Free Shipping over $99
FurHQ

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament and Grooming

By Mondo Fluffarino | FurHQ Blog Author & Chief Education Officer

Table of Contents

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament

Introduction: The Supreme Gundog

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament is what happens when eager versatility, tireless work ethic, and a ruggedly handsome wire coat combine in a breed widely regarded as one of the finest all-around gundogs in the world. Developed by Eduard Karel Korthals in the late 19th century across France, Germany, and the Netherlands, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also known as the Korthals Griffon, was specifically engineered to be the ideal versatile hunting companion. 

Understanding Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament starts with recognising that this breed was designed from the ground up for close handler cooperation, all-terrain capability, and an eagerness to work that makes it one of the most biddable sporting breeds in the wire-coated category.

These dogs are eagerly versatile. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament includes a willingness to work, a desire to please, and a cooperative nature that distinguishes this breed from more independent wire-coated sporting breeds. They point, retrieve, track, and work water with equal enthusiasm, always checking in with their handler.

The harsh, straight wire coat with its distinctive eyebrows, moustache, and beard provides genuine field protection while giving the breed its characterful, almost philosophical appearance. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament and coat care connect because the breed's cooperative, eager nature makes grooming sessions productive and pleasant.

Let me tell you what you are really getting with a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, because this breed's versatility and temperament make it one of the best-kept secrets in the sporting group.

The Griffon is the cooperative wire-coated gundog. Where German Wirehaired Pointers bring more independence and Wirehaired Vizslas bring more intensity, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament brings an eagerness to please and a handler focus that makes this breed remarkably trainable and rewarding to work with. Korthals designed this dog to be the ideal hunting partner, and the temperament reflects that design brilliantly.

Now let's talk grooming. Honestly.

The wire coat on this breed is functional, rugged, and characterful. Harsh, straight outer coat that is neither curly nor woolly, with distinctive eyebrows, moustache, and beard that give the face a wise, almost professorial expression. Dense undercoat that thickens seasonally. Brushing two to three times per week with the Medium-Pinned Slicker Brush. 

Detail Comb through the facial hair daily. Carding rake maximum once per week. Texture-Tastic Shampoo. Selective conditioner on furnishings and undercoat areas only. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament makes grooming cooperative because these eager dogs enjoy the handler attention.

This breed is NOT for you if:

  • You cannot provide 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise
  • You want a low-energy household companion
  • You leave the dog alone for extended periods
  • You want an independent, self-entertaining breed
  • You want a clean, tidy household (wet, muddy, enthusiastic describes this dog)

Because Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament includes:

  • High exercise demands requiring vigorous daily activity
  • A wire coat that collects field debris, mud, and water enthusiastically
  • Separation sensitivity from the close handler bond
  • Prolonged adolescence with sustained puppy energy
  • A beard that drips water across your floors after every drink

This breed IS for you if:

  • You are an active outdoor person who wants a tireless partner
  • You appreciate a cooperative, handler-focused sporting breed
  • You hunt or participate in active dog sports
  • You enjoy the rugged, characterful wire coat aesthetic
  • You want a genuinely versatile gundog that does everything well

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament rewards active, engaged owners with a companion whose eagerness is infectious, whose versatility is genuine, and whose cooperative, handler-focused nature makes it one of the most rewarding sporting breeds to own and work.

Match the energy. Maintain the wire coat with proper technique. Accept the mud and water.

Do that, and you will share your life with one of the finest all-around gundogs in the world.

Breed Handling Profile

TraitLevelNotes
Emotional sensitivityModerate to HighEager and handler-focused; responsive to positive methods
Handling toleranceVery HighCooperative and willing during grooming
Grooming commitmentModerateWire coat with facial hair requires specific but manageable maintenance
Exercise needsVery HighNeeds 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise
Alone time toleranceLow to ModerateHandler-bonded; prefers companionship
Best fit householdActive, present owners who can provide vigorous exercise and appreciate a cooperative sporting partner

Breed Purpose and Why It Matters for Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed by Eduard Karel Korthals beginning in 1874. Korthals, a Dutchman working in Germany and France, spent over 20 years selectively breeding to create the ideal versatile hunting dog. The breed was designed to point upland birds, retrieve from land and water, track wounded game, and work closely with its handler across diverse terrain and conditions.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament reflects this designed versatility directly. The eagerness to please, the close handler cooperation, the willingness to work any terrain, and the natural pointing and retrieving instincts all trace to Korthals' deliberate design. 

When your Griffon locks on point, retrieves enthusiastically from cold water, tracks wounded game through thick cover, and then settles contentedly beside you, that is Korthals' vision of the supreme gundog expressing itself exactly as designed.

FurHQ Coat Type Breakdown

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon wears a Wire Coat as classified in the FurHQ seven-coat system. This coat type features a harsh, straight outer coat (never curly or woolly) with distinctive eyebrows, moustache, and beard, supported by a dense, fine undercoat that thickens in cold weather.

The Griffon's wire coat is functional field protection. The harsh outer coat resists thorns and cover while the dense undercoat provides insulation for water work. The facial hair provides character and some protection.

The Medium-Pinned Slicker Brush maintains the body coat. The FurHQ Detail Comb works through the eyebrows, moustache, and beard. The Short-Medium Coat Carding Rake extracts dead undercoat, used maximum once per week. The Rubber Curry serves as a bathing tool.

The recommended kit is the FurHQ Starter Grooming Kit: Wire Coat.

Not Sure About Your Dog's Coat Type?

Not every dog fits neatly into one coat category, and that is completely normal. Coat type determines the correct tools, products, and techniques for effective grooming, and getting it right matters for coat health and comfort. This is especially true for mixed breeds or dogs whose coat may vary from expectations.

Use the FurHQ AI Coat Identifier to find out your dog's coat type and get matched to the right FurHQ Starter Grooming Kit. Simply upload a photo and receive an accurate classification with a personalised kit recommendation.

Puppy Coat to Adult Coat Transition

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppies are born with a softer coat. The harsh wire texture develops between 6 and 12 months. The eyebrows, moustache, and beard fill in over 12 to 24 months. The full adult wire coat is typically established by age 2.

Start gentle handling from 8 weeks including facial hair. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament in puppyhood is enthusiastic and eager. Use Pawfect Finish Coat Spray lightly on the facial furnishings. The FurHQ 5-Step Methodprovides structure for building the routine.

The FurHQ 5-Step Grooming Method: Technical Reality

The FurHQ 5-Step Method (Audit, Prep, Bath, Dry, Finish) applies to this coat type with emphasis on preserving the wire jacket texture while maintaining the softer furnishings and undercoat separately.

Learn the Method. Follow the Protocol. Complete the Mission.

Setup and Stability

Secure the dog using the Stay Put System (suction cup anchor + safety lead). For anxious dogs, the Hush Pup Wrap provides calming compression. Wire coats require patience during grooming, particularly around the face, beard, and leg furnishings where sensitivity is higher.

Tools and Technique

Audit: Begin every session by running your hands over the entire body. Check the jacket for blown (soft) coat, feel for undercoat density, and examine the furnishings for tangles. Check behind the ears, the beard, armpits, and leg furnishings where mats develop.

Prep: Use the Medium-Pinned Slicker Brush on furnishings and the Rubber Curry on the body coat. Use Pawfect Finish Coat Spray on furnishings before brushing. Verify furnishings with the FurHQ Detail Comb. Use the Short to Medium Coat Carding Rake on the body coat to remove dead undercoat and blown jacket, maximum once per week.

Bath: Use Rubber Curry during bathing for skin stimulation and to work shampoo through the dense coat. Rinse thoroughly, ensuring shampoo reaches the skin beneath the wire jacket.

Dry: Towel dry thoroughly. Use a dryer working with the coat's natural direction. The wire jacket should air up and maintain its texture as it dries.

Finish: Final comb-through of furnishings with the FurHQ Detail Comb. Assess the jacket texture and overall outline. Apply Pawfect Finish Coat Spray to furnishings only.

Chemistry and Coat Care

Texture-Tastic Shampoo cleanses while supporting the wire texture. Coat-Quench Conditioner and Pawfect Finish Coat Spray are applied selectively to the furnishings and undercoat only, never to the jacket or saddle . Over-conditioning the wire jacket softens the texture and compromises the coat's natural harsh structure. This selective conditioning approach is essential for maintaining proper wire coat integrity.

The Coat Release Method (Condensed)

Wire coats carry undercoat beneath the jacket that releases seasonally. During the Bath step, after full saturation and shampoo application, use controlled airflow in the tub while the coat is still lathered. 

The lubrication allows dead undercoat to release safely without friction or skin trauma. Rinse, then apply a second shampoo with the Rubber Curry to complete the release. This keeps dead coat contained in the tub rather than spread across your home. For the full step-by-step process, see The Coat Release Method for Dogs with Undercoat in Related Reading.

FurHQ Starter Grooming Kit Breakdown

The FurHQ Starter Grooming Kit: Wire Coat is recommended for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

Standard Items (included in all FurHQ kits):

Coat-Specific Items:

Total: 10 items

Each kit includes step-by-step video tutorials and informational PDFs so you know exactly how to use every tool and product for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon coat.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon TemperamentWirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament: Superpowers and Kryptonite

Superpowers

🌟 Supreme versatility: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament excels at pointing, retrieving, tracking, and water work with equal enthusiasm and capability.

🌟 Cooperative handler focus: The breed's eagerness to please and close handler cooperation make it one of the most trainable wire-coated sporting breeds.

🌟 Rugged field protection: The harsh wire coat provides genuine protection for work through thorns, brush, and cold water.

🌟 Characterful appearance: The eyebrows, moustache, and beard give the breed a wise, expressive face unlike any other sporting breed.

🌟 Moderate size: The breed's medium size makes it manageable while retaining full sporting capability.

🌟 Outstanding family temperament: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament is gentle, patient, and reliable with family members of all ages.

Kryptonite

⚠️ High exercise demands: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament requires 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Without it, the energy creates destructive and anxious behaviour.

⚠️ Prolonged adolescence: The breed matures slowly and retains puppy energy and behaviour well past the first year. Patient, consistent training through adolescence is essential.

⚠️ Beard drip: The facial hair collects and distributes water enthusiastically. After every drink, the beard drips water across your floors. This is breed life.

⚠️ Field mess: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament works through mud, water, and cover without hesitation. Post-field cleaning is a regular commitment.

⚠️ Wire coat specificity: Wrong products soften the wire texture. Texture-Tastic Shampoo and selective conditioner application preserve coat function.

⚠️ Separation sensitivity: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament bonds closely with its handler and does not thrive with extended isolation.

FurHQ's Lifestyle Lens and Pro Insights

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are a pleasure to groom because Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament on the grooming table is enthusiastic, cooperative, and eager. These dogs want to engage, want to please, and settle well once the initial excitement of arrival subsides. The wire coat is straightforward to maintain.

Post-field grooming is where the Griffon's sessions are most valuable. These dogs work hard through cover, water, and mud. The Audit step after field work should focus on ears (pendant ears trap moisture and debris), between toes (grass seeds and ticks), armpits, chest (thorn scratches), and through the beard and facial hair (collects everything). The harsh wire coat sheds debris readily but check beneath it thoroughly.

The beard requires a sense of humour. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament approaches the water bowl with the same enthusiasm it approaches a duck pond. The beard drips. The moustache drips. The floor will be wet. Keep a towel near the water bowl.

Keep a towel near the water bowl and check ears after every water entry. The Griffon's generous beard and moustache collect and distribute water with impressive efficiency. A quick beard wipe after drinking saves your floors.

Health and Lifespan: The FurHQ Touch Test

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon typically lives 12 to 15 years. The breed is generally robust with fewer health concerns than many sporting breeds.

Regular grooming sessions serve as health assessments when you incorporate the FurHQ Touch Test.

Hip dysplasia is a concern. Eye conditions including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and ectropion are breed concerns. Ear infections require monitoring due to the pendant ears. Hypothyroidism may affect some individuals. The breed is generally hardy and the relatively small gene pool makes ongoing health screening by breeders important.

Every grooming session is a conversation with your dog's body. The FurHQ 5-Step Method builds that conversation into your routine.

Related Breed Comparisons

If you are considering a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, these breeds share some characteristics but differ in important ways:

  • German Wirehaired Pointer Temperament: Similar wire-coated versatile gundog with more independence. Shares the wire coat and field versatility but with a more self-directed working style.
  • Wirehaired Vizsla Temperament: Comparable wire-coated sporting breed with intense handler bond. Shares the handler focus but with more separation sensitivity and Vizsla intensity.
  • Spinone Italiano Temperament: Similar wire-coated sporting breed with a calmer pace. Shares the wire coat and gentle temperament but works at a more deliberate speed.
  • Brittany Temperament: Comparable versatile sporting breed with a different coat type. Shares the eagerness and versatility but with a feathered rather than wire coat.

Related Reading

Wire Coat Grooming

Comfort and Safety

Tools and Products

Related Breed Blogs

The Bottom Line

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament delivers supreme versatility, eager handler cooperation, and rugged field capability in a characterfully handsome wire-coated package that was specifically designed to be the ideal all-around gundog. The exercise demands are high. The beard drips. 

The wire coat requires specific technique. But the return is a companion whose eagerness is infectious, whose versatility is unmatched, and whose cooperative, handler-focused nature makes it one of the most rewarding sporting breeds to own, train, and work.

If you are ready for the commitment, the FurHQ Starter Grooming Kit: Wire Coat gives you every tool and product you need. You have a system that works.

Learn the Method. Follow the Protocol. Complete the Mission.

You got this. And we've got you.

Variation Clarity Statement

Every dog is an individual. While this profile describes typical breed characteristics, your specific dog may vary based on genetics, breeding, socialisation, and individual temperament. Some Griffons carry a softer or woollier coat than the ideal harsh wire. 

Use the FurHQ AI Coat Identifier to get accurate identification and the right kit recommendation.

FAQs

What coat type does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon have?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is classified as a Wire Coat in the FurHQ seven-coat system. The seven coat types are Smooth Single Coat, Short Double Coat, Medium Plush Double Coat, Feathered Long Double Coat, Wire Coat, Curly Wavy Coat, and Drop Coat. The coat should be harsh and straight, never curly or woolly.

What is Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament really like on a daily basis?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament on a daily basis centres on partnership and activity. These dogs wake up ready to participate in whatever you are doing and maintain that enthusiasm throughout the day. They follow you from room to room, settle near you when you rest, and light up when any outdoor activity is mentioned. The morning typically involves vigorous exercise, followed by a calmer midday if exercised properly, and renewed energy in the afternoon. They are vocal enough to alert you to visitors but not excessive barkers. The daily reality is a devoted, active dog that makes every activity more enjoyable and every departure more difficult.

How much exercise does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need daily?

A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs a minimum of 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, and many thrive with more. This is an all-day hunting breed that was developed to work in the field for extended periods. Walking alone is insufficient. They need running, swimming, hiking, fetch, or structured activities that engage both body and mind. Mental enrichment through training, puzzle toys, and scent work supplements physical exercise but does not replace it. An under-exercised Griffon becomes destructive, restless, and increasingly difficult.

Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon good with children?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament is remarkably gentle and patient with children, making them excellent family dogs. They modulate their energy around smaller family members and develop genuine bonds with children in the household. However, their medium to large size and enthusiasm mean supervision is important with very young children simply because an excited Griffon can accidentally knock over a toddler. Teaching children to respect the dog during grooming and rest time creates the foundation for a lifelong bond.

What makes wire coat grooming different from other coat types?

Wire coat grooming differs fundamentally from other coat types because the primary goal is texture preservation. While curly coats focus on preventing matting and double coats focus on managing shedding, wire coat care centres on maintaining the harsh, bristly texture that defines the coat and serves a protective function. This means using Texture-Tastic Shampoo rather than moisturising formulas, applying Pawfect Finish Coat Spray lightly on furnishings only rather than saturating the entire coat, and understanding that the coat should feel rough and bristly when properly maintained.

How often should I brush my Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Brush two to three times per week with the Medium-Pinned Slicker Brush. Comb the facial hair daily with the FurHQ Detail Comb. Use the Short-Medium Coat Carding Rake maximum once per week. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament makes sessions cooperative and pleasant.

Can Wirehaired Pointing Griffons live in apartments?

While Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament can adapt to various living situations, apartment living presents significant challenges. The breed's exercise requirements and energy levels demand substantial daily outdoor activity that apartment living makes more difficult to provide consistently. A home with a secure yard provides a better foundation, but the yard does not replace structured exercise. If you live in an apartment, you must commit to multiple daily outings that provide the vigorous physical and mental stimulation this breed needs.

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons shed a lot?

The wire coat sheds moderately, less than heavily shedding double-coated breeds but more than non-shedding breeds. The undercoat goes through seasonal shedding cycles in spring and autumn. Regular brushing with the Medium-Pinned Slicker Brush and carding with the Short-Medium Coat Carding Rake manages shedding effectively by removing dead undercoat before it deposits on furniture and clothing. The Coat Release Method during bathing is particularly effective at removing large amounts of dead undercoat during seasonal coat changes.

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons easy to train?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament makes them highly trainable for owners who use positive, relationship-based methods. The breed's eager-to-please nature and genuine intelligence create a dog that learns quickly and retains training well. They respond poorly to harsh corrections, which damage the trust that drives their cooperation. The breed excels in obedience, rally, agility, and fieldwork. Training sessions should be engaging and varied because the Griffon's intelligence means they bore with excessive repetition.

How do I maintain my Griffon's beard and eyebrows?

The beard, moustache, and eyebrows are defining features of the breed and require daily attention. Wipe the beard after every meal and water session with a clean cloth or towel. Check the eyebrows for debris and keep them clear of the eyes. During grooming sessions, brush the facial furnishings gently with the Medium-Pinned Slicker Brush and verify with the Coat-Appropriate Metal Comb. The Pawfect Finish Coat Spray provides slip that makes brushing through the beard easier without over-conditioning the wire jacket.

What is the difference between hand stripping and clipping a wire coat?

Hand stripping involves pulling dead wire coat by hand, which preserves the coat's harsh texture and correct colour. Clipping cuts the coat, which over time softens the texture and can change the coat colour. For pet owners who are not showing their dog, regular maintenance with the FurHQ Starter Grooming Kit: Wire Coat provides effective care without requiring hand stripping skills. If you choose to clip, understand that the coat will gradually become softer and may lose some of its weather-resistant qualities.

How do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons handle cold weather?

The wire coat and dense undercoat provide excellent cold weather protection. The breed was developed for working in harsh European conditions, and the coat's water-resistant outer layer combined with the insulating undercoat makes them well-suited to Canadian winters. They enjoy outdoor activity in cold weather and do not require coats or boots for moderate cold. Extreme cold still requires common sense regarding exposure time, and the beard can collect ice during winter outings.

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons prone to separation anxiety?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament includes a strong attachment to family that can develop into separation anxiety if not managed properly. The breed's deep bonding nature means they do best in households where someone is home for significant portions of the day. Gradual alone-time training starting in puppyhood helps build tolerance. Crate training provides security. Exercise before departures reduces anxiety. If you work full-time outside the home, a dog walker, doggy daycare, or a second dog can help, but this breed genuinely struggles with extended isolation.

What health issues should I watch for in a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

The breed is generally healthy with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Key health concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts. Hypothyroidism can affect coat quality and energy, and a properly maintained wire coat should feel harsh, bristly, and rough to the touch. If the coat feels soft or smooth, it may indicate health changes, over-conditioning, or incorrect product use. The FurHQ Touch Test helps monitor skin and coat health between veterinary visits, and regular hands-on checks can detect changes early. Responsible breeders screen for hip and eye conditions. If you are unsure about your Griffon's coat type, use the FurHQ AI Coat Identifier for accurate assessment.

How does Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament affect grooming?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament is cooperative, eager, and handler-focused during grooming. These dogs settle after initial excitement and enjoy the attention.

How often should I bathe my Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Bathe every 6 to 10 weeks using Texture-Tastic Shampoo with selective Coat-Quench Conditioner application. Active field dogs may need more frequent bathing.

What tools and products are in the FurHQ Starter Grooming Kit: Wire Coat?
How does the FurHQ 5-Step Method work for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

The FurHQ 5-Step Method (Audit, Prep, Bath, Dry, Finish) emphasises post-field health checks and texture preservation. Audit checks for ticks, field injuries, and ear condition. Prep uses the Medium-Pinned Slicker Brush, FurHQ Detail Comb on facial hair, and Short-Medium Coat Carding Rake weekly. Bath uses Texture-Tastic Shampoo with selective Coat-Quench Conditioner. Finish applies Pawfect Finish Coat Spray on furnishings only.

What FurHQ Starter Grooming Kits are available?