Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals

Other names: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Korthals Griffon, Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur Korthals

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Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals

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

Life expectancy :

7

19

12

14

Temperament :

Affectionate Intelligent Hunter

Size :

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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

  • Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
    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

    Type of coat

    Eye colour

    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. 

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        Lifestyle

        • 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.

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            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

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