Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The bearded all-rounder one determined Dutchman built from scratch — and got right.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium-large · 50–60 cm |
| Weight | 20–27 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Energy | High — 60–120 min/day |
| Shedding | Low, with regular brushing |
| Coat | Harsh wire coat · steel grey with brown |
| Group | Sporting · FCI №107 / AKC |
| Origin | France / Netherlands |
| FCI group | 7 — Pointing Dogs · FCI 107 |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon by the numbers
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon facts owners search for most — price, lifespan, weight, shedding and colours, in one place.
Widely bred, so you can usually find a litter from a registered breeder without a long wait. Plan for steady ongoing costs — mid-range food, routine vet care and insurance.
We don't quote a single figure: the real price swings with breeder, region, bloodline and health testing — and a rescue costs a fraction of a breeder's litter. Adopting is almost always the cheapest route.
Temperament
Eduard Korthals bred the Griffon in the 1870s to point, retrieve and swim across any terrain, and the modern dog still wants exactly that job. At home it's affectionate, gentle and keen to cooperate — a people-oriented worker that trains beautifully but needs its energy spent every day.
Habits & quirks
The beard tax
Drinks water, then shares it — with your knees, the floor, the cat.
Check-ins
Even mid-adventure, a Griff circles back to confirm you're still part of the plan.
Weather immunity
Rain that cancels other dogs' walks doesn't register through that coat.
Sofa gravity
All-day stamina outdoors converts to full-contact cuddling indoors.
Care
| Exercise | An hour or more of real work daily — hunting, swimming, fetch or scent games. |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing plus occasional hand-stripping keeps the harsh coat doing its job. |
| Company | Bred to work with you, not for you — long solitary days hollow this breed out. |
| Ears | Drop ears under a wiry coat trap moisture; check weekly, especially after swims. |
Life expectancy
This breed has a typical life expectancy of 12–15 years.
Similar breeds
Breeds with a similar build and background — worth a look if this one isn't quite the fit.
Breeds that look like this
Common questions
Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons good family dogs?
Wonderful ones for active families — gentle, devoted and patient. They need daily exercise and genuine inclusion in family life to stay that way.
Do Griffons shed?
Lightly — the harsh double coat holds most loose hair until it's brushed or stripped out. Low-shedding, not no-shedding.
Does a Griffon need to hunt to be happy?
Not hunting specifically, but it needs work: running, swimming, scent games or training. An outlet for the pointing brain is essential.
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon comes closer than most: its low-shedding coat releases less of the dander that triggers allergies. Many allergy sufferers manage well with this breed, but spend time around one before committing.
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon easy to train?
Yes. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is one of the more trainable breeds — quick to learn and keen to work with you, which makes reward-based training straightforward. Start early, keep it positive, and it picks things up fast.