Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
Other names: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Korthals Griffon, Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur Korthals
#41
Wamiz's Top Breed
This extravagant yet no-nonsense gun dog is a wonder to behold. Long and handsome with that rare ‘steel’-coloured coat, he is clever, kind, and people-oriented. And indeed, what human could resist those humanlike eyes – the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon seems to be the perfect human transmogrified into a peculiarly perfect doggo. With perhaps some Muppet ancestry in there too. He’s water-loving, excels at hunting, and has high exercise needs; he loves a long walk and will not shy from difficult terrain. Tire him out, and you’re guaranteed a loving and docile weird uncle of a dog when you get home.
Key facts about the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
Access the rest of the content after the ad
Loading advertisement ...
Origins and history
While the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is most recently the result of 19th-century European zealots’ efforts to breed the perfect hunting dog, texts describing a very similar creature can be traced back to 500 years B.C. In the 1800s, Edward Korthals of Holland was the zealot who worked in the development of this particular brand of beast, blending griffons, spaniels, water spaniels, German and French pointers, and setters into the canine cocktail. The first ‘complete’ dogs he produced were known as Moustache I, Lina, and Querida, and are today collectively known as the “Korthals Patriarchs.”
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
Adult size
Female : Between 20 and 22 in
Male : Between 22 and 24 in
Weight
Female : Between 44 and 66 lb
Male : Between 44 and 66 lb
Coat colour
Steel grey with brown patches, or brown all over; often a brown roan (brown and white mix); sometimes white and brown or white and orange.
Type of coat
Coarse, with fine, dense undercoat.
Eye colour
Dark yellow or brown.
Description
This handsome, medium-size pointer is a rustic delight. His wispy moustaches and eyebrows beneath that emo fringe make for a charming mix of dignified and deeply engaged. Considerably longer than he is tall, it can be a surprise to find such an athletic body behind that moustachioed beak; but his coat, carefully cultivated to withstand the realities of country living and working, gives way to a deep chest and vigorous legs that are ready to break into a professional gallop. As often as not, it seems the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon favours a brown head out in front of a silver or roan body. His two main modes are adventure, and love.
Good to know
A limited number of breeders produce these dogs in the UK and it may be necessary to join a waiting list.
Temperament
-
100%
Affectionate
This dog is pretty affectionate, and makes up for any shortcomings with an overall attitude of unshowy devotion.
-
66%
Playful
He likes a game, especially anything that involves discovery and allows him some good mental exercise.
-
66%
Calm
If well-trained in his youth, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should become a calm and manageable adult.
-
100%
Intelligent
He’s very intelligent and can quickly pick up new things or sense a strange atmosphere in the room.
-
100%
Hunter
He’s a natural hunting dog with a great nose.
-
33%
Fearful / wary of strangers
He is not fearful of strangers but tends to get to know them before committing wholedoggedly.
-
66%
Independent
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon generally works closely with his humans but is clever enough to work things out for himself when necessary.
Behaviour of the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
-
66%
Tolerates solitude
He can easily stay alone as long as his needs are met and he has something interesting to keep him occupied until his masters return.
-
66%
Easy to train / obedience
While much of his hunting instinct comes naturally, he requires gentle and upbeat training from a young age to prepare for general society.
-
66%
Barking
He never barks excessively or without reason.
-
100%
Tendency to run away
Like any hunting dog with high exercise needs, he can easily be tempted by a whiff of adventure from beyond his permitted boundaries, especially if his environment is not secure.
-
66%
Destructive
He is not famous as a destroyer of things but will certainly make impressive amateur attempts at destruction if left alone for long periods of time.
-
100%
Greedy / Gluttony
He is very greedy, so although treats are a good way to get him to cooperate, they should not be overdone.
-
100%
Guard dog
Properly trained, he can make a great watchdog as he is territorial towards his family and home and will alert you to the intrusion of villains. It should be noted that this is a rare quality in a hunting dog.
-
66%
First dog
He may make a good first dog for owners who are prepared to put in the work to train and exercise him.
Access the rest of the content after the ad
Loading advertisement ...
Is the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals right for you?
take the testLifestyle
-
33%
Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals in a flat
He needs to be outdoors a lot so will not suit most apartment lifestyles.
-
100%
Need for exercise / Sporty
An adult Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs a couple of hours of good exercise a day and can usually handle more. If not hunting, he needs to be provided with adequate alternative sports to meet his needs.
-
66%
Travelling / easy to transport
He can follow his masters anywhere, but may not enjoy being cooped up in a bus or train very long. Car journeys with frequent stops for leg-stretching may be more appropriate.
Compatibility
-
33%
Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals and cats
Caution should be taken since this hunter likes to chase. He might be okay with a cat that he grows up with as a pup.
-
33%
Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals and dogs
He should be socialised from a young age to get on with other dogs. However, two adult males will probably not mix well.
-
66%
Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals and children
He is sweet with children, but they must absolutely respect his limits.
-
%}
33%
Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals and the elderly
People of any age will require the energy and stamina to give this dog plenty of exercise.
Price
Between Between £650 for non KC registered dogs, and £700 for KC registered dogs. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £70 to £110 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
He needs weekly brushing, regular nail clipping, and checks under the ears since those adorable love flaps can harbour infections. A professional haircut once or twice a year is also recommended.
Shedding
Moderate.
Nutrition of the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
Good quality dog food, carefully measured across two meals each day.
Health of the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
Life expectancy
These dogs are generally very healthy, with an average life expectancy of 13 years.
Strong / robust
This is a sturdy dog built to withstand the elements.
Withstand heat
This hard-haired dog can easily adapt to high temperatures.
Withstand cold
Very well, since his coat is designed for the outdoors, bad weather, and thick brambles.
Tendency to put on weight
His greed can lead to weight gain, especially if his meals are unbalanced and too many treats are given.
Common illnesses
- CHD
- Otitis externa
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Entropion/ectropion