Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Also called Korthals Griffon, Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur Korthals, Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals

A kind, proud and devoted dog that loves to please its people.

Size	Medium
Weight	16 to 32 kg (35 to 71 lb)males 23 to 32 kg, females 16 to 23 kg1 2
Height	50 to 61 cm (20 to 24 in)males 55 to 61 cm, females 50 to 56 cm3 1
Lifespan	12 to 14 years2
Coat	Harsh wiry double coat with fine dense undercoat
Origin	France (FCI country of the standard), developed by the Dutchman Eduard Karel Korthals, largely at his kennel in Germany; Wikipedia lists the Netherlands, Germany and France.3 1
Group	FCI group 7

Recognised breedShort profile

gentle and loyal

keen, versatile hunter

good with children

3 2 4

Personality what they are like

A kind, proud and devoted dog that loves to please its people. It is sensitive and responds best to gentle handling, is affectionate with family including children, and keeps a watchful eye on its home. In the field it is an eager, clever all-round hunting partner.3 1 2 4

Coat and looks how to spot one

harsh wiry double coat with fine dense undercoat

A sturdy, rustic, medium-sized gundog built a little longer than tall. Its coarse coat feels like boar bristle and is never curly or woolly, and the bushy eyebrows, moustache and beard give it a distinctive, wise-looking face.3 1

Colourssteel grey with brown patchesbrownliver roanwhite and brownwhite and orangechestnut3 1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Needs far more than a stroll round the block: hiking, swimming, running and activities such as tracking or rally suit it well.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Fairly easy care: weekly brushing and the odd bath; the harsh coat sheds relatively little.2 4

Home where they are happiest

Should live indoors with its family rather than in a kennel; can cope with smaller homes if it gets plenty of outdoor exercise.1 2

Company who they like around

Very people-focused and likes to be close to its owners; usually sociable with other dogs, though small pets may trigger its hunting instinct.1 2

The story where it all began

Eduard Karel Korthals, a Dutch breeder, refined the rough-coated griffon from 1874 onward, starting with a bitch called Mouche and working from his Ipenwoud kennel near the Rhine. He selected only within existing griffon stock, and breed clubs followed across Europe from 1888, with the breed becoming especially established in France.3 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The FCI standard compares the feel of its coat to the bristles of a wild boar.3
2
The AKC registered its first Griffon, Zolette, in 1887, almost three decades before the breed was formally recognised.1
3
Prince Rainier III of Monaco had a Griffon named Odin, who walked in his funeral procession.2
4
The AKC nicknames the breed the 'supreme gundog'.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named for its harsh, wire-like coat and its pointing ability, and is also known as the Korthals Griffon after its founder Eduard Karel Korthals.4

Name ideas for your new friend

GastonBellePierreColetteRemyFifiJacquesMimiNapoleonCocoHenriSuzette

A day in the life told by a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

This morning I woke up with a happy wag and sniffed the air. My human laughed and said, 'Ready for our adventure?' We drove to the woods where I pointed at a hidden bird, my whole body frozen like a statue. Then we splashed in a stream, my wiry coat keeping me warm. At home, I curled up on the sofa, watching over my family. When the kids came home from school, I greeted them with a gentle nuzzle. I love my job as the family's guardian and playmate. Every day is a new chapter in our story.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 107, Group 7 Pointing Dogs, Section 1.3 Continental Pointing Dogs, Griffon type, with working trial; current standard published 01.08.2023.3
AKC: First dog registered in 1887 (Zolette); breed officially recognised in 1916; Sporting Group.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and at what times?

Feed adult Griffons at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps their digestion, but exact times can fit your routine. For portion sizes, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for specific dietary needs.6

How often should I bathe a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least every three months. Their harsh coat sheds little, so baths can be infrequent. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their skin healthy.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need brushing?

Brush your Griffon weekly to keep its harsh coat in good condition and reduce shedding. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This also helps maintain their distinctive wiry texture.2 4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut small amounts to avoid the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need?

This breed has high exercise needs and thrives on activities like hiking, swimming, and running. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and playtime. They need far more than a short stroll to stay happy and healthy.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth at least twice a week, ideally daily, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently since floppy ears trap moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon live?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons typically live 12 to 14 years. With good care, proper nutrition, and regular vet visits, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.2

Is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are affectionate with family and good with children. They are usually sociable with other dogs, but their hunting instinct may be triggered by small pets, so supervision is recommended.3 1 2 4

Can a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon be left alone?

This breed is very people-focused and prefers to be close to its owners. They may struggle with long periods alone. For specific advice on leaving them alone, consult a good breeder or trainer.1 2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.