Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Breed Guide

  • Breed Group
    Breed Group

    Sporting

  • Breed Height
    Height

    50-60 cm

  • Breed Weight
    Weight

    22-27 kg

  • Breed Lifespan
    Lifespan

    10-14 years

About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Teaching a stubborn dog can sometimes feel like you're barking up the wrong tree. Fortunately, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an incredibly intelligent and curious breed, suited to energetic owners and playful families.

But what else can you expect from this playful breed and is it the right choice for you? Find out all you need to know below!

What is the history & origin of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Originating in the Netherlands in the early 19th century, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was once used as a hunting dog. Due to its love of affection, it was the perfect breed for working alongside humans.

Its energetic temperament ensured that the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon effectively flushed and retrieved a range of game birds. It is still used for hunting and as a gundog in many countries today.

Although records suggest this dog may have existed in the 16th century, it wasn't until 1916 that the National Breed Club and the American Kennel Club recognized this breed.

Who are Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs best for?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are incredibly friendly and social, which means they make excellent family dogs. They get along with other dogs, and even cats, so you don't need to worry about them fighting with any other pets you may own.

As they are an active breed, it's important that you exercise Wirehaired Pointing Griffons regularly. This is great news for any active pet lovers looking for a breed to accompany them on their daily runs or walks!

However, keep in mind that this loveable breed requires constant attention - they hate being left alone. If you often work away from home or are away for long periods, this breed may not be the best choice for you!

How much grooming does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need?

If you are worried about dog hair being shed, then the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is one of the best breeds for you. Their coat is incredibly resistant to shedding, regardless of what time of year it is - which is excellent news for allergy sufferers!

In terms of grooming, they will still require a brush every couple of weeks to help remove dirt, tangles and knots from their luscious coats. Nails will need to be trimmed and teeth brushed, much like any other breed, so be sure to book a visit to your local pet groomer!

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffon bark much?

Although not a particularly loud breed, most Griffons will resort to barking when they crave their owner's attention or just want more food. Fortunately, their bark isn't as loud or aggressive as similar talkative dog breeds, so you won't need to worry too much about noise.

If you are worried about your adult dog barking, then it's always a good idea to try to teach your dog to avoid barking where possible. This can take some time, but Wirehaired Pointing Griffons love to please their owners so they will quickly know when to avoid barking with positive reinforcement training!

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffon bite?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons get along with everyone, including other dogs and even dog-friendly cat breeds. This means they will rarely resort to biting, and biting isn't a trait that is common amongst their breed.

Obedience training is the best way to avoid your family dog from getting snappy, so always take the time to spend time with your furry friend whilst it's young!

What is the temperament & personality of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Knowing the breed characteristics of your chosen dog is an excellent way to decide which breed is right for your home. Fortunately, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon would make an excellent addition to any home thanks to its friendly and gentle personality.

They love to spend time with other animals and their owners, so they are suited to family homes. However, they can quickly grow dependent on their owners and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Due to their history of being used as hunting dogs, they love to play and will regularly require exercise. Their favourite game is playing fetch, so be sure to stock up on a range of dog balls and toys when adopting or purchasing this gorgeous breed.

The Wirehaired Griffon temperament is a perfect match for kids, as they don't often bite and can be extremely patient around curious children. They still need their space, like all breeds, but once this dog has settled in, you can expect it to constantly follow you around your home!

What is the weight & size of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized dog breed with a medium-length coat across most of its body. Its coat tends to be longer around its head and shoulders, which can make your average Griffon look larger than it truly is!

Weight

In terms of weight, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized dog breed. A fully-grown male will generally weigh between 22.6 and 31.75 kgs. Female Griffons are generally much lighter, with a typical weight between 15.85 to 22.5 kgs.

Size

As their weight suggests, the average WireHaired Griffon is somewhere between a small and medium-sized dog. A fully-grown male tends to measure between 55 and 61 cm whilst a fully-grown female tends to be around 50 to 55 cm tall.

How much training does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need?

The training of any dog breed should begin as soon as possible, ideally whilst they are still puppies. Thankfully, the Wirehaired Griffon is a fairly intelligent breed that will quickly pick up on anything taught in its puppy kindergarten class.

As they love to spend time with their owners and learn new tricks, most Griffons are incredibly receptive to training. They will quickly pick up on potty training and feeding times, and may even learn a few fun tricks and new commands in the process!

What are some of the most common health issues for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Knowing what health issues your chosen breed is known for is the best way to ensure it lives a happy and healthy life. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are surprisingly robust dogs, with very few genetic health problems across their breed.

However, no dog breed is invulnerable to health issues. Here are a few potential problems your Wirehaired Griffon may face:

  • Elbow and Hip Dysplasia

  • Cataracts

  • Otitis Externa

When adopting a new dog, always check that you are choosing a breeder or animal shelter that can provide health certificates. The Canine Eye Registry Foundation and similar organisations will provide health clearances, letting you know that your puppy's parents are healthy.

What is the lifespan of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

The Wirehaired Griffon is an incredibly healthy breed with few genetic health problems. They love exercise and playing dog sports with their owners. On average, they tend to live for around 12 to 14 years, with some living for more than 15 years.

How much should you feed a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Knowing how much food your dog needs and what foods it enjoys is the best way to ensure a healthy life. With this in mind, a typical fully-grown Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will require around 2 to 3 medium-sized meals a day.

However, as with any dog breed, each Wirehaired Griffon will require a unique diet. This means you may need to adjust how much food and even the type of food you feed your furry friend depending on their needs and lifestyle.

What is the price of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in Australia?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are a fairly popular breed thanks to their energetic and playful characteristics. You can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 to $1,500 to adopt a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppy.

As always, we highly recommend only adopting from reputable breeders and animal shelters. This will ensure that your chosen dog will be fully vaccinated and has been cared for with the love it deserves.

Pros

  • Great with kids
  • Perfect exercise buddy
  • Excellent gundog and retriever

Cons

  • Not a guard dog
  • Not for inactive owners
  • High separation anxiety