Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pics, Care & More!

Hailing from France, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a hardy purebred dog that excels at hunting. These dogs are intelligent, sociable, active, and curious. Their athleticism knows no bounds, so they require plenty of outdoor activity each day to stay happy and healthy. They do not like to be alone for long periods, and they love the company of children.

Breed Overview

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are typically easy to train and are known for being excellent listeners when it comes to interacting with human family members. They are usually brown and gray or chestnut and gray in color, but some have white markings on their heads or legs. Read on if you want to learn more about this beautiful dog breed!

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Characteristics

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Puppies

With shaggy hair and floppy ears, these dogs are adorable as puppies. Although they are still cute as adults, they still require as much attention and care as when they were puppies. These basic characteristics should give you an idea of what to expect during puppyhood and beyond.

The cost of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon depends on the breeder you end up choosing. The quality of the parent’s lineage, and whether any special services like training are included can also affect the price. The cost of veterinarian care, vaccinations, food, and supplies also needs to be factored into the total investment that you’d be required to make if you want to bring a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon home.

If you are adventurous, active and have a home with a yard, you will be be happy with your choice of breed.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is smart and easygoing. These dogs were bred to obey and love nothing more than to please their human companions. They are extremely curious and can quickly learn how to do things like unlocking the gate in the yard so they can escape. While outgoing and sociable around people they know, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons tend to be shy and timid around strangers.

These dogs are usually independent, but they do not appreciate being left alone for long periods. They tend to repay such treatment by destroying things around the house. They require plenty of exercise a day to remain calm and well-behaved when spending time inside.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

This dog breed is excellent with children, especially little ones in the same household. When well socialized as puppies, they can get along with kids of all ages in almost any kind of social setting, whether at home, at the park, or at a neighbor’s house. It is important to keep in mind that these are not small dogs, though, and their rambunctiousness could result in accidents and injuries if they are not supervised around young children.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can get along with other dogs, but they must learn to do so at a young age. They should be introduced to other dogs regularly soon after being brought home for the first time as puppies. If they are not socialized as puppies, they may become aggressive toward strange dogs by the time that they become adults.

These dogs should have no problem living with other dogs in the same household if they grow up together. Since they have such a strong instinct to hunt, it may be tricky introducing them to smaller animals, like cats, as they could be seen as prey.

Things to Know When Owning a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Before deciding whether to bring a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon home, it is important to understand everything there is to know about taking care of one. What does this breed eat and how much? What kind of training should be focused on? How much daily exercise is required? Here are the answers to these questions and more.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Due to their high activity levels, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons require a high protein diet, which most commercially available dog foods can provide. However, not all protein is created equal. Any commercial food that this breed is offered should contain real animal protein as the first ingredient. Food that includes filler proteins, such as corn and soy, should be avoided whenever possible.

The average Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will eat about 3 cups of commercial dry dog food or the equivalent of wet food each day, depending on their specific energy levels. Younger dogs typically eat more than older dogs due to higher metabolisms. These dogs should always have access to fresh drinking water while spending time both indoors and outside.

Exercise 🐕

These dogs are extremely active because they were bred to work all day long. If they are not exercised every day, they become bored and can quickly develop health problems. All Wirehaired Pointing Griffons should get at least an hour’s walk every day. In addition, they should have an opportunity to play outside in the yard or at the dog park. Indoor activities such as puzzle toys and games of hide-and-seek will help keep this breed satisfied when they cannot be outside.

Training 🎾

Since Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are so intelligent, they take to obedience training extremely well. They should learn how to come, stay, and heal by the time that they are just a few months old. Obedience is crucial as this breed ages. Without proper training in place, they can be hard to control, especially in social settings. They can learn many different tricks too. These dogs do well with hunting and agility training. They can even learn how to complete search-and-rescue missions. Owners without any training experience should consider reaching out to a professional trainer for guidance.

Grooming ✂️

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a double coat that is super thick to act as insulation for winter hunting and swimming. The coat does not shed much, but it does require regular brushing to stay clean and free of tangles. There is no need for trimming of the fur because it never grows too long to properly manage. These dogs are prone to ear infections, so it is important to clean out their ears with a clean, damp cloth once a week or so. Nail trimming should not be necessary, as long daily walks should keep them naturally short.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons can live long and healthy lives, but there are minor health conditions to which they are susceptible. Luckily, they are not known for developing many serious health conditions, at least not more than the average dog.

Male vs. Female

Male Wirehaired Pointing Griffons tend to be more emotionally stable than females, but that is not to say that the girls are unstable in any way. They just tend to be needier, and unexpected situations may affect them more than they would affect boys. Males seem to be the more aggressive of the two sexes. Both are excellent hunters and extremely agile on their feet, but males are usually a bit quicker.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

1. They Hunt on Land and in Water

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is gifted both on land and in water when it comes to hunting. They can perform as reliable pointers and retrievers in both scenarios if they are trained to do so. Even without training, these dogs tend to show a natural tendency to chase birds on land and in water.

2. They Have Two Layers of Fur

Since these dogs were bred for hunting, they have two layers of thick fur that keep them warm in the water and during the winter months. This makes them a little tougher to groom than the average dog breed.

3. They Like to Be Goofy

Although the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is serious while working or hunting, this breed seems to enjoy their free time being goofy. They’ll take every opportunity to jump and play, and they have a playful attitude, which helps always keep things lighthearted.

Final Thoughts

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are outgoing, intelligent, agile, and extremely active. They require plenty of love and attention, but the work put into caring for one of these dogs is rewarded through affection and obedience. This is the perfect dog companion for hunters, farmers, and ranchers. They can also be excellent pets for families of all shapes and sizes, granted that there is plenty of time for exercise and adventure.

Featured Image Credit: PharmShot, Shutterstock