Last Updated: March 31, 2023
Looking for a 2in1 combination of a family cum hunting dog?
Brace yourself for a gripping read on all about the wirehaired pointing griffon dog to find if they fit your dream of an ideal furry mate.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club back in 1887, this breed has a significant history of origin in the Netherland till they were imported to the US.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffons were first crossbred to be deployed as skilled hunters on any terrain and are excellent water retrievers.
Want to know more? Scroll down as we unfold more about this ‘supreme gundog’.
How To Select Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Breeders?
Prepping to be a proud owner of the majestic wirehaired pointing griffon dog?
Sure you are and hence we insist you be an informed buyer to stay safe from fraudsters who can dupe you with an unhealthy pup.
Getting a pure breed Griffon can cost a bomb and so we often turn to affordable deals without probing much about their birth and health history that double the trouble.
So, before you go ahead and pay the breeder, keep a couple of things in mind:
- Make sure that the breeder is recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club), FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), KC (British Kennel Club), ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council), and so on as per your country.
- Spend some time with the pup’s parents. Study parent’s behavior, health, looks, etc. to understand how your pup will grow up.
- Ask for griffon pup’s health certificates so that you know what you are getting into. Discuss the overall health of the parent and well as the pup with the breeder so that you know what you can expect in the future.
- Don’t hurry into buying your first wirehaired pointing griffon dog. Take your time to understand the breeder. Be vigilant about the surroundings the dogs are kept in. Look at the food dogs are fed and how they are cared for by the breeder.
- Do your own research so that you are able to ask the right questions to the breeder and check their understanding of wirehaired pointing griffons.
All these will help you bring home a healthy and happy griffon puppy.
How Much Does A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Cost?
Before estimating the cost, you need to decide if you want to adopt from a shelter or buy a pup.
If you choose to get a new wirehaired pointing griffon puppy from a licensed dealer it will cost you anywhere around $1000 – $1,500.
To save you from fraudulent sellers, we always recommend registering with an authorized kennel club to get some facts on the breed and easy access to unlimited breeders.
Some of these clubs also have online marketplaces where you can find breeder’s contact details to enquire about and obtain a quality wirehaired pointing griffon puppy at a reasonable price with health and vaccination updates.
When Does A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Get Full Size?
You can consider this medium-sized sporting dog to be fully grown in its 3rd year.
Under recommended nutrition and proper supervision, you can expect a male wirehaired pointing griffon to weigh up to 70 pounds whereas the female weighs nearly 50 – 60 pounds.
The supreme males are comparatively bigger and generally grow up to 24 inches than the females who are a bit shorter with an average size of around 20 – 22 inches.
These all-purpose gun dogs thrive well on high-quality dog food that supports them through their growing years in staying active and maintaining their rugged strong persona.
To ensure your wirehaired pointing griffon dog attains its standard height and healthy weight, you must serve them food as recommended by your vet followed by other daily care routines.
This majestic breed tends to gain pounds, so keep checking up with the vet to gauge their weight and discard human food from their diet.
When Does A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Get Its Wiry Hair?
Wirehaired pointing griffon dog flaunts their signature double-layered coating with the mid-length outer layer that is harsh and wiry while the undercoat is comparatively denser and softer.
The outer harsh layer protects them against possible bruises and injuries when they are chasing their prey through rough terrains and wild trails in the forest.
With proper grooming and care, it may take 2-3 years for their wiry coat hair to grow healthier and covering their entire body.
They are blessed with a waterproof double-layered coating that keeps them dry and protected while retrieving in the swamps and other water bodies.
Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Shed?
Now that we have made your hunt for a pure breed Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog easier, the next to focus is their shedding pattern and how it can affect you especially if you are allergic to pet hair.
We have relaxing news for you about this ‘Supreme Dog’ that hardly sheds and you don’t have to worry about encountering those fluffy balls rolling everywhere.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons belong to the category of low shedding hunting dogs with double-layered rugged coating.
Their shedding won’t trouble you much unless other health factors are responsible in case of unusual excessive shedding.
Visit your vet immediately if your dog sheds a lot.
How To Groom A Griffon Dog?
Surprisingly, these double-coated canines require occasional grooming to appear as a well-maintained dog and the best part is they barely shed.
They are usually covered in steel or silver coating with brown markings and flaunt royal mustache and hairy eyebrows which can mess with their visual ability if not trimmed.
Wirehaired pointing griffons have a water-resistant coat that doesn’t require a frequent wash.
You can try pet grooming at home by removing the tangles with your hand or brushing the coat twice a week.
You will also have to hand-strip their coat periodically so that it gives room for the development of new and healthy coat.
Take your dog to a professional when it comes to trimming its long fur especially the hair covering its feet.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have distinctive webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers and require years of proficiency to trim their claws and the adjacent hair without injuring them in the process.
What To Look For While Choosing A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Puppy?
Now that you are nearly convinced to buy a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppy, we have listed the following parameters to choose the healthy one.
- Register yourself with reputed kennel clubs like the AKC to connect with the licensed breeders and sellers.
- The price will be comparatively higher for a healthy pup than for the ones marketed by unauthorized sellers.
- Ask for health certificates and other important papers to stay on the safe side as an aware buyer.
- Do not hesitate to ask for a genetic test report, about their parent’s health and the littermates.
- Get updated information on its last vaccination and the upcoming dates.
- Choose from the most common shades like steel, white and brown, or chest brown coating.
- Avoid pups with teary eyes which might be an indication of some flu.
- And lastly, make sure you can devote enough time to raising the warm and friendly Griffon puppy.
How Much Exercise Does A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Need?
As they belong to the category of ‘sports dog’, hence it is easy to guess how much exercise they need to thrive better as we assorted them below.
- Take yours one out for regular strolling as they love walking along with their parent or let them swim for a while.
- They are a highly energetic breed which means they thrive well when involved in extensive training.
- Hire a professional if you are confused and think that you are not contributing enough towards its wellbeing.
- Wirehaired pointing griffon dog loves chasing and preying around. This implies that they must be allowed to spend a considerable amount of time outdoor at least twice a day.
- Isolation is a strict no for them as it will turn them destructive and trigger their aggressiveness.
- They are not apartment dogs and need a large backyard to jump and run around making them an ideal countryside dog.
What Type Of Hunting Is Best For Pointing Griffon?
To understand a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon’s hunting pattern is no rocket science.
As we already revealed how they were bred to hunt and retrieve in the wild and so when unleashed they can’t help but follow their instinct and thrives better that way.
If raised in the countryside, you will notice their potential hunting skill when they are a year older.
They are excellent swimmers with polished retrieving skills which makes them a terror for the waterfowls and duck.
Wirehaired pointing griffons are equally capable of hunting down rabbits and hares after chasing them through the wild and rugged terrain.
Their inherent preying skills with sheer intelligence have made them an ideal hunting partner and indispensable in any kind of field activity.
But don’t expect the same agility from an apartment-raised Griffon as they grew up in a constricted environment and may lack the skills as an ideal hunting partner.
Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Hypoallergenic?
As we have stated before how less a wirehaired pointing griffon dog sheds and you won’t find them shedding excessively even in the spring and fall, like other breeds.
This unique trait makes them the ideal hypoallergenic dog for people vulnerable to pet allergies.
But wait, we have something to alert you before you consider them as a safe low shedding family dog.
Their outer wiry coat tends to trap dirt and dander that can trigger your allergy symptoms.
So we suggest you try pet grooming at home by brushing through the coat twice a week to keep off the allergens.
Understanding Griffon’s Temperament
Curious how well a wirehaired pointing griffon dog can adapt to your lifestyle?
First of all, don’t be fooled by their rugged appearance and reputation as hunting dogs, as nature-wise they are more friendly and loving than you could imagine.
There is simply nothing to fear about raising this supreme gundog unless you are already aware of their temperament and are confident of your parenting skills.
Before we proceed to unfold the behavioral trait of this majestic breed, let us warn you that don’t consider buying or adopting a wirehaired pointing griffon dog if you are heavily occupied, because they are super active and need lots of physical activities.
- These hardworking gundogs are naturally loyal, devoted, and obedient to their master and hence make an ideal strolling and hunting partner.
- Though they are gentle but prefer to politely avoid strangers unless comfortable.
- Unfortunately, they aren’t so friendly to smaller pets like cats, iguana, and squirrel and chase them away. But they are compatible with other medium and large dog breeds.
- This sporting dog needs your dedicated time to take them out on a regular walk or involve them in some kind of activities or else get ready to encounter their aggressive side.
- They thrive well on high-quality dog food alongside adequate space like a backyard for running around and staying active.
- Wirehaired pointing griffons are excellent water retrievers and love spending time in the pool or swamp which is crucial in supporting their holistic wellbeing.
- Thinking if they will get along with your children? They are generally friendly with the growing children but that’s not the case with babies as their untamed energy might irritate them.
- They are also extremely intelligent and hence respond to your commands better.
- Wirehaired pointing griffons are fairly easy to train. To raise them as disciplined dogs, you must follow certain dog training tips and tricks from their growing years.
- They aren’t apartment dogs and caged life is in every way threatening for them.
- Remember, these hunting dogs possess a strong disposition. So if you or the trainer is too strict they may not respond and will simply ignore your existence. So be gentle with your instruction to get a loving pet for life.
These are some of the unique traits of the wirehaired pointing griffon dog that we think helped you understand their temperament to make parenting a little less exhausting.
You can expect these qualities only when you buy purebred which is rare but isn’t impossible if you strike the right chord.
How To Care For Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog?
Congratulations on becoming a proud guardian to a wirehaired pointing griffon dog.
Now you need to be extra cautious in raising your pooch the right way.
Caring for them isn’t as challenging as their training.
These are low maintenance and low shedding dogs require some pet grooming at home to shrug off the fleas and allergens.
Though they are shielded with a double coat protecting them from cuts and injuries it is the outer wired layer that is exposed to dirt and dander.
So it is important to detangle them by brushing twice a week which helps to evenly spread the natural oil present in their hair making the coat glossy.
They also need a lot of activities regularly like swimming and running that play a pivotal role in their holistic wellbeing.
So devote enough time to take them out for a daily walk and visit a professional occasionally in keeping them perfectly groomed if you lack time to do it yourself.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Lifespan
Hailed as the ‘supreme gundog’ Wirehaired Pointing Griffons makes an excellent family dog too for their amiable and funny personality.
The best part about these low shedding dogs are they not only keep your home fur-free but gel well too with other pets and breed of dogs.
Under proper supervision and daily essential nutrition, these medium-sized hunting dogs can accompany you for up to 14 years.
All they need is a friendly ambiance, regular activities, and a vet-recommended diet to live a complaint-free life.
To keep your Griffon wagging without stress, make sure to spend maximum bonding time with them.
Common Health Issues Associated With Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Under routine care and grooming, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons rarely suffer any disease.
However, like us, dogs also carry some genetic disorders and Griffons are no exception.
You will get a detailed insight into a WPG pup’s health and possible diseases from an authorized breeder which will help to care for your dog better.
Generally, the most common health issues with a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are obesity, hip dysplasia, and ENT.
To avoid any complications, keep checking their ear canal to remove dander and long hair.
You must also involve them in regular activities to ensure a disease-free healthy life.
Final Thoughts
Wirehaired pointing griffon has every striking trait to match up to your expectation of an ideal dog.
You will be surprised to know that though this breed is referred to as hunting dogs, they barely hold any history of biting strangers but yes they will alarm you with their distinctive barking if senses anything unusual.
Despite the majestic features, this dog breed is becoming rare for its inability to adjust in caged apartments.
But if you have adequate time and space to offer you can get your first wirehaired pointing griffon puppy from a licensed breeder only after abiding by the applicable parameters.
