Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The development of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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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