Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the Netherlands from the French Griffon and other hunting dogs. It is considered the "four-wheel drive"� of hunting dogs, because of its enthusiasm for plowing fearlessly into thorny underbrush and other harsh terrain. In Europe this breed is called the Korthals Griffon. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a sturdy, athletic dog of medium substance. This dog is not square, but is slighty longer than tall. The topline slopes very gently from shoulders to croup. The neck is long and arched. This breed is of medium bone and medium, well-defined musculature, reflecting its all-around use as a hunting dog. The ears of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are high-set and drop, folded close to the head. The eyes are large and round, and have an alert, friendly, intelligent expression; they range through all shades of yellow and brown. The tail of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally docked. Its feet are thickly padded and toes webbed, for ease working in all types of terrain. The coat of this breed is rough and wiry. It is a double coat, with the outer coat made of straight, harsh, long guard hairs to make the dog weather-resistant, and a dense, downy undercoat for insulation. On the face, the undercoat grows into eyebrows, beard and mustache, giving the dog an unkempt appearance. This coat is always natural, never stripped or clipped. The coat color may be steel gray and brown, white and brown, brown roan, chestnut, or white and orange. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon averages 20 to 24 inches high at the shoulder. The Griffon has existed in some form since 500 BC, when the Greek writer Xenophon first made mention of it. There is also documentation that the Romans had rough-coated Griffon-like dogs with them as they hunted. By the 16th century, we see various mentions of such a dog all over Europe. Historians believe that over time the Griffon developed in different regions according to use and terrain, and which local canine breeds it was crossed with. In the mid-19th century, Eduard K. Korthals was born to a weathy merchant family in Amsterdam. His father had an interest in the relatively new science of genetics and selective breeding, and had created a strain of cattle. The son followed his father's interest. As he grew up he participated in the common sport of hunting, fascinated by the different types of dogs who could be used and how they differed in utility and ability. He thought that many of the dogs did not work well outside of the local marshland to which they were accustomed and he found himself wondering whether a more useful breed could be developed. When Korthals was a young man he was hired to look after the large kennels of a German nobleman who had a penchant for collecting hunting dogs. This was Korthal's opportunity of a lifetime: he could select from some of the best in Europe of various breeds, and work to create the perfect hunting dog. He crossbred retrievers, spaniels, and pointers from France. He purchased some dogs of his own choosing from France and Belgium who were examples of the rough-coat Griffon type. He used Barbet, Boulet and Bloodhound. In less than twenty years, he had perfected his new breed. He wrote a standard and called it the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Korthals was a member of the elite class in Europe than regularly attended field trials and hunting events; he had ample opportunity to show off his new creation, and he created a following. Then he brought together his many admirers in the hunting dog world and founded the Griffon Club, an international group of fanciers. The first Wirehaired Pointing Griffon arrived in the United States in 1887 a direct descendant of Korthals' best dogs. In the same year it was recognized by the American Kennel Club. A breed club was formed in the 1950's, and in the 1980's it decided to breed the Cesky Fousek back into the dogs to improve the breed and further emphasize the original Griffon quality that Korthals sought. Today's Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is thought to be very close to Korthals' original intent for the breed. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a high energy, very active dog. It requires vigorous daily exercise. This is a dog that loves to roam and will appreciate a lot of space. It has a special fondness for water, and will enjoy any opportunity to splash around. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is known to be somewhat less frenetic when indoors than other gun dogs, and so with maturity and training can become a good household pet; however daily exercise will always be needed to prevent this intelligent dog from becoming restless and bored and engaging in destructive or otherwise unwanted behaviors. The coat of this dog needs very little care. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon sheds very minimally, just a little from its undercoat in the spring. It is recommended by breeders that it be combed twice a week to keep its coat in good condition, and that it be taken to a professional groomer twice yearly. This breed is believed to have very few inherent health problems. Occasionally, hip or elbow dysplasia might be seen. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is renowned for it friendliness and its willingness to please. It is a good family dog, friendly with other dogs and with children. It is generally very calm with smaller household pets with whom it has been socialized. This dog is famous in the hunting world for being highly teachable and trainable. Whether it is hunting or learning household manners, this dog can be trained to a high level. Besides hunting, owners of this breed will enjoy scenting and tracking competitions, water dog sports, obedience trials and search and rescue.

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