Overview
Developed in the late nineteenth century by a Dutchman working in France and Germany, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a versatile hunting dog with a harsh steel-grey and brown coat, bushy eyebrows and a moustache. It points, retrieves and works water, and it was bred to stay within gun range rather than range wide.
That closer working style makes it one of the easier pointing breeds to walk. It is affectionate, a little sensitive, and often slower to mature than owners expect.
Exercise and walking needs
Ninety minutes a day with some free running keeps an adult Griffon settled. It enjoys variety and happily follows a walker through woods and water.
A swim or a retrieve from water on warm days is a treat the dog will seek out itself.
Daily minimum90 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeMost days, with recall
On the walk
- Recall: Usually dependable, helped by the breed's instinct to keep in touch with its handler. Reward it and it stays that way.
- Pointing: The dog may freeze on a bird or a rabbit and hold. Let it finish the point, then call it on.
- Other dogs: Easy-going and sociable. It mixes well on group walks and rarely squabbles.
- Coat: The wire coat picks up twigs, seeds and mud, and the beard holds water. A quick check at the end avoids trouble later.
Tips for professional walkers
- Towel the beard and legs after wet walks before the dog gets back in the car.
- Use retrieves as a reward; they mean more to this breed than food.
- Keep young dogs to moderate distances; the breed is slow to finish growing.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.
What to ask the owner
- Is the dog allowed in water, and how far will it swim out?
- Does it point or chase game, and what does the owner want you to do if it does?
- Any sensitivity to noise or new places that affects how it settles?