Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: France/Netherlands
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a versatile sporting breed developed in the late 19th century, prized for its ability to point, retrieve, and work in rugged terrain across both land and water. Known for its distinctive harsh wiry coat and soulful expression, it forms deep bonds with its family and thrives when given a working purpose.
| Breed | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon |
| Size | Medium (50–70 lbs) |
| Height | 22–24 inches |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Temperament | Loyal, Eager to Please, Energetic |
| Energy Level | High●●●●○ |
| Good With Kids | ✅ Yes |
| Grooming | Moderate |
| Training | Excellent |
| Shedding | Light |
| Best For | Experienced Owners |
🐕 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Overview
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is often called the supreme gundog for its exceptional versatility in the field, capable of pointing, tracking, and retrieving in virtually any terrain or weather. It is a medium-sized breed with a sturdy, athletic build and a wiry double coat that provides excellent protection from brush and cold water. Affectionate and loyal at home, the Griffon is happiest when it receives plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation alongside its family.
📜 History & Origin
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed primarily by Dutch breeder Eduard Karel Korthals in the 1870s, who worked across France and Germany to create the ultimate versatile hunting dog. Korthals crossed several breeds including the Griffon, Stichelhaar, Pointer, and Spaniel types to produce a dog capable of working all day in diverse conditions. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1887 and has maintained its reputation as one of the finest all-around hunting companions ever since.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 50–70 lbs (23–32 kg)
- Height: 22–24 inches (56–61 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 45–60 lbs
- Height: 20–22 inches
Coat type: Medium-length, harsh and wiry double coat with a dense undercoat
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Generally sociable with other dogs and pets when properly socialised from puppyhood. Early introductions are recommended.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are high-energy dogs that require at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. This includes brisk walks, off-leash running, fetch, or swimming. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive or develop behavioural problems.
⚠️ Apartment living: Not ideal. A house with a garden is strongly preferred.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Wirehaired Pointing Griffon)
- Daily amount: 2.5 to 3.5 cups of high-quality dry food split into two meals of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Brush 2–3 times per week to manage shedding and coat condition.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Wirehaired Pointing Griffon lifespan is 12–15 years. Smaller breeds often live longer than larger breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United States
Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Europe
Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Active hunters and outdoors enthusiasts
- Families with a yard and active lifestyle
- Experienced dog owners who enjoy training
- Excellent with children
❌ Cons
- Apartment dwellers or those with limited space
- Owners unable to provide 90 or more minutes of daily exercise
- First-time dog owners seeking a low-maintenance breed
- Requires significant daily exercise
🆚 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Other Breeds
✅ Wirehaired Pointing Griffon wins at
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is gentler and more affectionate with children and family members indoors.
✅ German Wirehaired Pointer wins at
The German Wirehaired Pointer is slightly more driven and intense in the field, suiting hardcore hunters.
✅ Wirehaired Pointing Griffon wins at
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is more energetic and faster-moving in the field, covering ground efficiently.
✅ Spinone Italiano wins at
The Spinone Italiano is more laid-back and patient indoors, making it slightly easier for relaxed family life.
🏠 Who Should Own a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- Active hunters and outdoors enthusiasts
- Families with a yard and active lifestyle
- Experienced dog owners who enjoy training
- A family with children
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- Apartment dwellers or those with limited space
- Owners unable to provide 90 or more minutes of daily exercise
- First-time dog owners seeking a low-maintenance breed
- You live in a small apartment without outdoor access
- You have a very sedentary lifestyle
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wirehaired Pointing Griffon good for families?
Yes, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an excellent family dog that forms strong bonds with all members of the household, including children. It is gentle and patient with kids when properly socialized from puppyhood and generally gets along well with other dogs too. However, this breed needs a busy, active family that can meet its high exercise needs rather than one with a sedentary lifestyle.
How much does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppy cost?
In the UK, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppy from a reputable health-tested breeder typically costs between 1,200 and 2,500 pounds. In Pakistan the price range is approximately 150,000 to 300,000 PKR, while in India you can expect to pay between 60,000 and 150,000 INR depending on the breeder and lineage. Prices vary based on pedigree, health clearances, and the availability of the breed in your region.
Is Wirehaired Pointing Griffon easy to train?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is considered one of the more trainable sporting breeds thanks to its intelligence and strong desire to please its handler. It responds very well to positive reinforcement methods and is known for retaining commands quickly when training is consistent and reward-based. That said, its hunting instincts are strong, so reliable recall and impulse control require dedicated early socialization and obedience work.
What food is best for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
A high-quality dry kibble formulated for active medium to large breeds is the most practical choice, providing balanced protein, fat, and joint-supporting nutrients. Active working dogs may benefit from a performance formula with higher protein content, around 24 to 30 percent, to support muscle maintenance and energy levels. Always feed measured portions split across two meals daily and avoid free-feeding, as overfeeding can lead to weight gain even in this active breed.
Does Wirehaired Pointing Griffon bark a lot?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an alert breed that will bark to signal strangers or unusual activity but is not considered an excessive or nuisance barker. With adequate exercise and mental stimulation, barking is generally manageable and appropriate for the situation.
Can a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon live in an apartment?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not well suited to apartment living because it requires substantial daily exercise and space to move around comfortably. A home with a securely fenced yard and access to open areas for running is strongly recommended for this active sporting breed.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is best suited to experienced dog owners who understand the breed's specific needs. With a lifespan of 12–15 years, high energy demands, and moderate grooming requirements, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will reward you with years of loyal companionship.