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Physical Characteristics of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)
Skull: Of medium width with equal length from nose to stop and from stop to occiput.
Head: In proportion to the overall dog.
Eyes: Large and well open, more rounded than elliptical. They have an alert, friendly and intelligent expression.
Nose: Well open nostrils are essential. Nose color is always brown.
Ears: Of medium size, lying flat and close to the head, set high, at the height of the eye line.
Neck: Rather long, slightly arched, no dewlap.
Bite: Scissors.
Chest: Must descend to the level of the elbow, with a moderate spring of rib.
Forequarters: Shoulders are long, with good angulation and well laid back. The forelegs are straight and vertical from the front and set well under the shoulder from the side. Pasterns are slightly sloping.
Color: Preferably steel gray with brown markings, frequently chestnut brown, or roan, white and brown; white and orange also acceptable.
Feet: Round, firm, with tightly closed webbed toes.
Back: Strong and firm.
Tail: Extends from the back in a continuation of the topline. It is docked by one-third to one-half length.
Hindquarters: The thighs are long and well muscled. Angulation in balance with the front. The legs are vertical with the hocks turning neither in nor out. The stifle and hock joints are strong and well angulated.
Coat: One of the distinguishing features of the breed. It is a double coat. The outer coat is medium length, straight and wiry, never curly or woolly. The obligatory undercoat consists of a fine, thick down, which provides insulation as well as water resistance.
Size: 22 to 24 inches for males, 20 to 22 inches for females.
Contents
History of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Though the French lay claim to this “supreme gundog,” the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was a gift to the hunting world from the son of a wealthy Dutch banker. Follow the trail of the original Griffs of continental Europe in the 19th century to the hunting fields of America today. A history of breed clubs and a detailed timeline will further your knowledge of the development of this wonderful gundog.
Characteristics of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Learn why the Griff is known as the “best-kept secret of the Sporting Group” through discussions on his physical traits, temperament, personality and trainability. Is your home suitable for this goofy, energetic and faithful gundog and are you an appropriate owner? Also discussed are health concerns in the breed.
Breed Standard for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Learn the requirements of a well-bred Wirehaired Pointing Griffon by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard and the French working standard. Show dogs, hunting dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.
Your Puppy Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Find out about how to locate a well-bred Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.
Proper Care of Your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Cover the specifics of taking care of your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; coat care and other routine grooming; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are ID, boarding and traveling safely with your pet.
Training Your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Get started by introducing the pup to his collar and leash and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and training for other activities.
Healthcare of Your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD
Become your dog’s healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.
Showing Your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Acquaint yourself with the basics of AKC conformation showing and find out about other types of competition for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: obedience and field trials, agility competition and tracking and hunting tests.
Behavior of Your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Analyze the canine mind to understand what makes your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon tick. Learn how to recognize and handle potential canine behavior problems: different types of aggression, separation anxiety and chewing.
KENNEL CLUB BOOKS®
