Sporting group
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The “supreme gundog” — shaggy, friendly and eager to work with you.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are versatile hunting dogs with a rough, low-shedding coat and a friendly, cooperative temperament. They are devoted family companions for active homes.
- Height
- 20–24 in51–61 cm
- Weight
- 35–70 lb16–32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Sporting
- Origin
- Netherlands and France
Coat: Harsh, wiry, medium-length coat with a beard and eyebrows. Colours: Steel grey with brown, Grey and white, Chestnut, Roan.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Griffs are affectionate, eager to please and often goofy. They bond closely with their family and are generally friendly with people and dogs.
They are working dogs with strong drive and need daily exercise and mental work. They are sensitive and do not thrive when left alone for long periods.
Living with a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Exercise
An hour or more of vigorous exercise daily, ideally including off-lead running and swimming.
Grooming
Brush weekly and hand-strip occasionally. Low shedding; clean the beard after meals.
Training
Very trainable and cooperative with positive methods. Start field work and recall early.
Kids & other pets
Excellent with children and good with other dogs. Supervise with small pets.
Time alone
Griffs prefer company and may become anxious or destructive if left for long days.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Elbow dysplasia
Parents should have elbow evaluations.
Eyelid problems
Entropion and ectropion occur and may need correction.
Ear infections
Floppy ears and a love of water mean regular ear checks.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Eye examination
- Thyroid and cardiac evaluation
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon; American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Dutch breeder Eduard Karel Korthals developed the breed in the 1870s, working mostly in Germany and France, aiming for a close-working, versatile pointing and retrieving dog for all terrains.
The breed became popular in France and was one of the first sporting breeds registered in America, in 1887. It is sometimes called the Korthals Griffon.
Did you know?
- The breed is known as the Korthals Griffon in Europe after its creator.
- Griffs are known as the “supreme gundog” by fans.
- Their wiry coat sheds very little.
Library guides for Wirehaired Pointing Griffon owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Hide and Seek
Brain work that tires busy minds.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons good family dogs?
- Yes — they are affectionate and good with children, with enough exercise.
- Do Griffs shed?
- Very little. Their wiry coat is low shedding.
- Are Griffs hypoallergenic?
- No dog is hypoallergenic, but their low shedding helps some people.