Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures & Care

Hailing from France, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a hardy, purebred dog that excels at hunting. They are intelligent, friendly, active, and curious. Their athleticism knows no bounds, so they require plenty of daily outdoor exercise to stay happy and healthy. They do not like to be alone for long periods, and they love the company of children.

Breed Overview

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are typically easy to train and are known for being excellent listeners when it comes to interacting with human family members. They usually have brown and gray or chestnut and gray coats, but some have white markings on their heads or legs. Read on if you want to learn more about this beautiful dog breed!

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Characteristics

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Puppies

With shaggy hair and floppy ears, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppies are adorable. The cost of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon depends on the breeder and your location. The quality of the parent’s lineage, and whether any special services like training are included can also affect the price.

The cost of veterinarian care, vaccinations, food, and supplies also needs to be factored into the total investment that you’d be required to make if you want to bring a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon home.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is smart and easygoing. They were bred to obey and love nothing more than to please their human companions. They are curious and can quickly learn how to unlock your gate in the yard so they can escape. While outgoing and sociable around people they know, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons tend to be timid around strangers.

They are independent dogs but do not appreciate being left alone for long periods. They can become bored and destructive when confined to an empty home. They require plenty of daily exercise to remain calm and well-behaved when spending time inside.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is excellent with children, especially little ones in the same household. When well socialized as puppies, they can get along with kids of all ages in almost any kind of social setting, whether at home, at the park, or at a neighbor’s house. It is important to remember that they are not small dogs, and their rambunctiousness can result in accidents and injuries if they are not supervised around young children.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can get along with other dogs, but they must learn to do so at a young age. They should be introduced to other dogs regularly soon after being brought home for the first time as puppies. If they are not socialized as puppies, they may become aggressive toward strange dogs by the time that they become adults.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons should have no problem living with other dogs in the same household if they grow up together. Since they have such a strong instinct to hunt, it may be tricky introducing them to smaller animals, like cats, as they could be seen as prey.

Things to Know When Owning a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Before deciding whether to bring a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon home, it is important to understand everything there is to know about taking care of one. What does this breed eat and how much? What kind of training should be focused on? How much daily exercise is required? Here are the answers to these questions and more.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Due to their high energy levels, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons require a high protein diet, which most commercially available dog foods can provide. The ideal formula contains an animal protein as the first ingredient. Brands that include filler proteins, such as corn and soy, should be avoided whenever possible.

The average Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can eat about 3 cups of commercial dry dog food or the equivalent of wet food each day, depending on their energy levels. Younger dogs typically eat more than older dogs due to higher metabolisms. Regardless of age, they should always have access to fresh drinking water while spending time indoors and outside.

If you have questions about how many calories your dog needs each day, your vet can help you come up with a healthy diet plan.

Exercise 🐕

These dogs are active because they were bred to work all day long. If they are not exercised every day, they become bored and can quickly develop health problems. All Wirehaired Pointing Griffons should get at least an hour or more of exercise every day. In addition, they should have an opportunity to play outside in the yard or at the dog park. Indoor activities, such as puzzle toys and hide-and-seek games, will satisfy them when they cannot be outside.

Training 🎾

Since Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are so intelligent, they take to obedience training well. They should learn how to come, stay, and heal by the time that they are just a few months old. Obedience is crucial as the Wirehaird Pointing Griffon ages. Without proper training in place, they can be hard to control, especially in social settings.

However, they can learn several tricks, hunt, compete in agility events, and complete search-and-rescue missions. Owners without training experience should consider seeking guidance from a professional trainer.

Grooming ✂️

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a thick, double coat that provides insulation for winter hunting and swimming. The coat does not shed much but requires regular brushing to stay clean and free of tangles. There is no need for trimming because it never grows too long. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are prone to ear infections, so it is essential to clean their ears with a clean, damp cloth once a week. Nail trimming should not be necessary, as long daily walks should keep them naturally short.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons can live long and healthy lives but are vulnerable to a few health issues. Luckily, they are not known for developing many serious conditions, at least not more than the average dog.

Male vs. Female

Male Wirehaired Pointing Griffons tend to be more emotionally stable than females, but that is not to say that the girls are unstable in any way. They can be needier, and unexpected situations may affect them more than they would affect males. Males seem to be the more aggressive of the two sexes. Both are excellent hunters and agile on their feet, but males are usually a bit quicker.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

1. They Hunt on Land and in Water

The Wirehaired Pointing griffon is gifted at hunting on land and in water. If trained, they can perform as reliable pointers and retrievers in both scenarios. Even without training, they instinctually chase birds on land and in water.

2. They Have Two Layers of Fur

Since they were bred for hunting, they have two layers of thick fur that keep them warm in the water and during winter. This makes them a little tougher to groom than the average dog.

3. They Like to Be Goofy

Although the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is serious while working or hunting, they enjoy being goofy in their free time. They’ll take every opportunity to jump and play, and they have a playful attitude, which helps always keep things lighthearted.

Final Thoughts

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are outgoing, intelligent, agile, and incredibly active. They require plenty of love and attention, but the work put into caring for one is rewarded through affection and obedience. This is the perfect dog companion for hunters, farmers, and ranchers. They can also be excellent pets for families of all shapes and sizes, granted that there is plenty of time for exercise and adventure.

Featured Image Credit: Vaclav Sonnek, Shutterstock