Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Key Facts & Info for Prospective Owners

If you're thinking about adopting a precious dog, you need to find the right breed for you. Details like size, energy level, and personality can really affect not only your home but the happiness of your new furry friend. Doing your due diligence and researching is a great way to start off the adoption process! If you have the right kind of life for an outgoing, smart, and kid-friendly dog, then you might want to consider the wirehaired pointing griffon.

The Basics

The wirehaired pointing griffon is a medium-sized dog with an adult male and female weighing 50-60 pounds, according to Animal Planet. Male wirehaired pointing griffon can be up to 24 inches tall and females can get up to 22 inches tall. Life expectancy of the wirehaired pointing griffon is around 15 years.

The History

The history of the wirehaired pointing griffon actually began around the same time that many Europeans began to try their hand at breeding, according to the American Kennel Club. In fact, some say that Greek historian, Xenophon, made mention of the griffon as early as 500 B.C. They go back that far!

The American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association was recognized in 1991 by the American Kennel Club as the Breed's Official Parent Club.

The Personality

The wirehaired pointing griffon has been called the "4-wheel drive of hunting dogs" as they will enter briars or underbrush without hesitation. They are fearless hunters! This breed excels equally as pointers in the field and as retrievers in the water.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are great companions who are loyal and trustworthy. As much as they are a great hunting dog, they are just as much a great family dog. They are absolutely devoted, willing to please, amiable and often comical to observe. It is generally friendly toward strangers, other dogs and pets.

The Appearance

Wirehaired pointing griffons have a unique double coat of medium length that is straight and wiry, with a fine, downy, thick undercoat.

They are of medium size, with a square-shaped head, strong limbs, and bred to cover all terrain encountered by the walking hunter — retrieving and pointing. The wirehaired pointing griffon has movement so graceful it has been compared to a cat.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon essential facts:

• Personality: Outgoing, eager, quick-minded; trustworthy in the field and around the house
• Energy Level: Very active
• Barking Level: Barks when necessary
• Shedding: Seasonal
• Grooming: Occasional
• Good with Children: Yes
• Trainability: Responds Well
• Height: 22-24 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)
• Weight: 50-60 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Interested in other breeds? Check out this article about terriers and this list of different husky dogs.