Q: WHAT IS THE GRIFFON COAT LIKE? 

A: Griffons have a double coat consisting of a soft undercoat and a hard wiry outer coat. They shed very little but their coats need to be combed or "stripped" periodically. The texture of the overall coat depends on the level of each of the two types of hair. A variety of coat types may be found in the same litter ranging from soft to hard. The full adult coat will not develop until the dog is about 2-3 years old. The care the coat receives and the type of dog food will affect the texture.

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Q: WHAT ABOUT HUNTING STYLE & TRAIN ABILITY? 

A: The Griffon is truly a versatile hunting breed. He is bred to use his mind as well as his nose in his work. He can be used as a retriever and will mark or follow directions well. A Griffon can be used on all upland birds. He works especially well in heavy cover, wooded or marshy areas. The Griffon is easily trained. His working distance from the hunter is approximately gun range, depending on the cover. His temperament offers a strong willingness to please.

 

Q: HOW LARGE WILL A WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFON GROW? 

A: As in most sporting breeds, males are usually bigger than females. Typically, females stand 20-22 inches at the withers (top of the shoulder blades) and weigh between 40 and 50 pounds, fully grown. Males stand 22-24 inches at the withers and weigh 50-70 pounds.

 

Q: IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A GRIFFON?

A: Wirehaired Pointing Griffons do not like living full time in a kennel. Griffs love being with people and hate to be ignored.  They are best when kept in the house. We will only sell to homes where their puppy will be a house dog with a fenced (or similar) yard.

 

Q: DOES A GRIFFON NEED MUCH EXERCISE?

A: Griffons need regular exercise. The ideal situation would be healthy 20 minute daily runs in large areas away from major roads. Because most people do not have access to places that allow dogs to roam off leash, they have to tailor their dog's exercise to their situation. Some people bring their Griffs to parks or rural areas for runs, to a lake for a swim, jog with their dogs etc.  If you enjoy the outdoors, then a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon just might be the breed for you and your family.

 

Even though they are energetic dogs when outdoors, Griffs have an automatic "off" switch. They adapt very well to being in the house and usually settle right down and curl up for a nap.

 

Q: HOW WELL DO WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFONS GET ALONG WITH CHILDREN?

A: The extremely laid-back and loving nature of Griffon mean they do very well with children. They are a true family dog.

 

Q: SHOULD I GET A MALE OR A FEMALE?

 A: This depends on your personal preferences and what you want in the personality of your dog. In this breed, males - especially those that are neutered - are usually mellow, and get along well with other dogs (including males of other breeds). Females are also mellow but are more likely to test an owner to see how much they can get away with.

 

Q: WHAT IS A NORMAL LIFE SPAN FOR A GRIFFON?

A: Normally, a Griff who is given proper care, nutrition, and exercise lives to about 12 years of age. With luck, they can go to age 14 or 15. A Griffon's prime is about age 4 to 7.

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Q: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFON AND THE GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER? 

A: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a completely different breed than the German Wirehaired Pointer (also referred to as a "Wirehair," a "GWP," or a "Deutsche Drahthaar"). The Wirehair has a more English Pointer or German Shorthaired Pointer-like shape to its outline. The height at the withers (top of the shoulder blades) is two inches taller than the Griffon. The coat is shorter with less undercoat. Temperament is much "sharper" than the Griffon, demonstrating the German preference for a more protective and aggressive hunter. One of the most significant differences between the breeds is their hunting style. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a larger running field dog with a high style of pointing. The Wirehair points with his head up and tail erect. The Griffon demonstrates the style of pointing more commonly found in France - with the tail level with the back or dropped slightly. He may even crouch cat-like when locked hard on point.  Intensity of point is equal in both dogs but of different styles.