Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Genetic Predispositions and Health

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons can suffer from atopic dermatitis, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, cryptorchidism, hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion, epilepsy, hernia (umbilical), meningitis-arteritis, osteochondritis dissecans (shoulder), and recurrent flank alopecia. Genetic testing is recommended, including for the following additional conditions: hyperuricosoria, degenerative myelopathy, and progressive rod-cone degeneration.

Personality and Behavior

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are intelligent, lively, and affectionate dogs. They tend to be friendly and are excellent with children, making them suitable for families. They are known for their keen sense of smell and remarkable versatility in various terrains, making them exceptional hunting and retrieving dogs.

However, they are not just hunting dogs; they are also known for their love of human companionship and are quite eager to please. They are generally good with other dogs and pets and are not typically aggressive. These dogs are also known for being relatively easy to train due to their eager-to-please attitude and intelligence.

Pointer-Spaniel Lineage

A canine genetic lineage is a group of individuals or entire breeds that descended from common ancestors predating modern breed formation. Often these lineages are associated with a ‘type’ of dog with a unique historical working role and associated behaviors (e.g., herding, scent hunting, etc.).

The Pointer-Spaniel lineage encompasses both pointer and spaniel breeds. They were both bred for their specialized hunting abilities in Europe. Pointers locate game and freeze in a stance, called “pointing”, to indicate to their hunter that birds are close by. Spaniels were bred to find game in underbrush and retrieve it. Both pointer and spaniel breeds were bred to enhance their strong senses, trainability, and endurance as these are advantageous in a hunting partner. Spaniels and pointers are known for their strong work ethic, ability to work closely with humans and agility. These dogs’ ability to work closely with their hunters makes them an asset during a hunt because they follow direction well and know how their hunters want them to proceed.

Example breeds with ancestry from this lineage include English Cocker Spaniel, Irish Red Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer.

Fun Facts

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are often referred to as "supreme gundogs" due to their versatile hunting skills. This includes being excellent swimmers and retrievers.

The breed is also known as the "4-wheel drive of hunting dogs" because of their ability to navigate different types of terrain.

Despite their rough-and-tumble exterior, these dogs have been described as having a "nearly human" expression.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is the national breed of The Netherlands.

References

https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/wirehaired-pointing-griffon?page=1
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/WIRE-HAIRED-POINTING-GRIFFON-KORTHALS-107.html
https://www.ukcdogs.com/wire-haired-pointing-griffon
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/wirehaired-pointing-griffon/