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Wirehaired Pointing Griffon - Breed Information
Development of the current day Wirehaired Pointing Griffon began in the Netherlands in 1873 by a young Dutch sportsman and avid hunter by the name of Eduard Karel Korthals. Korthals endeavored to create what he considered the ultimate walking hunter's gun dog. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, or "Korthals' Griffon" as it was then known, remains so named in many other parts of the world today. The Griffon was developed as a hardy, all-terrain close-working hunting dog, working in the polders; the marshy low-lying ground of the Netherlands. The first Wirehaired Pointing Griffon to be registered with the American Kennel Club was a bitch by the name of "Zolette," who appeared in the United States in 1887. The Griffon is a very people oriented dog known for its trainability and high degree of cooperation. Although the Griffon has a great love for the field and is an excellent swimmer, it is equally at home in the obedience and show ring. With its keen nose it is also a natural at tracking. The fun loving side of its personality enjoys agility training. The Griffon's outgoing personality makes it a wonderful family pet and great with children. Overall, the Griffon is one of the best-kept secrets in the Sporting Group and is the ultimate versatile hunting companion.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a skilled field dog. Energetic, loving and intelligent. It is a superior gundog and tracker, and an excellent hunting companion. It points and retrieves with a deliberate style, generally staying within the hunter's gun range. His style is especially good for hunters on foot. It combines independent action with the ability to be directed by the hunter. This breed is gifted with an exceptionally fine sense of smell and a great passion for the hunt, especially for quail and hare. Lively and active, the breed works well in marshland and upland, and is a fine pointer, flusher and water retriever. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's coat protects him from dense brush and bad weather.
The Griffon is also an excellent family pet, being gentle and affectionate with children. This dog is very willing to please and is easily trained. Devoted and friendly, but some can be rather high-strung and nervous with strangers and unfamiliar situations, but for the most part is generally friendly toward strangers, other dogs, and pets. Socialize extensively when young to maximize this tendency. This breed can be an excellent watchdog. The Griffon can also be somewhat strong willed and act very much like a stubborn child on occasion. They are also very light hearted and humorous in their play and rarely meet anything they wont try to play with and greet with an obvious exuberance. Your return home from being out is often greeted with a warm reception. They truly enjoy human companionship and are not really suited to life in a kennel and do much better when they have the opportunity to live with their family.