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Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Sporting breed from Netherlands/France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized sporting breed originating from the Netherlands and France. It has a medium, wiry coat and is known for being friendly, intelligent, eager to please, loyal, and energetic. Its energy level is rated 5 out of 5, indicating a high need for activity. Trainability is rated 4 out of 5, suggesting it is generally responsive to training. Grooming needs are rated 2 out of 5, meaning relatively low maintenance, and shedding is also rated 2 out of 5. The breed is rated 4 out of 5 for suitability with children and 3 out of 5 for compatibility with other dogs. Apartment suitability is rated 2 out of 5, implying it is better suited to homes with space. Adult weight is estimated between 23 and 32 kg for both sexes, and adult height is estimated between 56 and 61 cm for both sexes. Lifespan is estimated between 12 and 15 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupSporting
OriginNetherlands/France
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight23–32 kilogram
Female weight23–32 kilogram
Male height56–61 centimetre
Female height56–61 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the late 19th century by Dutch breeder Eduard Korthals, who worked in both Germany and France. His goal was to create a versatile walking-hunter's gun dog by crossing various pointing breeds, spaniels, and retrievers. The breed is often called the 'Korthals Griffon' in his honor. The exact origins are uncertain, but it is known to have roots in the Netherlands and France. As a versatile gundog, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was bred for pointing and retrieving abilities. Its distinctive harsh, wiry coat and characteristic beard and eyebrows are notable features. The breed is sometimes referred to as the 'supreme gundog' due to its excellent hunting skills and intelligent, friendly disposition. However, specific historical events or dates beyond the late 19th century are not documented in the available facts.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
23–32 kilogramAdult weight56–61 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesMedium, WiryCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlyintelligenteager to pleaseloyalenergetic
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Wirehaired Pointing Griffon-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
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Growth chart
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight23–32 kilogramAdult female weight23–32 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult height is 56–61 cm for both males and females, and estimated adult weight is 23–32 kg for both sexes. Estimated lifespan is 12–15 years. These are modelled estimates, so individual dogs may vary.
What is the temperament of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The breed is described as friendly, intelligent, eager to please, loyal, and energetic. However, not every individual dog will behave exactly the same; temperament can vary.
How much exercise does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need?
The breed has an energy score of 5 out of 5, indicating a high need for daily exercise. It is best suited for active owners who can provide ample physical activity.
What are the grooming requirements for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
Grooming is rated 2 out of 5, meaning relatively low maintenance. The coat is medium and wiry. Shedding is also rated 2 out of 5, so it sheds less than average.
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon good for families and apartments?
The breed scores 4 out of 5 for child suitability, indicating it can be good with children, but supervision is always recommended. Apartment suitability is 2 out of 5, suggesting it is better suited to homes with a yard. Compatibility with other dogs is rated 3 out of 5, so individual temperament matters.
Where does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon originate from?
The breed originates from the Netherlands and France. It was developed in the late 19th century by Dutch breeder Eduard Korthals, who worked in both Germany and France.
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. The breed is listed in the Sporting group, but specific recognition details depend on the organization.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.