About the Breed

WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFONS

A Brief History

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, affectionately called “Griffs” by those who love them, were developed by a Dutch sportsman and hunter, Edward Karel Korthals, who lived from 1851 to 1896.  The line Korthal developed was a coarsely wirehaired dog of medium size with excellent hunting ability.  He systematically narrowed his breeding stock down to eight specimens that bred true and can be said to be responsible for the foundation of this international breed.  The first imported Griffons appeared in the US in 1887.  The first Griffon registered by the AKC was in 1887 and was registered as a Russian Setter.

Temperament

Griffons are people dogs that thrive on human companionship. They have an intense need to be near their owners. Because of this trait, (you and they) will be happiest when kept in the house as a member of your family. Griffons do best with an active family. Dogs kept in kennels or fenced yards need a significant amount of people time each day in order to remain emotionally healthy. Isolation from humans can quickly ruin a Griffon’s personality. Griffons that have been properly socialized make ideal family dogs. They are gentle guardians of small children and enthusiastic playmates of older children and adults. Griffons can be reserved with strangers and can be quite protective of their family and property, though. Taking your dog to training classes and introducing him to a wide variety of people and places will help him develop appropriate social behaviors.

The Griffon as a Field Dog

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffons affectionately called “Griffs” by those who love them, were developed by a Dutch sportsman and hunter, Edward Karel Korthals, who lived from 1851 to 1896. The line Korthal developed was a coarsely wirehaired dog of medium size with excellent hunting ability. He systematically narrowed his breeding stock down to eight specimens that bred true and can be said to be responsible for the foundation of this international breed. The first imported Griffons appeared in the US in 1887. The first Griffon registered by the AKC was in 1887 and was registered as a Russian Setter.

The Griffon as a Show Dog

The beauty of this breed is that it is to be shown in its natural state. A Griffon requires only slight alterations to his or her coat. Trimming and stripping are allowed only around the ears, top of head, cheeks, and feet. I will add that too many Griffons that are in the show ring today are over-groomed. There is too much stripping going on. Once you have stripped out the puppy coat, their adult coat should only need minor grooming. If you have a well-bred Griffon with a proper coat there is no need to strip. The intelligent Griffon trains easily for the show ring. His ever-present desire to please enables them to quickly understand the intricacies of show ring procedure. A well-bred Griffon, properly socialized and groomed is steady in temperament and is unflappable with the bustling show antics going on around them.

The Griffon as a Performance Dog

The Griffon is a very cooperative dog to train and handle. Griffons have achieved many of AKC’s advanced obedience tracking, agility and field trials. Griffons are very athletic dogs and commonly enjoy a long working life, often staying healthy and active into their teens.

Puppies

At 8 weeks of age, the puppies are ready to go to their forever homes.  Before you bring your puppy home, you need to puppy-proof your home.  Have a designated area for them, such as your kitchen, and put up gates and have a safe place for them. A crate works well, and they have a place to be when you are away. This also helps with potty training.  Chew toys are a must. You don’t want your chair legs all chewed up. 

There are many methods and techniques for training your puppy, and most of them work well.  I think it is important to read your puppy and use what works for you and the pup.  Keep it fun and keep formal training sessions short and simple.  Remember, you are always training your puppy.

Spaying and Neutering

Breeding dogs is a great responsibility and involves total devotion to the breed.  If you are not planning on showing or breeding your Griffon we highly recommend spaying and neutering.