Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
History and origin: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon first appeared in late 19th century Holland and France. He was created by mixing Otterhound and German Shorthaired Pointer bloodlines, which filled the need for a versatile hunter that could point and retrieve on land or in the water. The rough coat served as protection against wet, cold weather and harsh thickets.
Description: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon stands 20 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 65 pounds. He has a solid, robust physique and a wiry, rough, medium-length shedding coat that requires regular brushing. The color is gray with brown and some white markings. The tail is docked.
About the breed: This is an active breed that exhibits a pointer-like behavior with a terrier-like attitude. He is easily distracted by scent and can be very resistant to obedience training. This breed makes a good watchdog and may be suspicious of strangers. He will accept older children, but may not tolerate younger children or any kind of teasing or roughhousing. Early training is needed to counteract this breed's passive-resistant attitude toward obedience. The “Come” command is difficult to master because of the scent-distraction potential. This breed must be socialized early on to minimize his fear of strangers, and he must be given plenty of exercise daily to keep him happy and fit.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal amount or 5 cupfuls of a complete, dry dog food.
Ideal home: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs a house with a fenced yard. Hunters would find this dog a superb companion. Older, respectful children are okay. The owner of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should be a strong, active, confident, patient leader who desires a high-energy dog to use for hunting or some other outside activity. Nurturing, cautious owners should stay clear of this breed, as should the elderly and the disabled. This breed may become noisy and destructive if left alone for too long. The owner must have time for training and exercise. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon would make a good jogging partner, but not in a hot climate. This is not the breed for someone who is looking for an easygoing dog.
