Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Description
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also known as the Korthals Griffon, was developed in the late 1800s by Eduard Korthals to excel in diverse hunting environments. This breed combines traits from the Otterhound, English Pointer, and German Shorthaired Pointer, resulting in a dog capable of navigating marshes, rocky terrain, and everything in between. Their medium, wiry double coat protects them from harsh weather and brush. These dogs are affectionate and eager to please, making them excellent family companions. They have a strong hunting instinct and a keen nose, which contributes to their reputation as versatile gundogs. Griffons get along well with children and other pets, and their lively nature requires consistent mental and physical engagement to keep them balanced and happy.
Grooming
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's medium-length, wiry double coat requires regular maintenance to stay healthy and functional. Weekly carding helps remove dead hair that tends to cling to the coat, reducing matting and keeping the texture intact. Use a light slicker brush gently to avoid damaging the wiry outer layer. Handstripping every 8 to 12 weeks is essential to maintain the coat’s rough texture and vibrant color, especially in roan and ticked patterns. Color care is straightforward, but white or lighter patches may show dirt more easily and benefit from occasional spot cleaning. Seasonal shedding is minimal, so heavy brushing sessions aren’t necessary. - Card coat weekly - Use light slicker brushing - Handstrip every 2-3 months - Spot clean white areas as needed Pro tip: Handstripping not only preserves coat texture but also stimulates healthy hair growth and keeps your Griffon looking sharp.
Learn the Wiry routine:
→ Complete Wiry Grooming Guide
Walking
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons need about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to manage their enthusiasm and stamina. These dogs thrive on varied terrain and enjoy a mix of steady walking and short bursts of exploration or scent work. Keeping walks engaging helps prevent boredom and excessive barking. Example routine: Morning: 45 minutes brisk walk with scent games Evening: 55 minutes relaxed stroll with play breaks Short walks won’t satisfy this breed’s drive. They need consistent, purposeful exercise to stay content and well-behaved.
Boarding
When boarding a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to accommodate their medium-large frame comfortably. These dogs are active and playful, so staff should plan for two active play sessions daily, incorporating scent and brain games to engage their sharp noses and minds. Their social nature means they benefit from interaction with other dogs or people during playtime, but they also appreciate quiet downtime in their crate. Enrichment activities like puzzle feeders or scent trails help reduce stress and keep them mentally stimulated while away from home. Staff should note that Griffons can be vocal if understimulated or anxious, so consistent routines and plenty of engagement are key to a positive boarding experience.