Like all dogs with drop ears, a Griffon can develop ear infections, so regular cleaning and plucking of ear-canal hair is recommended.
Exercise
Griffons are social animals who require a great deal of attention, consistent training, time, and patience. Griffons do not make good full-time kennel dogs. They are especially active as puppies, and are very intelligent, social, and physically powerful as adults. They require considerable mental and physical challenges on a daily basis, or they can become bored, unhappy, and/or destructive. The ideal Griffon household is one in which the people are active and include the dog in their daily routines. A Griffon whose mental, emotional, and physical needs are met on a daily basis can be an exceptionally pleasant and easy-to-live-with companion.
