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Description
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also referred to as the French Wire-haired Korthals Pointing Griffon, is a popular breed of strong hunting dog that originated in Netherlands. It belongs to the sporting breed family which is remarkable for their being pleasant and well-rounded companions. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have been bred to become all-purpose gun dogs. Their coarse and rough double coat is medium in length and usually coupled with soft, dense, and bushy eyebrows, mustache, and beard. Coat colors usually include a combination of steel gray paired and brown markings, roan or chestnut brown, white and orange, and a mixture of white and brown.
Height and Weight
Both the male and female members of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed commonly stand a height of 20 to 24 in at the withers, and 50 to 60 lbs.
Temperament
Griffs, in general, are skilled, energetic field dogs. They are intelligent, and make excellent gun dogs as well as trackers. The breed can easily point and retrieve in a deliberative style. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have a distinguished sense of smell, and a notable passion for hunting, especially hare and quail. They are loyal, friendly, and loving. They generally make excellent family companions. The breed is gentle, and very affectionate around children. Griff dogs are easy to train, and very willing and eager to please their owners. They are also known to be active and lively; making them exceptional watchdogs, pointers, water-retrievers, and flushers. Proper socialization, leadership, and ample exercise need to be provided to keep them from becoming high-strung and tensed.
Grooming
Members of the Griff breed tend to shed low. Their harsh and wiry coat requires occasional brushing. Combing their hair twice a week would be highly advisable. To prevent ear infection, plucking out the hair in their ear canal would also be necessary. To keep them good-looking, hair-trimming may also be done a couple of times a year.
Health Concerns
Griffs are usually a healthy breed. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Nonetheless, like any other canine, the breed is also prone to suffer form a few health complications. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ectropion, entropion, eye defects, umbilical hernia, missing pigments, and misaligned teeth.
Best Environment
These admirable gun dogs prefer to stay indoors, and to be close to their family owners. They do not thrive in kennel-living. Because the breed requires a lot of exercise, they are oftentimes not suited for apartment life. Frequent vigorous physical exertions are highly recommended to meet their hyperactive lifestyles.
