Apartment fit
Apartment life can work only for unusually committed owners who exercise the dog hard every day and teach calm indoor routines.
SportingMedium
France
FranceWirehaired Pointing Griffon
Weight
35-70 lb
Height
20-24 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Wiry Medium
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium sporting dog with a harsh low-shedding coat, close-working gundog style, and an eager, affectionate temperament.
Versatile close-working pointing dogHarsh low-shedding coat with beard and browsEager, affectionate, and activeNeeds field-style exercise and regular ear checks
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Korthals GriffonGriffon a Poil Dur Korthals
EagerFriendlyQuick-wittedAffectionateVersatileActive
Weight
35-70 lb
Height
20-24 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Wiry Medium
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Very High
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Low
Grooming
3/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also known as the Korthals Griffon, is a continental pointing breed developed for versatile field work. It is valued for hunting close to the handler, pointing, retrieving, and working in rough cover and wet conditions.
The breed's harsh double coat, beard, brows, and practical build are central to its identity. A good Griffon is energetic outdoors, affectionate at home, and usually eager to cooperate when training feels useful. It is not a decorative wire-coated companion; it needs field-style exercise, scent work, and regular contact with its people.
This breed suits active owners who want a trainable sporting dog with moderate size and a weather-resistant coat. It can be a strong family companion, but it needs daily activity, ear and coat care, and enough mental work to prevent restlessness.
Temperament & Personality
EagerFriendlyQuick-wittedAffectionateVersatileActive
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a eager, friendly, quick-witted companion, with daily rhythms shaped by very high energy, moderate barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Wiry
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Low
Colors
Steel gray and brown, Brown, White and brown, Orange and white, Roan
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly5/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs5/5
Grooming Needs3/5
Trainability5/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 5/5 exercise needs
- low shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active owners who want a versatile gundog
- families that enjoy outdoor activities
- people who can provide scent work or field-style training
- owners wanting a lower-shedding sporting coat
Not ideal for
- sedentary homes
- owners wanting a decorative low-effort dog
- people unable to manage ears and coat after outdoor work
- homes without time for daily mental work
Common challenges
- restlessness without enough field-style activity
- mud, burrs, and debris in the wiry coat
- ear moisture after swimming
- young-dog exuberance indoors
Barking & behavior
Griffons are usually friendly but may bark when bored, excited, or under-exercised. Daily work and settling practice are the best prevention.
Training style
Reward-based training, recall games, retrieving, scent work, and field foundations fit the breed well. Keep lessons practical and connected to real activity.
Grooming & shedding
The harsh coat is lower-shedding but needs weekly combing and periodic coat work. Check ears, paws, and beard after wet or brushy outings.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Griffons need 90 minutes or more of daily exercise, especially as young adults. Field training, hiking, retrieving, swimming, scent games, and structured off-leash time in safe areas are better than short walks alone.
Grooming
Brush and comb the harsh coat weekly, paying attention to the beard, legs, and friction areas. Some coats need hand-stripping or professional tidying, and ears should be checked often because active dogs that swim or work cover can trap moisture and debris.
Training
The breed is usually eager and responsive when training is clear and practical. Use reward-based field foundations, recall work, steadiness, polite greetings, and calm household routines.
Nutrition
Feed a measured diet for a medium active sporting dog. Adjust food around hunting season, heavy training, or reduced winter activity so the dog stays lean.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Very High
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather4/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaElbow dysplasiaEye diseaseEar infectionsAllergies
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon a good family dog?
Yes, many are affectionate family dogs when exercised and trained. They are active sporting dogs, so family homes should be ready for daily outdoor activity.
Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon shed?
The breed is considered low shedding, but the harsh coat still needs brushing, combing, and occasional hand-stripping or professional tidying.
How much exercise does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need?
Most healthy adults need 90 minutes or more of daily activity, ideally including scent work, retrieving, hiking, swimming, or field training.
Can a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon live in an apartment?
Apartment life is difficult unless the owner provides serious daily exercise and mental work. The breed is easier in homes with access to safe outdoor activity.
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon good for first-time owners?
Prepared first-time owners can succeed if they want an active sporting dog and are ready for training, exercise, coat care, and ear care.
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon hypoallergenic?
No breed is truly hypoallergenic. The Griffon is low-shedding, but people with allergies should spend time around the breed before committing.
What health issues should owners ask about?
Ask breeders about hip and elbow screening, eye checks, allergies, and ear health, especially in lines used heavily for field work.
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