The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, sometimes called the Korthals Griffon after its founder, is a French-born versatile gundog that first won fame in Europe's lowlands and muddy marshlands. Developed in the late 1800s by Dutch breeder Edward Korthals, the breed was built to point, flush and retrieve game over rough country, in cold water and through thick undergrowth. His goal was a single dog that could do the work of several English gundogs, and he largely succeeded: the Griff remains one of the most complete all-round hunters in the sporting world.
At home, this medium-sized dog is a different creature. Renowned as the "supreme gundog," the Griff is outgoing, affectionate and quick-witted, forming remarkably strong bonds with its family. Its harsh, low-shedding wire coat — the feature that gives the breed its name — shrugs off brambles and weather alike. Owners describe a dog that is all business in the field and a gentle, playful companion on the sofa.
The breed suits active households ready to offer a job, plenty of exercise and steady company. It is intelligent, eager to please and generally easy to train, though its high energy and independent streak mean it is happiest with owners who share its love of the outdoors.
A Breed Forged by Korthals
Edward Korthals set out in the 1870s to create the perfect continental shooting dog, working from stock that may have included setters, spaniels, French Pointers, the French Barbet and the German Shorthaired Pointer. By around 1875 his rough-coated creation, initially christened the Korthals Griffon, had been perfected. The aim was not just talent but versatility: a dog that would point, track and retrieve in any weather, on any terrain, working close to the gun rather than ranging far afield.
The breed gained a devoted following among European sportsmen and arrived in North America in the early twentieth century. While it remains most prized by hunters, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has also earned a steady place in the show ring and in homes where people want a hardworking, affectionate companion.
Appearance and Coat
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a squarely built, medium-sized dog with a slightly longer-than-tall silhouette that speaks of stamina rather than speed. Its head is notable: a long muzzle framed by bushy eyebrows, moustache and beard, which give the breed its unmistakable expressive face. The nose is brown, and the eyes are yellow-brown or hazel, warm and intelligent.
The hallmark is the coat — coarse, harsh and weather-resistant, lying flat and medium-length, with a fine, dense undercoat. This double layer keeps the dog warm and dry in icy water and protects its skin from thorns. The low-shedding coat comes in steel grey with brown markings, chestnut, roan, white and brown, or white and orange. This is a working dog's wardrobe, practical and unglamorous but perfectly engineered for the field.
Temperament and Personality
The Griff is a gentle, social dog that lives for its people. Unlike some versatile hunting breeds, it tends to be sensitive rather than hard, and it responds best to kind, consistent handling. It is intelligent and alert, often appearing to think carefully before acting — occasionally a little too cleverly for its own good. Some individuals are reserved with strangers, though proper socialisation settles most into polite, friendly adults.
Around the house the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is affectionate and lightly playful, happy to be part of family life. It gets on well with other dogs and, if introduced early, with children. Its prey drive, however, is real: cats and smaller animals can trigger a chase, so introductions need supervision. The breed dislikes being left alone for long stretches and can become anxious or destructive without enough occupation.
Exercise and Activity
This is a high-energy breed built for a day's work, and it needs an outlet for that drive. Plan for at least one to two hours of purposeful exercise daily, mixing brisk walks with off-lead running, swimming, fetching and, ideally, regular work in the field. A Griff that is under-exercised becomes restless, mouthy and prone to digging or barking.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 45–60 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 30–40 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
As a natural hunter, the breed relishes games that use nose and brain — scent trails, retrieving in water and hide-and-seek all satisfy it enormously. Access to a securely fenced yard is a real advantage, though it is no substitute for structured daily activity. With a proper routine, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is calm and settled indoors; without one, it is a handful.
The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for keeping active breeds like this one busy.
Training a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Thanks to its biddable, people-pleasing nature, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is one of the easier hunting breeds to train. It learns quickly and responds well to reward-based methods, and it typically avoids the stubborn streak seen in some similar breeds. Early socialisation is still essential, exposing the puppy to people, dogs, traffic and new places so that it grows into a confident adult.
Gundog instincts emerge early, and you can channel them into structured games such as recall, retrieving and pointing practice. Because the breed is sensitive, heavy corrections backfire; firm but patient guidance gets far better results. Consistency matters, as the Griff can be creative about finding its own entertainment when rules are unclear. Begin training the day the puppy comes home and keep sessions short, fun and rewarding.
The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide cover the essentials for raising a well-mannered Griff.
Grooming a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The wiry coat is wonderfully low-maintenance, shedding little, but it does need regular attention to stay tidy. Brush a few times a week with a slicker brush or a comb to remove dead hair, dirt and burrs, and the coat will rarely mat. After muddy or wet fieldwork, a quick rinse and dry keeps skin healthy.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
| Professional trim or clip | Every 6–8 weeks | Keeps the coat tidy and hygienic |
Two to three times a year the coat benefits from hand-stripping, a process of removing dead outer hair by hand or with a stripping knife. Stripping keeps the coat harsh and weatherproof and is worth learning or having done by a professional. Beyond the coat, keep the ears checked and dried after swimming, trim the nails regularly, and clean the beard after meals — food tends to collect there. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for this coat.
Feeding a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
A medium-sized, very active dog, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon does best on a high-quality diet matched to its energy output. A working dog in season can need considerably more calories than a weekend companion, so adjust portions as activity levels change. As a rule, a fully grown Griff of 50–60 lb needs roughly 1,400–2,000 kcal daily, but follow the guidance on your chosen food and check body condition weekly.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Use a large-breed puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 2–3 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1.5–2.5 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Divide meals into two per day and weigh portions rather than guessing. Choose a food appropriate for the dog's life stage, and consider a formula with good-quality protein and joint support if the dog works hard. Keep fresh water always available, feed after exercise rather than before, and monitor weight closely — a retired hunting dog can gain weight quickly if portions are not reduced.
Health and Veterinary Care
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a generally hardy breed with a reputation for few health problems, and many live well into their teens. That said, buyers should seek parents from health-tested lines. Hip dysplasia occurs in the breed, as does elbow dysplasia, so hip and elbow scoring of breeding stock is wise.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Hip and elbow dysplasia screening | Discuss with your vet | OFA/PennHIP on parents |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 6–7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
Eye conditions are a particular concern. Entropion and ectropion — where the eyelid rolls inward or outward — can occur and may require surgery. Other issues seen less often include epilepsy, hypothyroidism and ear infections, especially in dogs that swim regularly. Routine care includes annual vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental hygiene and prompt attention to any limp or eye irritation. Choose a puppy from breeders who test their stock and can show health clearances. The Signs of a Healthy Pet explains what to look for when assessing your dog's wellbeing.
Home Environment
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon thrives in a home where people are around much of the day and where outdoor adventures are part of the routine. It is well suited to country houses and suburban homes with a fenced garden, and less happy in small flats or with owners away at work for long hours. It adapts to apartments only if given truly generous exercise.
Being a people-centred dog, the Griff does best as part of an active family that includes it in daily life. It is patient with children who respect its space and gentle with the elderly, but it is a bouncy, boisterous young dog that may knock over toddlers in the first year. A securely fenced garden is essential to contain a nose-driven dog that can wander off on an interesting scent. The Choosing the Right Pet helps you weigh up whether this breed fits your lifestyle.
Common Ownership Challenges
The biggest challenge owners face is energy. A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon without a job and enough exercise will invent its own — usually in the form of digging, barking, chewing or escapes. Rain or illness that cancels a day's exercise has consequences. The prey drive, too, can complicate life with cats, rabbits and other small pets.
Separation anxiety is a genuine risk in this people-focused breed; dogs left alone for long stretches can become destructive and vocal. The wiry coat, though low-shedding, needs committed hand-stripping, which many owners find unfamiliar. And the breed's strong nose means off-lead reliability must be trained and maintained, or a Griff will follow a scent trail for miles. These are all manageable with preparation, but they deserve honest consideration before you commit.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Highly trainable, eager to please and quick to learn
- Affectionate, gentle and devoted to the whole family
- Low-shedding, weatherproof coat that copes with mud and water
- Hardy breed with a typically long lifespan and few major health issues
- A versatile gundog that shines in field, agility and obedience work
Disadvantages
- Very high energy with demanding daily exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive can be problematic around cats and small animals
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
- Needs committed coat care, including regular hand-stripping
- Can be reserved with strangers without early, thorough socialisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon good with children? Yes, when socialised from puppyhood the breed is patient and gentle with children, though its boisterous energy as a young dog means supervision around toddlers is wise.
Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon shed a lot? No, it sheds very little thanks to its wiry coat, but it needs regular brushing and two to three hand-stripping sessions a year to stay tidy and weatherproof.
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon hypoallergenic? No. While the low-shedding coat produces fewer allergens than many breeds, no dog is truly hypoallergenic and people with allergies should spend time with the breed first.
How much exercise does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need? At least one to two hours of vigorous activity daily, including off-lead running, swimming or fieldwork, plus mental games to keep its hunting brain engaged.
Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons easy to train? Yes, they are among the more trainable hunting breeds, responding well to reward-based methods and thriving on kind, consistent handling.
Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons make good hunting dogs? Excellent ones. They point, flush and retrieve across rough terrain and in cold water, working close to the hunter and adapting to most game and conditions.
What health problems affect the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon? The breed is hardy overall, but hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion and ectropion, epilepsy, hypothyroidism and ear infections are the conditions most commonly seen.
How big does a full-grown Wirehaired Pointing Griffon get? Males stand 22–24 inches and females 20–22 inches at the shoulder, with weights of 50–60 lb depending on sex, build and line.
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon good with other pets? It usually gets on well with other dogs, but its strong prey drive means cats and small animals should be introduced carefully and supervised.
Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon bark a lot? Not excessively, but an under-exercised or bored Griff can become a persistent barker, usually as a sign it needs more activity and company.