Dog Breed
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Full Name
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Your PupScore
- Take the best dog breed quiz to get your Pup Scores!
- Life Span
- 12 - 14 years
- Weight
- 45 - 70 pounds
- Description
Loyal, Gentle, Vigilant, Trainable, Proud
- Origin
- GermanyFrance
- Bred For
- Gundog, "swamp-tromping", Flushing, pointing, and retrieving water fowl & game birds
- Family Considerations
- Overall Ease of Breed
- Personality
- Home and Environment Considerations
- Physical Characteristics
Child Friendly
5/5
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon good with children?
Yes! The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
Stranger Friendly
5/5
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon friendly with strangers?
Yes! The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is naturally friendly with everyone. As always, socialization is always important, but the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon typically loves everyone they meet
Dog Friendly
5/5
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon friendly with other dogs?
Yes! The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon typically gets along with every dog it meets
Likes to Cuddle
4/5
Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon like to cuddle?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon appreciates affection and that includes kisses and snuggles!
Playfulness
5/5
Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon like to play?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
Service Dog Ability
4/5
Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon make a good service dog?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can be a service dog with the proper training. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are not the most common service dog, but they certainly can be if their personality matches- smart, patient, and extremely dedicated to their owner.
Ease for Novice
4/5
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon good for first-time owners?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a good breed for first-time owners. A good fit for first-time owners are friendly breeds that are motivated to please their owner. This means they can be trained, and are rarely aggressive and overpowering.
Training Potential
3/5
How well can the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon be trained?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is about average when it comes to training potential. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
Amount of Shedding
4/5
Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon shed a lot?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon sheds a lot! They may still shed less than a few other breeds, but be prepared for dog hair throughout the home and on your clothes.
Ease of Grooming
3/5
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon easy to groom?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon on your own as well.
Exercise Need
5/5
Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need a lot of exercise?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs a daily exercise partner! The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is best suited for a family where it will get plenty of daily exercise; it has so much energy that exercise is mandatory to avoid destructive behaviors.
Intelligence
3/5
How smart is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has average intelligence. They are smart and witty, but do not need to be constantly challenged mentally, as some other breeds.
Amount of Barking
3/5
How much does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon bark? Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon bark too much?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Wirehaired Pointing Griffons - some may be much more expressive than others.
Guard Dog Ability
3/5
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon a good guard dog?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not typically used as a guard dog, although they can be alert and oftentimes notify you if there is a stranger at the door or otherwise something to be concerned over.
Tolerates Being Alone
2/5
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon good at staying alone? Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon independent?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
Good for Apartment Living
2/5
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon a good apartment dog?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
Size
3/5
How big is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
Tolerates Heat
3/5
How much does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
Tolerates Cold
4/5
How much does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
Potential to Run Away
4/5
Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon try to run away?
It is natural for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
General Health
2/5
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon a healthy dog? The health of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has many health problems that should be considered. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can still live a perfectly healthy life, but it's important to consider all of these health risks ahead of time.
Energy Level
5/5
How energetic is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
It seems like the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon never runs out of energy. If you are looking for a 5 AM run partner, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is your dog! A dog's energy level is one of the most important considerations when getting a new dog, and we would only recommend the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon for a family where it will get plenty of exercise.
Amount of Drooling
3/5
How much does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon drool?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon drools an average amount- typically only after heavy exercise or if you are eating their favorite human food in front of them.
Prey Drive
2/5
Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon have a large prey drive? Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.
Athleticism
5/5
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon atheltic?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a true athlete. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is both fast, strong, and has a ton of endurance that suits it well for runs, hikes, and even marathons!
- Dog
- Sporting
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a purebred dog that falls within the larger Sporting dog breed group.
Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge.
These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game.
Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well.
Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons for adoption
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