Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Also called Korthals Griffon, Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur Korthals, Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
From 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.12
At a glance the quick version
AKC-style figures of 50-70 lb for males and 35-50 lb for females; the FCI standard gives no weight.
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.12
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.1234
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.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Fairly easy care: weekly brushing and the odd bath; the harsh coat sheds relatively little.34
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.23
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.23
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.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The FCI standard compares the feel of its coat to the bristles of a wild boar.1
- 2
The AKC registered its first Griffon, Zolette, in 1887, almost three decades before the breed was formally recognised.2
- 3
Prince Rainier III of Monaco had a Griffon named Odin, who walked in his funeral procession.3
- 4
The AKC nicknames the breed the 'supreme gundog'.4
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 01.08.2023.1
- AKC
- First dog registered in 1887 (Zolette); breed officially recognised in 1916; Sporting Group.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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?
Furry Diary'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 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This also helps maintain their distinctive wiry texture.34 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and playtime. They need far more than a short stroll to stay happy and healthy.3 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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.3
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.1234
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.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 107 Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colour, temperament, history
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, AKC recognition, weight, fun facts
- Daily Paws - Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dailypaws.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, living needs, fun fact
- AKC - Wirehaired Pointing Griffon akc.orgused for temperament, coat, fun fact
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.