Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was created by Dutch breeder Eduard Korthals in the late 19th century with the explicit goal of producing the ultimate all-purpose hunting dog for European terrain — a breed that could point, track, and retrieve on land and in water, in dense cover and open fields.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
France
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
23–32 kg (50–70 lbs)
Height
55–61 cm (21.5–24 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — active large-breed formula
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was created by Dutch breeder Eduard Korthals in the late 19th century with the explicit goal of producing the ultimate all-purpose hunting dog for European terrain — a breed that could point, track, and retrieve on land and in water, in dense cover and open fields. The distinctive harsh, wiry coat provides protection from briars and cold water. The Griffon is sometimes called "the supreme gundog" and its combination of versatility, trainability, and affectionate family temperament has earned it a devoted following among serious hunters and active family dog owners.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a distinctive shaggy, rough, harsh coat that is neither curly nor flat — giving it a bushy, unkempt appearance that conceals a muscular, athletic body underneath. The face is framed by a full beard, moustache, and bushy eyebrows. The steel grey and brown colouring is characteristic. The overall impression is of a rugged, capable working dog.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Low
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Griffons are outgoing, loyal, and adaptable — calmer and more biddable than many sporting breeds while retaining full working drive in the field. They are deeply affectionate with their family and gentle with children. They are sociable with other dogs and generally trustworthy with other animals. Their intelligence and trainability make them enjoyable to work with.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
-5°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
clinginess, destructive behaviour, mouthing, restlessness
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Daily vigorous exercise of 1–1.5 hours. The rough coat requires brushing 2–3 times weekly and hand-stripping twice yearly to maintain correct texture. Ear cleaning weekly. They love swimming and retrieve naturally.
Nutrition Notes
Healthy versatile gun dog. Joint supplements. Omega-3 for wire coat.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Hip dysplasia. Ear infections. Generally very healthy. Created by Eduard Korthals (1874). "Supreme Gun Dog." Hand-stripping for proper coat. 10-12 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1300 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
900 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia is a concern. Otitis (ear infections) from pendulous, hairy ears. Progressive retinal atrophy occurs. Generally a robust, healthy breed.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
"Supreme Gun Dog." India: rare.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
Eduard Korthals kept meticulous breeding records and conducted what was essentially a scientific breeding programme to create the Griffon — his kennel books from the 1870s–1890s document every cross and the resultant traits.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is sometimes called "the supreme gundog" or "the 4x4 of sporting dogs" for its versatility across terrain types, game species, and hunting conditions.
Despite being developed by a Dutch breeder, the Griffon was standardised and developed primarily in France, making the breed's national identity a friendly dispute between the two countries.
