Home / The Breed
Everything worth knowing about the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
One dog that points, tracks and retrieves on land and water, then lies down next to your kids. Here is what living with one actually looks like.
Temperament
People dogs first
Griffons thrive with human companionship and interaction. They are a very loyal breed and can be protective, but typically not aggressive. They have an easy temperament, are highly intelligent and are eager to please, which is what makes them straightforward to train.
They are gentle guardians of young children — something we have experienced firsthand with all six of ours. A Griffon does not do well left alone in a run all week; it wants to be wherever the family is.
If nobody is home for ten hours a day, this is the wrong breed. Tell us that on the phone and we will say so.
In the field
The four-wheel drive of hunting dogs
The best aspect of the breed is versatility. They point, they track, and they retrieve on land and in water. They go into briars and underbrush with no hesitation, and they work close to a walking hunter rather than ranging out of sight.
As a show dog the Griffon is shown in its natural state, which emphasises the rough coat the breed was built around.
At a glance
Breed specifications
- CoatHarsh and wiry with a soft undercoat. Usually steel gray with brown markings; roan and ticked patterns are common. Needs hand-stripping or a thorough brush-out every few weeks.
- SheddingMinimal compared with a smooth-coated retriever.
- WeightFemales 35–60 lbs, males 65–70 lbs.
- EnergyHigh outdoors, settled indoors once worked.
- Field roleVersatile pointing dog. Upland birds and waterfowl.
- With childrenReliably gentle. Supervision still applies with any dog.
- RegistriesAKC, and NAVHDA for versatile hunting testing.
- Health testingOFA hip and elbow evaluation on breeding stock.
Questions we get every week
Before you call
What is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
A versatile gun dog that points, tracks and retrieves on both land and water. The coat is harsh and wiry, usually steel gray with brown markings. Griffons were bred to work close to a walking hunter, which is the same trait that makes them steady in a household.
Are Griffons good family dogs?
Yes. They are people dogs that thrive on companionship, loyal and protective without being aggressive, intelligent and eager to please. Our dogs are raised in a house with six children and act as gentle guardians around them.
Are your puppies AKC registered?
Every dog here is AKC registered. Both kennels produce champion bloodlines.
Do you ship puppies out of state?
Yes. Transportation is one of the services we offer, and we place puppies from both the Texas and Idaho kennels. Call Gregg at (208) 590-3620 or Andrew at (208) 244-8020 with your location and we will quote the trip.
Do Griffons shed?
Very little. The harsh wire coat sheds far less than a smooth-coated retriever, but it needs hand-stripping or a thorough brush-out every few weeks to stay clean and weather-resistant.
How much exercise does a Griffon need?
Plan on real daily work, not a walk around the block. They are a hunting breed with genuine drive. A Griffon that gets run hard a few times a week settles down completely indoors.
How do I reserve a puppy?
Call or text Gregg or Andrew to be added to the waiting list, then place a deposit. Puppies are picked in the order deposits are received, so contact us before a litter is whelped if you want early pick.
Next step
Think a Griffon fits your household?
Call and tell us how you hunt, who is at home during the day, and what you want out of the dog. We will tell you honestly whether to get on the list.
Idaho & general
(208) 590-3620Gregg
Texas & transport
(208) 244-8020Andrew