The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium sized dog used alongside the walking hunter while hunting upland game. They don’t range out as far as shorthairs, and should be able to hunt methodically all day. The Griffon is generally a goofy, fun loving and good natured dog that is a wonderful family dog but truly shines in the field, doing what he was bred to do.
COAT AND MAINTENENCE:
The Griffon is NOT hypoallergenic and they DO shed! While there are variances within the breed in regards to coat (some are much more tight, while others more full), you should not solely look for a Griffon because you heard they don’t shed. It really couldn’t be farther from the truth. I like to say that if you’re wearing black pants and a Griff leans in for snuggles you won’t be covered in dog hair, like you would a German Shepherd or Lab, but don’t even think about throwing out your Rumba! There are always tumbleweeds of Griff undercoat gently rolling through the house.
The Griffon coat has a harsh wire coat with a thick undercoat. This coat protects them from brush and allows them to excel in cold climates. Griffons are typically more heat intolerant than most breeds, and shouldn’t be exercised over 75 degrees. The Griffon has facial furnishings that protect from heavy brush, and it’s not uncommon to see those facial furnishings stripped at the end of a hard hunting season. The coat needs to be combed out with a metal comb at least weekly. The wire coat does best when hand stripped, but many people find it easier to use a undercoat rake. I will do a grooming specific post here, eventually.
Their ears, floppy and furry, are magnets for ear infections, so should be cleaned and inspected often. Some owners pluck the hair from the ear canal, while others leave it be. There are two schools of thought on this topic, and it’s up to you to decide what is best for your furry friend. Those that pluck ear hair believe that less hair equals less moisture and wax trapped. Those that don’t pluck believe the hair prevents foxtails from easily entering the ear canal and causing a potentially major vet bill. I personally pluck my Griffons ears, and they are cleaned a few times a week with a simple 50:50 solution of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. The vinegar neutralizes and prevents funk, while the alcohol dries out the ear. I also check the pack’s ears multiple times a day and as soon as they get out of the field.
EXERCISE NEEDS:
While the Griffon is known for being the more “chill” of most of the hunting breeds, they still require more exercise than most people are aware of. Walking a couple miles with their owner is not enough. Griffons are incredible athletes. My girl can keep up with us on mountain bike, has done 12 mile trail runs without wilting, and even after all that, still wants to play in the yard. Griffons that are not properly exercised will develop behavioral problems, which generally are separation anxiety and aggression. These dogs are not meant to be left at home alone all day, and if they are kenneled (like many hunting breeds are), you will see a happy dog become depressed. They live for hunting and their people. I cannot stress enough how important it is for a Griffon to truly exhaust itself. To not just slowly jog alongside you as you train for a 5k, but to run free and run hard. Remember, a good dog is a tired dog, and a dog can be tired from physical AND mental stimulation.
In the right home a Griffon can be an absolute joy, but they must receive the proper amount of attention, affection and exercise. They are a sweet breed who will bring endless love and entertainment to their family.
