Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Medium (25-50 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 20-24" |
| Weight | 35-70 lbs |
| Coat Type | Wire |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,300/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
- Allergy Sufferers
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The story behind the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The breed was created in the later nineteenth century by Eduard Karel Korthals, a Dutch sportsman and breeder, who set out to produce a rugged, versatile pointing dog that could work marsh, field and woodland for a hunter on foot. He worked mainly from griffon and other continental stock, and much of the breeding programme was carried out in Germany and France after he moved from the Netherlands, which is why the breed's country of origin is variously attributed and why France is often listed as the patron country for standard purposes. The dogs were selected for a harsh protective coat, close working style and tractability. The breed spread across Europe and reached North America around the turn of the twentieth century, gaining American Kennel Club recognition. It remains a working gundog first, used by versatile hunting dog associations, with modest numbers kept as companions.
Originally bred for: Versatile pointing gundog, water retriever, tracking dog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Feed a complete diet appropriate to an active medium-to-large gundog, with portions raised during hunting season and in cold, wet working conditions. Two meals a day with rest afterwards suit the build, and condition should be checked by hand beneath the harsh coat.
Watch for: No breed-specific food intolerance is documented. Bearded, water-working dogs frequently develop chin and ear irritation related to damp rather than diet. If skin or ear problems persist despite good drying and grooming, a vet can advise whether food merits investigation.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.