Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, purebred dog

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Also known as Griffon Korthals, Korthals

49th most popular breed in France · 789 puppies registered in 2025 (LOF)
Height at the withers
50 to 60 cm
Weight
23 to 27 kg
Life expectancy
12 to 15 years
Daily activity
90 minutes
Origin
France
FCI group
7 · Pointing dogs
Is it right for me?

Who is it for?

Ideal for

  • a family with young children
  • close neighbors: it barks little

Less suited to

  • an apartment: it needs space
  • long absences: it struggles when left alone

Overview

A versatile pointing dog with a harsh, coarse coat and a pronounced beard and eyebrows. Known for its pointing, its retrieving and its way of hunting close to the hunter, it has an intelligent, cooperative character.

FriendlyIntelligentCooperativeLoyalEnergetic

History and origins

Developed in the late 19th century by the Dutchman Eduard Karel Korthals, who worked in Germany and France, by crossing various European pointing dogs and griffons. His goal: the ideal versatile pointing dog for hunting on foot. The FCI assigns it to France, where the breed mainly developed.

Health

Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Entropion and ectropion
  • Ear infections

Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.

Coat and care

Medium-length, wiry coat. Low shedding, low coat care.

All ratings

Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.

Lifestyle

Energy
High, 4 out of 5
Apartment
Difficult, 2 out of 5
Home alone
Poorly, 2 out of 5

Family and sociability

With children
Excellent, 5 out of 5
With other dogs
Good, 4 out of 5
With cats
Fair, 3 out of 5
With strangers
Open, 4 out of 5

Training and temperament

Ease of training
Easy, 4 out of 5
For a first-time owner
Possible, 3 out of 5
Guarding instinct
Low, 2 out of 5
Prey drive
Very strong, 5 out of 5
Tendency to roam
Moderate, 3 out of 5

Care and neighbors

Coat care
Low, 2 out of 5
Shedding
Low, 2 out of 5
Drooling
Rarely, 2 out of 5
Barking
Quiet, 2 out of 5

Climate and health

Heat tolerance
Average, 3 out of 5
Cold tolerance
Good, 4 out of 5
Hardiness
Good, 4 out of 5

In our lists

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon FAQ

How big does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon get?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon stands 50 to 60 cm at the withers and weighs 23 to 27 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.

Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon shed a lot?

It sheds little and its coat needs little care.

Can the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon live in an apartment?

It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.

How much exercise does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need each day?

Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.

Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon good with children?

Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.

How long does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon live?

Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.

Similar breeds

Same size and similar ratings. All pointing dogs

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