Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also known as the Korthals Griffon, is a versatile hunting dog developed in the late 19th century by Eduard Karel Korthals, a Dutch sportsman and hunter. The breed's origins are tied to Korthals' efforts to create an ideal gun dog for walking hunters, capable of tracking, pointing, and retrieving game in various terrains and climates.

Key Points

• Development: Korthals began his breeding program in the Netherlands around 1873, using a mix of old-type griffon dogs, pointers, and spaniels to create a robust, water-loving breed with a wiry coat. He aimed to produce a dog that could work closely with hunters, excelling in both dry land and water environments.
• Foundation Dogs: The foundation of the breed included dogs like Mouche, a brown and gray griffon bitch, and other dogs with diverse coat types and hunting abilities. Korthals' breeding efforts were supported by his work with various kennels in Germany and France.
• Recognition: The breed gained popularity across Europe, with the first breed standard published in 1887. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in 1916.
• Characteristics: Known for their distinctive wiry coats and facial hair, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are medium-sized dogs with a calm and affectionate nature. They are highly trainable and excel in hunting upland game birds and waterfowl.
• Today, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon remains a rare but beloved breed, cherished for its hunting prowess and companionable nature. Despite its origins as a working dog, it is also valued as a family pet due to its laid-back personality and low-shedding coat, which makes it suitable for owners with allergies.