Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are loyal, protective dogs that make excellent family pets. They are also great at hunting and make good working dogs. However, they do have certain requirements that you need to be aware of before falling for their charm. In this article, we will discuss the appearance, health issues, maintenance and history of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a sturdy, robust dog breed. They are of medium size and weight, with both males and females typically weighing in at around 50-60 pounds. They have a thick, wiry (hence the name) coat that is typically chestnut, red or liver in color, with white markings on the chest and face. Their ears are long and floppy, and they have a pointy muzzle that is slightly longer than their head. Additionally, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have a “beard” of longer hair around their chin.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament
The wirehaired pointing griffon is a versatile gun dog that is known for its hunting instincts and loyalty. This breed is intelligent and trainable, making them a popular choice for hunters and families alike. The wirehaired pointing griffon has a strong work ethic and is always eager to please, which makes them an excellent companion dog. However, their high energy levels are unmatched and can make them difficult to train, and they require a lot of attention from their owners. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are also known for being quite independent, so they may not be the best breed for first-time dog owners.
How to Care for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffin?
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon does require some special attention. These dogs need to be brushed at least once a week, and they also benefit from regular haircuts. Without proper grooming, their coats can become matted and tangled. It’s best to leave the grooming to a professional, unless you are confident in your own abilities. They will also need their nails trimmed on a regular basis.
Physical Activity
The wirehaired pointing griffon is a high-energy dog breed that requires a lot of exercise. If you do not provide enough daily exercise for your wirehaired pointing griffon, he may become destructive or even aggressive. A minimum of 30 minutes of vigorous exercise per day is necessary to keep this breed happy and healthy.
Training
When training a wirehaired pointing griffon, it is important to keep in mind that they are intelligent dogs that learn quickly. However, they also have a strong independent streak and can be stubborn at times. Therefore, it is important to use positive reinforcement methods when training them. Hunting dogs require a great deal of patience and perseverance, so if you do decide to adopt one of these puppies, make sure you are prepared to put in the time and effort to train them properly.
Health
While Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are generally healthy dogs, there are some health conditions to be aware of. Common health problems in Wirehaired Pointing Griffons include hip and elbow dysplasia, and eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are also prone to allergies, both food and environmental. Responsible breeders will screen their dogs for these conditions and only breed from those that are clear.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, and in dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball portion of the joint does not fit properly into the socket, causing a number of problems, including pain, lameness, and arthritis. The disease is often hereditary, but it can also be caused by environmental factors, such as nutrition and exercise. Treatment for hip dysplasia typically involves weight management, exercise restriction, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a condition that affects the bones and joints of the elbow, causing pain and lameness. It is a hereditary condition, meaning it is passed down from parent to offspring. Wirehaired pointing griffons are particularly susceptible to this condition, due to their build and conformation. Treatment typically involves surgery to correct the problem, followed by a relatively long recovery period.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye disease that is caused by the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Early signs of PRA include night blindness and decreased vision in low light. As the disease progresses, vision loss occurs during the day and results in complete blindness. PRA can affect both eyes simultaneously or one eye at a time.
History of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Breed
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog breed is a versatile hunting dog that emerged in the late 1800s in the Netherlands. It was developed by a Dutch breeder named Eduard Karel Korthals, who wanted a dog that could be used for hunting fowl and small game on foot, as well as pointing and retrieving birds. The breed was created by crossing various pointing breeds, including the Dutch Griffon, with Wirehaired Terriers and Poodles. The result was a dog that could point game, track rabbits and hare, and retrieve waterfowl from both land and water. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon quickly gained popularity among European hunters, and was imported to the United States in the early 1900s. Today, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is used primarily as a hunting dog, but is also a popular companion animal.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs. German Wirehaired Pointer
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are often confused for German Wirehaired Pointers due to their similarities in coat type and overall appearance. However, there are several key differences between the two breeds.
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are slightly smaller than German Wirehaired Pointers
- They also have a more rectangular-shaped head, while German Wirehaired Pointers have a more wedge-shaped head.
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffons also typically have a softer, more expressive face.
The biggest difference between these two breeds lies in their temperament. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are bred to be versatile hunting dogs, meaning they are able to adapt to a variety of different hunting situations and game. German Wirehaired Pointers, on the other hand, were bred specifically as pointers and retrievers of game birds. As a result, they are typically more obedient and trainable than Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. They are also less likely to be distracted by other animals or noises when out in the field.
Trivia
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffons do not do well in warm climates, so if you live in a hot area, these are not the best dog for you.
- The breed became a favorite of U.S. presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt, both of whom were avid hunters.
- The breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club.
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