Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon temperament and personality

VCA describes the Griff as friendly, intelligent and energetic, and notes some individuals are aloof with strangers. It was developed as a versatile gundog that points and retrieves on land and in water, and it still wants to work closely with its people.

Most Griffs are affectionate, goofy and keen to please at home. VCA says the breed is generally fine left alone for ordinary periods as long as it has had plenty of exercise first, which sets it apart from some of the more clingy sporting breeds.

How big do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons get?

VCA gives a height of 20 to 24 inches and a weight of 50 to 60 pounds, while the AKC's breed weight chart lists 35 to 70 pounds. Neither source splits the figures by sex, so expect a medium-sized, sturdy dog.

A fit Griff is athletic and lean under its rough coat. Feel for the ribs rather than judging by eye, and ask your vet to help match food to your dog's activity, which can vary a lot between a hunting dog and a family walker.

Griff lifespan and common health issues

VCA gives a lifespan of 10 to 12 years and says many live into their early teens. It notes that eyelid problems, entropion and ectropion, occasionally occur.

VCA advises choosing puppies from lines with Orthopedic Foundation for Animals hip clearances and eye certification. Ask a breeder to show both for each parent. Squinting, a red or watery eye, or rubbing at the face needs a vet promptly.

Regular checkups help catch problems early.

Exercise needs

VCA rates exercise needs as high and recommends daily walks plus running and play. Field work, hunt tests, tracking, agility and swimming all suit the breed.

Plan for an hour or more of activity a day. Use a long line or a secure area for off-leash running, since a gundog on a scent may range. Check the coat for burrs, seeds and ticks after outings.

Scent games help on rest days.

Grooming and shedding

VCA says brushing a few times a week is enough and that shedding is minimal. The beard needs frequent cleaning, and the wiry coat often carries outdoor debris inside.

Wipe the beard after meals and drinks, comb out burrs after walks, and trim around the feet and eyes as needed. Trim nails regularly, check the ears and brush the teeth several times a week. No dog is allergen-free, whatever the shedding level.

Training a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

VCA says Griffs are eager to please and fast learners but easily distracted, so sessions should be engaging. The breed can compete in agility, tracking and hunt tests.

Keep training short, varied and reward-based. Practice recall on a long line, teach a steady sit and stay, and build on the breed's natural pointing and retrieving with games. Socialize with friendly dogs and people from puppyhood.

Keep sessions short and fun.

Are Griffs good with kids and other pets?

VCA rates the breed excellent with children of any age. Its friendliness and sturdiness make it a good family dog for active households.

VCA says Griffs usually get along with other friendly dogs but will not back down from a challenge, and that cats may be tempting targets for energetic play. Supervise introductions and teach the dog calm behavior around the household cat.

Give the dog a quiet place to rest.

What a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs at home

A fenced yard, a crate, a washable dog bed and towels by the door for a wet, muddy beard are the basics. Fetch toys, a long training line and puzzle feeders give a gundog a job.

For care, keep a slicker brush, a metal comb, small scissors for tidying, nail clippers, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush. Ask your vet about tick prevention if your dog works in fields and woods.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.