Wirehaired Pointing Griffon characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | 33% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | High | 20% of breeds |
| Shedding | Low | 26% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon right for you?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. In terms of temperament, it is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog and is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors. Day to day, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. With very high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and drops very little hair. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is quick to learn and a pleasure to train and gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Grooming needs: High — the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs more grooming than most breeds. Only 20% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon actually costs you
| Exercise | Two or more hours of real exercise a day, most days, plus something that occupies its mind. This is the single commitment that decides whether the match works. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Brushing several times a week, with professional grooming at intervals. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Possible only if the daily exercise genuinely happens, whatever the weather. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Depends | High prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Versatile hunters
- Active families
- Water sports
- All-weather activities
Things to consider
- Needs extensive grooming
- High exercise needs
- Can be independent
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon good with children?
- Yes — the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon shed a lot?
- The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has low shedding.
- How much exercise does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon need?
- With very high energy, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon live?
- The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon live in an apartment?
- The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon easy to train?
- The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is quick to learn and a pleasure to train. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon be left alone during the day?
- The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.