Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Breed

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffin is both unbeatable hunting partner and excellent family companion. They work closely with the hunter as a gundog in the field but also are equally adept retrievers that love water. According to the AKC they have been called the "4 wheeler of all dogs" due to their drive to dive right into difficult brush. Members of this breed are highly trainable and willing to please; they're also softies that need plenty of daily interaction with their owners. The best situation for a WPG is to live indoors but have daily access to a large yard or property. While a hunting owner is not necessary an active owner is a must. Consider the follow quick facts for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon:

PROS

• Great with kids
• Good with other pets
• Friendly with strangers
• Excellent gundog and retriever
• Perfect exercise buddy
• Highly trainable and willing to please
• Low maintenance
• Not a frequent barker
• Can spend time indoors and out
• Devoted and loves spending time with you
• Said to be hypoallergenic

CONS

• Not a solely outdoor dog
• Shouldn't spend majority of day alone
• May be difficult to train at Master Hunter levels
• Not suitable for inactive owners
• Not a guard dog

These dogs are muscular and medium-sized with a straight wiry coat of hair that includes an impressive set of eyebrows and beard to cover the long head. They are versatile hunting companions that are hard to beat; if you aren't a hunter but are active physically this breed will be equally as great a choice for you and your family. This page includes some information on the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's aptitude with training, exercise and interactions. Animal Planet also has a Dogs 101 for the Korthals Griffon (the more commonly used name for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon).

1. Experts and owners agree, this breed is highly intelligent and highly trainable. They are very devoted to their owners and eager to please them. Some trainers suggest that at the Master Hunter level these dogs either prove too intelligent or too soft hearted to retain that "easily trained" title-- not that it cannot be done though.

2. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are gentle guardians for young kids while being energetic playmates for bigger children. Most are friendly towards visitors and even strangers, however, there are those that may remain reserved. Besides the occasional alert bark they shouldn't be considered guard dogs. Having other pets around this breed shouldn't be an issue.

3. Exercise is something you should enjoy if you want a Korthals Griffon. They need an hour or more daily outdoor exercise and a large fenced yard is recommended. They are devoted to being by your side so mutually enjoyable activities such as long walks, runs, hikes and even swimming is encouraged!

The temperament of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon makes them well suited to both hunters and families alike. They are devoted to their duties (both in the field and home), outgoing and friendly, and pretty trainable. Ideally, they will find a home with an active owner or family as they need an hour or so of daily outdoor activity; plus they desire to have close daily contact with their "people".

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are excellent additions to households with children and other pets. Their social personality also allows them to be comical crowd pleasers when it comes to visitors and strangers. This also means while they may bark an occasional alert, they don't make good guard dogs.

This breed learns very quickly when it comes to obedience and basic hunting skills; repeating things over and over may confuse them and hinder their progress. Praise and affection will go far as this breed is very sensitive to over-correction or a harsh attitude. Gundog Magazine reports that experts explain this ease in training doesn't exist when training them for UT1 or Master Hunter levels where they prove to be "too smart or too soft".

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are typically healthy dogs that live 12 to 14 years, on average. They have very few major health issues but the most common concerns include:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Eyelid issues such an Entropion and Ectropion
• Otitis externa (ear infection)
• Thyroid Disease

Choosing a reputable breeder that has had the dam and sire tested for joint disorders and offers proof of these certifications can prevent adopting a puppy that develops Hip Dysplasia later. Keeping the ear area clean will help prevent ear infections while blood tests can detect any issues with the thyroid.