Wirehaired Pointing GriffonCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says a dog of this kind was already mentioned by Xenophon and that, used for bird hunting, it was widespread throughout Europe under various names. In the second half of the 19th century, the breed was reconstituted and improved by E.K. Korthals, through inbreeding, selection and training, without the addition of foreign blood.

Wikipedia says Eduard Karel Korthals was Dutch, and his kennel, Ipenwoud, was at Biebesheim am Rhein, in Germany, where the type of the breed was fixed before it reached France. This is why the breed is sometimes regarded as Dutch or German, although the FCI places it under the patronage of France.

How the breed developed

• Antiquity – Mentioned by Xenophon.
• Second half of the 19th century – E.K. Korthals reconstitutes the breed.
• 7 December 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a vigorous, rustic, medium-sized dog, longer than it is tall, with a long, square muzzle. The dark yellow or brown eyes are shaded by bushy eyebrows, and the moustache and beard give it a firm, confident expression. The AKC says it moves with an easy, cat-like grace.

General appearance

The hair is harsh and coarse, “like wild boar bristles” to the touch, never curly or woolly. Beneath it is a fine, dense undercoat that insulates and repels water.

The standard prefers steel grey with brown patches or solid brown, often brown roan or a close mixture of brown and white hairs. White and brown and white and orange are also allowed.

The standard describes it as gentle and proud, an excellent hunter, very attached to its owner and its territory, which it guards vigilantly. The AKC gives it the top score for ease of training and openness to strangers.

The AKC says it excels both at pointing in the field and at retrieving from water. It needs plenty of mental stimulation, so training and hunting work keep it content.

Tips for effective training

• Give it a job. It needs stimulation.
• Use rewards. It is easy to train.
• Let it swim. It is a good water retriever.
• Do not leave it alone for long. It is very attached to its owner.

The AKC gives it the top score for energy. It needs serious daily exercise: running, long walks, swimming and, ideally, hunting or working sports.

Tips for a balanced life

• Suited to very active owners.
• Check the ears often.
• Wipe its beard after meals.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the coat is one of the breed's hallmarks and gives it an unkempt look. It should be brushed weekly, and dead hair stripped out from time to time. The drop ears need regular checks, as they easily become infected.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy; hip dysplasia is relatively rare, but the parents should be tested. Some breeders also check the eyes, heart, elbows and thyroid. Things to watch for:

Other care

• Ask for the parents' hip tests.
• Clean the ears regularly.
• Go for yearly check-ups.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Adjust the portion to its level of effort.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Hair like a wild boar's. That is how the standard describes it.
• Mentioned by Xenophon. The standard traces its origins back to antiquity.
• A Dutchman in Germany. Korthals developed the breed at Biebesheim.
• A cat-like gait. The AKC praises its grace.
• Very gentle with children. The standard says so explicitly.

Who created the breed?

E.K. Korthals, in the second half of the 19th century.

Is it good with children?

Yes; the standard describes it as very gentle with children.

Does it need a lot of exercise?

Yes, a great deal.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–15 years.