General Information
- Adaptability
- All-around friendliness
- Health And Grooming
- Exercise needs
- Trainability
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized gundog breed of relatively recent vintage. The breed was developed near the end of the 19th century, and ever since then these dogs have awed people with their amazing ability to point and retrieve. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was originally used for hunting and would flush, point, and retrieve water fowl, game birds, and even hares. She's been described as the "supreme gundog" and is still actively used in this role. She also makes an excellent family companion and enjoys any kind of work. Many Griffons have been successful in agility, tracking, and obedience. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is also a happy and loving breed. She generally gets along well with everyone, and although she'll alert bark, she's too gentle to be a strong guard dog. She does well in homes with children, but she prefers older children who know how to treat a dog properly. She usually gets along with other pets and dogs but still needs to be socialized, since some Griffons can be nervous when they're introduced to new people, dogs, and situations.
Griffons are an energetic breed and require daily exercise. They will do much better when they have an area to run in, and most exercise should be off-lead in the yard. They're not recommended for apartments, and although they can adapt to city living, they do much better in the country. They thrive when they're in the company of their families and are not the best breed to live outside in the yard or in a kennel. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is considered to be a nonshedder and should make an excellent dog for people with allergies. They do require some grooming with weekly brushings, and some stripping of the coat is required. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are always eager to please and are very intelligent. Generally they're easy to train and enjoy working closely with their owners. Despite the fact that the breed is young, it has gained popularity. Griffons are free from many inherited disorders, have a sense of humor that's endearing, and they're ideal hunting and family companions. If you're looking for a high-energy, humorous hunting and family dog, this may be the breed for you.
As a little-known breed within the service dog world, I can not say I have ever observed one as a service dog. But we have fallen in love with the possibilities this breed seems to possess for this type of work and are currently training our first one.
Griffons are an energetic breed and require daily exercise. They will do much better when they have an area to run in, and most exercise should be off-lead in the yard. They're not recommended for apartments, and although they can adapt to city living, they do much better in the country. They thrive when they're in the company of their families and are not the best breed to live outside in the yard or in a kennel. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is considered to be a nonshedder and should make an excellent dog for people with allergies. They do require some grooming with weekly brushings, and some stripping of the coat is required. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are always eager to please and are very intelligent. Generally they're easy to train and enjoy working closely with their owners. Despite the fact that the breed is young, it has gained popularity. Griffons are free from many inherited disorders, have a sense of humor that's endearing, and they're ideal hunting and family companions. If you're looking for a high-energy, humorous hunting and family dog, this may be the breed for you.
As a little-known breed within the service dog world, I can not say I have ever observed one as a service dog. But we have fallen in love with the possibilities this breed seems to possess for this type of work and are currently training our first one.
- Breed Highlights
- Distinctive Coat: The Griffon's unique wire-haired coat is one of its most recognizable features. It consists of a dense, water-resistant undercoat and a rough, bristly outer coat, providing excellent protection against harsh weather conditions. This coat also allows them to work efficiently in dense underbrush and water.
- Trainable and Intelligent: These dogs are known for their high intelligence and trainability. They are quick learners and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train for various purposes, from hunting to obedience and agility.
- Active and Energetic: Griffons are a breed with boundless energy and stamina. They thrive on physical activity and excel in outdoor pursuits like hunting, hiking, and agility sports. Regular exercise is essential to keep them happy and healthy.
- Gentle and Affectionate: While they are highly skilled in the field, Griffons are also known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with their families and are typically great with children. They make loving and loyal family pets when given the attention and exercise they need.
- Low-Maintenance Grooming: Despite their unique coat, Griffons are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming. Regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping are typically sufficient to keep their coat in good condition.
- Adaptability: Griffons can adapt well to different environments and climates. Their versatility and adaptability make them suitable for various lifestyles, whether in rural hunting settings or urban households.
- Health Concerns
- Generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems.