Griffon (wire-haired Pointing)

Origins and History

The Wire‑haired Pointing Griffon was created in the late 19th century by French nobleman Comte d'Elva, who sought a versatile hunting companion that could work in dense cover and water. By crossing the German Short‑haired Pointer, the Griffon Bruxellois, the Barbet, and other local spaniel‑type dogs, the breed achieved a sturdy, wiry coat and a keen pointing instinct. Recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1959 (Group 7 – Sporting Dogs, Section 2 – Pointers), the Griffon quickly spread throughout Europe and later to North America, where it is also registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) under the name “Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.”

General Characteristics

• Medium‑sized, athletic build with a balanced, slightly longer than tall proportion.
• Intelligent, eager, and highly trainable; retains strong hunting drive.
• Originally bred for pointing, flushing, and retrieving both on land and water.

Physical Specifications

• Height: Males 55‑60 cm (21.5‑23.5 in); Females 53‑58 cm (20.8‑22.8 in).
• Weight: Proportionate to height, typically 8‑14 kg (18‑30 lb).

Coat and Color

• Texture: Harsh, wiry, dense, and water‑repellent; length 2‑5 cm, hand‑stripped for show to preserve the wiry texture.
• Accepted colors: Solid black, brown, or orange; roan (black, brown, orange, or white with roan); bicolor combinations with white (black & white, brown & white, orange & white). No other colors or markings are permitted in the show ring.

Temperament Considerations

The Griffon possesses a high prey drive and a strong desire to work closely with its handler. While eager to please, the breed can become bored if not given sufficient mental stimulation, leading to distractibility in the ring.

Training Essentials

• Early socialization: expose to people, other dogs, and varied environments from 8 weeks onward.
• Exercise needs: minimum 1‑2 hours of active work or play daily; includes fetch, tracking, and water activities.
• Common training challenges: managing independent hunting instincts, preventing over‑excitement during field trials, and maintaining focus in a busy show environment.

Daily Grooming

• Brushing: 2‑3 times per week with a slicker brush and a metal comb to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
• Bathing: As needed, using a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo; avoid over‑bathing to preserve natural oils.
• Nail and dental care: Trim nails weekly or when they touch the floor; brush teeth several times a week or use dental chews.

Show Preparation

• Pre‑show grooming timeline: Begin hand‑stripping 2‑3 weeks before the show to achieve a uniformly wiry coat; trim feathering on ears, legs, and tail to the standard length.
• Ring presentation tips: Ensure the coat lies flat and dense, ears are clean and neatly trimmed, and the dog’s gait is balanced and forward‑moving.

Common Health Issues

• Hip dysplasia – screen with OFA or PennHIP radiographs.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – annual CERF eye examinations and DNA testing where available.
• Hypothyroidism – routine blood panels if clinical signs appear.
• Ear infections – regular ear cleaning due to floppy ears and dense coat.

General Care

• Exercise requirements: Consistent, moderate‑to‑high activity; lack of exercise can lead to behavioral problems.
• Nutritional needs: High‑quality protein‑rich diet appropriate for a medium‑active working breed; maintain ideal body condition to protect joints.
• Lifespan considerations: Average 12‑14 years; regular veterinary wellness exams help detect age‑related issues early.