Wirehaired Pointing Griffons bond closely with their families and thrive on attention and affection from them. They are one of the most affectionate dog breeds and love nothing more than spending time with their favorite humans.

Well-socialized, these dogs also make great family dogs and are known to get along fantastically with children. They also can get along well with other dogs in the family and are even open to meeting strangers. Although they may be initially watchful, they do tend to warm up quickly once introduced.

As hunting dogs, they do tend to have a high prey drive, which can be a challenge with other small pets in the household. Generally, with some extra socialization and training, they can do well with other family pets, especially if they are raised with them. But, they will likely still retain the urge to chase prey-type animals outside of their family.

One of the facts about Wirehaired Pointing Griffons is that they are highly adaptable. Their high energy tends to make them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. However, they can adapt to apartment living provided plenty of time is dedicated each day to giving them the attention, exercise, and mental stimulation they need.

This dog breed does well in most climates, but thrives in moderate and cooler weather. As with any dog breed, these dogs are sensitive to heat. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have coarse and wiry double coats, which do give them some protection against the cold. If you’re having a harsh winter, you will still likely need some winter dog products to keep your dog warm and protect their paws while out on walks when the temperatures drop.

Because these dogs bond so closely with their families and are happiest when with them, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. They also get bored easily. Like other dogs, they can become destructive if they don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in Wirehaired Pointing Griffons can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid issues, heart conditions, and eye disorders. Although the occurrence of many of these is low in this dog breed, good breeding practices still matter and make a big difference in the health of Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The national breed club recommends a hip evaluation, an elbow evaluation, and an ophthalmologist evaluation. Some breeders may also get clearances for thyroid and heart conditions.

Highly intelligent, hardworking, and eager to please are just a few of the traits that make the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon a highly trainable dog breed. These dogs respond best to consistent training with clear expectations that is also kept interesting to keep them engaged and is focused on positive rewards and praise.

Although they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels, they have a lot of energy and get bored easily. This can be a challenge for first-time owners, so puppy training classes are encouraged to help novice owners learn skills to handle high-energy working dogs. Training classes can also offer opportunities to socialize a puppy and strengthen your bond with them.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons tend to bark to alert you, but it does not tend to be a nuisance behavior unless they have been trained into it, intentionally or unintentionally. It’s not a bad idea to start training your dog to stop barking to make sure it stays to alerting and doesn’t become a nuisance.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are known for their wiry coat that often gives them an unkempt appearance along with eyebrows and mustache. Although they have a double coat and will shed a little, especially as the seasons change, they are also known for their low-shedding coat.

Weekly brushing is usually enough for this dog breed’s coat. You may also need to hand-strip their coat on occasion to clear out loose fur that accumulates and to encourage new growth. This is usually a good idea as their coat changes for the seasons.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon’s nails, ears, and teeth. Nail trims once or twice monthly are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long.

Weekly ear checks and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears when needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care along with cleanings at the vet when needed can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are built for seemingly endless endurance in the field. They are high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks along with some playtime and time to run are a good start.

Because these dogs love spending time with you and being active, they will likely always be up for more activity if you are. They are also known for their athleticism and versatility. So, once puppies finish growing and their bones are done developing, you can try a lot of different activities. You can even train them for dog sports once your vet clears them for those things.

A fully-grown Wirehaired Pointing Griffon usually stands 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 35-70 pounds.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons generally live 12-15 years on average.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has webbed toes, is an excellent swimmer, is one of the dog breeds that tend to love water, and also shares traits with other retrievers.