Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Breed description: Character & Co

Facts & Origin

Pedigree of the Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur and its origin

The exact name of this French dog breed is Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur - Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. The breed got the german name from its breeder, the Dutchman Eduard Korthals. He bred this special pointing dog at the end of the 19th century by crossing Dutch, Belgian and English pointing dogs with the German Shorthair. Although bred in Germany, it is a French dog breed. In the dog standard, a distinction has been made since 1888 between Deutsch Stichelhaar, Deutsch Drahthaar (German Pointer) and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. These are each separate dog breeds.

Breed characteristics and temperament

The Griffon Korthals (this is the german name) is a dog breed recognized by the FCI and is listed in FCI Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.3 (Type 'Griffon'), Standard No. 107, with working test.

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Griffon Korthals, Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur, rough haired Pointer, Dog similar to German Rough Hair, Large Dog Breed from France

Alternate Name	Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur, Korthals, French rough-coated pointing dog, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Origin	France
Life expectancy	9 - 15 years
Care requirements	low-maintenance

Activity level	high
FCI group	Continental Pointing Dogs
AKC group	Sporting Group
KC group	not recognised

Attitude, character and temperament of the breed

Character and temperament of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The dogs are mainly used as hunting and pointing dogs, but they are also suitable as hunting dogs for tracking injured game. Furthermore, they are good family dogs, because the bright four-legged friends are very fond of children and free of aggression. The most important character and nature traits of the Korthals Griffons are:

proud
intelligent
gentle
people-oriented
reliable
easy to lead
territorially inclined
alert

Attitude and education

The dog needs close contact to its master or as a family dog to its family. Then it is a faithful and loyal companion in all leisure activities. The Griffon needs a lot of exercise and activity and loves to be outside in nature with his owner. It is also a real water lover and loves to swim. The Korthals Griffon does not get along well with other dogs. Especially the males can sometimes become aggressive. Since the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon usually seeks the approval of his master and wants to please it to a certain extent, its upbringing is relatively easy. However, the intelligent dogs are by no means submissive in their behavior or obey blindly, but also act independently. The education of the sensitive dogs should be consistent but without pressure and coercion. However, the dogs need a regulated environment and fixed rituals.

Character

independent
educable
loyal
meek
vigilant

Usage

Hunting Dog

Health and breeding information

Care and nutrition of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Griffon's coarse coat, and especially its beard, tends to become matted and therefore needs to be brushed and trimmed regularly. The floppy ears also need to be checked regularly and cleaned if necessary. Normal high quality dog food is sufficient for nutrition. Since the dogs are voracious, they can easily become overweight. Therefore feed balanced.

Health and life expectancy

Widespread in Europe and the USA, the original and robust dogs are not prone to certain health problems. They are heat tolerant, cold and wet resistant, and will live to be 9-15 years old if kept and cared for properly.

Things to know about the Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur

If you think this dog is the right one for you, you will certainly find something on the homepage of the Griffon-Club e.V. von 1888. Here you will also find information about breeding, breeders and puppy placement. For a puppy with studbook entry you have to calculate with 800 Euro on average.

Griffon Korthals, Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur, rough haired pointer, dog similar to German Rauhaar, large dog breed from France, breed description of hunting dog, hunting dog breed

Breed characteristics Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur and appearance.

The dogs have a strong build. The height at withers of the males is about 55-60 cm, that of the females about 50-55 cm. The weight of the dogs is between 23 and 27 kg. The Griffon's shaggy coat is hard and coarse and reminds a little of wild boar bristles. The undercoat under the topcoat is fine and dense. The coat colours vary from steel grey with chestnut brown spots or solid chestnut brown, to chestnut brown with admixture of white hairs or speckled. The coat color white and chestnut or white and orange are also allowed in the breed standard. Characteristic of the Griffon are its bushy eyebrows and well-developed luxuriant beard and moustache.