The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a pointing gun dog breed which is also capable of retrieving and tracking. Less known than his German cousin, the German Wirehaired Pointer, he is admired for his slower and steady hunting style. Easily trained and possessing much thought and consideration, the Griff makes a perfect pet for the right owner.
Obedience training is normally a breeze with the Griffon, although males are known to be easier to train. Females are more likely to test their limits to see what they can get away with! Both sexes can become easily distracted (by running squirrels, birds, etc.) and need to be worked extra hard on distraction-training. The breed also has a bit of an independent streak, but will eagerly work with motivation.
As could be surmised from his name, this breed has a wiry double coat that protects him while out in the field. He does shed, but does so minimally. The coat doesn’t need much care, however it does need to be stripped or plucked with special tools in order to keep it in a very harsh texture. Shaving a Griffon should never be done – not only will the coat become very soft, but it will never grow back in the same way again. The wiry coat, while rugged and dignified, does tend to collect leaves and other plant life when the dog goes outside! Furthermore, the Griff’s distinctive beard gets wet (and stays wet) whenever the dog gets a drink.
Although a hunting dog, this breed shouldn’t be kept kenneled outside all day. Griffs love human contact and need plenty of time with their owners in order to be happy. In fact, separation anxiety is well-known in the breed and occurs more often in individuals who are left home alone for long stretches of time. Chewing on furniture and other objects is a common symptom of separation anxiety, so training and/or crating is recommended. The breed is also known for excessive barking – again, particularly if the owners are gone. One final frequent behavior problem in the breed is difficulty in housebreaking.
They also require daily exercise – although they are not a super-high energy breed, they still require a moderate amount each day. As long as these needs are accounted for they are pleasant and calm in the house. Griffs that do not receive enough exercise can be obnoxious and prone to jumping up on people. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was bred to be a hunting/working dog first and foremost and not bred to be a fastidious house dog. This also means that along with physical excercise, they must have a job to do! Mental and emotional tasks are just as important to ensuring that the Griffon and their owners can live in harmony.
Griffons do very well with children and are not easily upset or frightened by them. They have a gentle nature and are often extra careful around kids. Because of their laid-back nature, however, it is important to make sure kids do not take advantage of a Griff’s easygoing temperament. Teasing should never be allowed as it is never fair for the dog! The Griffon usually gets along fine with other dogs, particularly if one or both is altered. With cats… many Griffs enjoy chasing them up trees.
The breed is not a guard dog by any means and might not protect the house if an invader breaks in. That said, most Griffs will bark an alarm if they hear a stranger. When taken on walks, they tend to ignore strangers who come up to say hi. This aloof temperament around new people is common and shouldn’t be taken as an insult. To ensure the best possible results (and safeguard against the dog being fearful of people), the Griffon absolutely needs to be socialized around as many people as possible when he is a puppy!
