Let's talk Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals dogs
The Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals has a mature appearance that draws onlookers in; upon closer inspection, one will also find a hugely robust dog who is highly cooperative and clearly enjoys almost every adventure. Their balanced temperament is a bonus to what’s an already-long list of great traits, at the top of which is an enormous athleticism, their sturdy build emerging from years of breeding as a hunter’s sidekick. The Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals is a wonderful family companion, once they are fully trained, and is excellent with almost all members of the household. Watch the smaller furry members however, as the breed has a prey drive that can instinctively take hold.
Official name: Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
Other names: Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon, Korthals Griffon, Griffon Korthals
Origins: France
| Drooling tendencies |  |
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level | |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| *Energy level (high, low, moderate) *: | Moderate | Family pet?* |  |
| Compatibility with other pets |  |
*Can stay alone? * | |
*We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
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55 - 60 cm
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22.5 - 32 kg
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51 - 55 cm
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15.5 - 22.5 kg
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| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age: | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age: | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age: | From 10 years |
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Get to know the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
All you need to know about the breed
Affable, eager, and sharp, the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals is known as the steadfast sport dog with a soft side. The breed excels in the field and is one of the top choices when it comes to choosing a dog for the skilful yet instinctive task of pointing out game.
That said, the breed also excels at more domestic matters, like lounging with their human pack, taking in scratchings and strokes, and walking the neighbourhood with anyone who has the leash.
The Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals is superb around family, especially children, once trained, and welcomes other dogs into their circle, too. Smaller furry friends may need to be kept away as the breed has a pretty high instinctive prey drive.
Physically, the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals breed possesses charming facial hair that frames their kind-looking face, including shaggy hair covering their muzzle and what we would term “eyebrows”, actually a dog’s brow ridge. What lurks below is the body of a champion: A medium-sized frame and sturdy legs are all housed in their signature rough wiry coat. They come by this unkempt appearance naturally and like almost everything, the gentle-natured Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals takes it all in their stride.
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2 facts about Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals dogs
1. They dive right in
As with many dogs originally bred for pointing and hunting, the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals is a very good swimmer. Their role as pointer-outer of game is finished off by their willingness to dive into any body of water, including swampy land which they’re known to be adept at traversing. It’s their signature coat that keeps them warm and safe, and shields them from overly cold temperatures.
2. No shed
One of the upsides of the wiry coat of the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals is that it truly hardly sheds—at all. Hand-stripping their fur, in which a special stripping tool is used, is necessary to remove old, dead hair and make way for a new growth. It’s a must for your Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals but not a huge task when put against the practically non-shedding facet of this dog breed.
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History of the breed
In latter-1800s Europe, a few notable breeders were immersed in developing the model gundog and Eduard Karel Korthals was one of them. The son of a wealthy Dutchman, Korthals initiated a program in 1874 to purposefully create a dog who measured up to the demands of the field, one that was highly loyal, possessed superb stamina, and was fairly non-stop.
The Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals was the result, bred from France’s Griffon - already commonplace for centuries - along, it is believed, with spaniels, pointers, and possibly Otterhounds to refine the desired traits. By 1887, Korthals had produced the breed as we know it and established a breed standard.
The Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals was recognised by the American Kennel Club as long ago as 1887 and made their first showing at the Westminster Kennel Club in New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1916.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals dogs
1. Ears
Medium-length ears lying flat, covered with both short and longer hair.
2. Body
Medium, well-proportioned, strong body.
3. Coat
Signature wire-haired coarse topcoat, fine and light undercoat.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
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Caring for your Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The wiry coat of the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals is one of their best assets since it virtually never sheds. Their rough outer coat and soft undercoat will need weekly brushing and hand-stripping with a special stripping tool every few months to make way for new growth. Bathe them only as needed. Check paw pads for debris and clean ears and eyes frequently. Trim nails routinely and brush their teeth often as well. This rugged dog is used to lots of outdoor time so make sure to exercise your Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals regularly. Their very long history of field sport has given them an energetic nature. Apartments are not their thing as this dog is best suited to a rural environment. The Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals is highly trainable and has a strong desire to please their owner. This is a dog that has years of breeding in the field so takes quickly to direction and is more than willing to respond to commands. As with most breeds, socialising them early on is the best way to produce optimal results.
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All about Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals dogs
Unlike many hunting breeds, the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals isn’t prone to barking too much but may do so if they’re kept alone for too long or fail to get enough exercise and mental stimulation. This is a breed who needs to get out and about, and keeping them active will keep their voice down, when and if used.
The two have developed into entirely different breeds. The German Wire-Haired Pointer, or GWPs, have a more angulated physique – more Pointer – and are two inches taller. Their coat is shorter in length, although both sport wiry fur. Their hunting styles differ, the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals demonstrating a more European style, with their tail lowered and their body in a crouch. The latter dog has a bigger head as well, with shaggier hair covering their ears, muzzle, and eyebrow ridge.
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/