The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon—often affectionately called the “Griff”—is the 4x4 of the dog world. Rugged, messy, and ready for anything, this breed was designed to hunt over any terrain, swim in icy water, and then come home and sleep on the family rug.
Known as the “Supreme Gundog,” the Griff is a masterpiece of versatility. But you don’t have to be a hunter to appreciate them. Their friendly, goofy, and deeply affectionate nature makes them incredible family pets. They are the kind of dog that looks like a wise old professor but acts like a toddler who just found a mud puddle.
With their shaggy eyebrows, beard, and rough coat, they have a distinctive look that turns heads. And for those who suffer from allergies, their low-shedding coat is a massive bonus.
History and Origin: The Dutch-French Masterpiece
The Griff’s history is a bit of a geography lesson. While often associated with France, the breed was actually created by a Dutchman, Eduard Korthals, in the late 19th century.
Korthals wanted to create the ultimate walking hunter’s dog—a dog that hunted close to the owner rather than ranging far over the horizon. He methodically crossed various breeds, including the German Griffon, French Spaniels, and Pointers.
The result was a dog with a wire coat to protect against brambles, webbed feet for swimming, and a nose that could find a bird in a haystack. The breed was refined in France, which is why it is often considered a French breed today.
Physical Characteristics
The Griff is a medium-sized, strong dog. They are slightly longer than they are tall.
- Height: Males 22-24 inches; females 20-22 inches.
- Weight: 50 to 70 pounds.
The Coat
The coat is their armor. It is harsh and wiry on the outside with a fine, thick undercoat for insulation.
- Feel: It should feel like the bristles of a boar.
- Color: Steel grey with brown markings (roan) is the most desirable. They can also be solid brown, white and brown, or white and orange.
- Low Shedding: While not strictly hypoallergenic, they shed very little compared to other sporting breeds like Labs.
The Face
They have a charmingly disheveled look, with a bushy beard and eyebrows that give them a constant expression of surprise or deep thought.
Temperament: The “Velcro” Hunter
Griffs are defined by their devotion.
People-Focused
They hunt for you, not just for themselves. This translates to a pet that wants to be near you at all times. They are affectionate and thrive on praise. They do not do well in kennels or left alone in the backyard; they need to be part of the family pack.
Friendly
They are generally very friendly with strangers, children, and other dogs. They are not natural guard dogs. A Griff is more likely to show a burglar where the treats are kept.
Intelligent and Soft
They are smart but sensitive (“soft”). They generally want to please you, so harsh discipline is unnecessary and counterproductive. A stern look is often enough to correct a Griff.
Griff vs. GWP (German Wirehaired Pointer)
People often confuse them, but they are different.
- Griffon: Slower, more methodical hunter. Closer working range. Generally softer temperament and shaggier coat.
- German Wirehaired Pointer: Faster, higher drive, more intense. Can be sharper/more protective. Coat is often tighter.
Energy Level and Exercise
They are high-energy dogs, but they have a good “off switch.”
- Daily Exercise: They need at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise. They are excellent jogging partners and swimmers.
- Hunting Instinct: Even if you don’t hunt, they will point at butterflies, cats, and leaves. Games of fetch and hide-and-seek satisfy their urge to work.
- Calm Indoors: Once exercised, they are famously calm indoors, happy to curl up at your feet.
Training: The Fun Factor
Griffs learn best when it’s a game.
- Retrieving Games: Use their natural instinct. Teach them to find hidden toys in the house or yard.
- Recall: Generally easier to teach than with hounds, but their nose can lead them astray. Practice often.
- Gun Dog Training: Even if you don’t shoot, joining a NAVHDA chapter (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) is a great way to bond and burn energy.
Health and Lifespan
Griffons generally live 12 to 14 years and are a healthy breed.
- Hip Dysplasia: Like most medium-large breeds.
- Eye Issues: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and entropion.
- Thyroid Issues: Hypothyroidism.
- Ear Infections: Their hairy, floppy ears trap moisture. Weekly cleaning and plucking of ear hair are mandatory.
Diet and Nutrition
As active sporting dogs, they burn calories quickly.
- High Performance: If you are hunting or running them hard, they may need a high-protein “performance” kibble.
- Watch the Weight: In the off-season or as pets, they can get chubby if overfed. You should be able to feel (but not see) their ribs.
Grooming: The Stripping Art
To maintain the harsh wire texture, the coat needs specific care.
- Hand Stripping: Pulling out dead hairs by hand allows a new, harsh coat to grow in.
- Clipping: If you clip/shave a Griff, the coat will become soft, woolly, and lose its weather-resistant properties. It will also attract burrs like a magnet. For a pet, this might be fine, but it ruins the breed’s trademark look.
- The Beard: It will get wet when they drink and dirty when they eat. You will be wiping this beard multiple times a day.
Is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Right for You?
Yes, if:
- You are an active family who loves the outdoors.
- You want a hunting dog that lives in the house with you.
- You want a low-shedding breed.
- You prefer a dog that stays close on hikes (rather than running miles away).
No, if:
- You want a pristine house (they track in mud and have wet beards).
- You work long hours and leave the dog alone.
- You are not prepared to learn how to hand-strip a coat (or pay a groomer to do it).
- You want a guard dog.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is the best of both worlds: a serious worker in the field and a goofy, loving best friend at home. If you don’t mind a little mud and a lot of love, the Griff is the “Supreme” choice.