Is the Welsh Terrier or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon better for families with children?

Both the Welsh Terrier and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Welsh Terrier or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

The Welsh Terrier and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Welsh Terrier or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Welsh Terrier or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon bigger?

Welsh Terrier and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Welsh Terrier or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Welsh Terrier or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

For apartment or apartment living, Welsh Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Welsh Terrier vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Which Is Calmer?

Welsh Terrier vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: full comparison

Trait	Welsh Terrier	Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Welsh Terrier is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Welsh Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Welsh Terrier needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and drops very little hair. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and drops very little hair. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Welsh Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Welsh Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Welsh Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Welsh Terrier and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Welsh Terrier and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Welsh Terrier and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Welsh Terrier if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon if you want an easier dog to train or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Welsh Terrier or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon better for families with children?: Both the Welsh Terrier and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Welsh Terrier or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?: The Welsh Terrier and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Welsh Terrier or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Welsh Terrier or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon bigger?: Welsh Terrier and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Welsh Terrier or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Welsh Terrier or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?: For apartment or apartment living, Welsh Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Welsh Terrier vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon