Wirehaired Pointing
Griffon
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Description:
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is medium
sized with a distinctive rough and wiry
coat which has an overall unkempt appearance.
These dogs also have facial furnishings
which are characteristic of griffon-type
dogs. The development of this breed is credited
to Eduard Karel Korthals - a young Dutchman
who had a strong passion for hunting and
dogs. Korthals desired the perfect, versatile
gun dog for the walking hunter that could
cover any terrain, especially marshes and
swamps in the Netherlands. Korthals had
been spending time in Germany when he was
asked by one of his friends to manage the
famous Bibesheim kennel. So in addition
to his managerial duties, he also started
his selective breeding program in 1873.
When developing the Wirehaired Pointing
Griffon, Korthals used mostly griffon-types
and also included Boulets, Barbets, spaniels,
retrievers and pointers from Germany and
France. It took just a little less twenty
years to perfect the breed and the first
standard was written by Korthals in 1886.
Nothing in the standard has changed since
then.
In 1887, The first Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
was imported into the United States and
was also recognized this same year by the
American Kennel Club in the Sporting Group.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an excellent
all purpose hunting dog that also excels
at retrieving and swimming. In addition,
these dogs can withstand any type of rough
terrain or cover, including marshy ground.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon makes for
a wonderful family pet and companion and
is always eager to please its master.
Height:
The height for a male Wirehaired Pointing
Griffon when measured at withers is between
22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) and for a female
20 - 22 inches (51 - 56 cm).
Weight:
The weight of a male Wirehaired Pointing
Griffon is between 50 - 70 pounds (23 -
32 kg) and for the female between 35 - 50
pounds (16 - 23 kg).
Coat
Type: The Wirehaired Pointing
Griffon has a double coat. The top coat
is harsh and wiry and the undercoat is soft.
The top coat protects against rough terrain
while the undercoat provides insulation
and is water resistant. Regular brushing
is necessary to maintain the coat as well
as pulling and stripping. The Wirehaired
Pointing Griffon is a minimal shedder. Note
that the texture of the Wirehaired Pointing
Griffon's coat is dependent upon proper
diet and care.
Color:
The most common and preferred
color of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's
coat is steel gray with brown markings.
However, the coat can be a variety of colors
- just not all black which is unacceptable
by AKC Standard.
Temperament:
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is very
friendly, affectionate and has a steady
temperament. This breed is great for a family
pet and companion. With children they are
easy going and gentle. Wirehaired Pointing
Griffons are devoted and thrive in the company
of people, especially their family. This
breed is known to be easy to train and is
happy and eager to please its master. Wirehaired
Pointing Griffons must be properly socialized
otherwise behavior problems may develop.
Not only does this type dog need to be mentally
stimulated but physically as well. Therefore,
daily exercise is important such as running,
jogging, swimming or even free play. As
long as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
is with his family and not left alone, he
will be content and thrive.
Health
Concerns: Overall, the
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a very healthy
breed with the only noted health concern
being canine hip dysplasia. The average
life span of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
is between 10 - 12 years.
Special
Interest:
• The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
was is also known as "Korthals' Griffon"
in many parts of the world. The name is
derived from Eduard Karel Korthals who developed
the breed. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
is also referred to as 'the Griff' for short.
• The International Griffon Club was
founded by the Eduard Karel Korthals in
1888 which was two years after the standard
was written.
Classifications:
AKC: Sporting Group
CKC: Sporting Dogs Group 1
FCI: Group 7 Section 1 Continental Pointing
Dogs
KC: Gundog
UKC: Gun Dogs
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