Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Other names	Korthals Griffon Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur Korthals
Origin	Netherlands, Germany, France
Traits Height Male 22–24 in (56–61 cm) Female 20–22 in (51–56 cm) Coat Dense, wiry double coat. Undercoat is thick and provides insulation.
Classification / standards FCI Group 7, Section 1.3 Continental Pointing Dogs: Griffon type #107 standard AKC Sporting standard CKC Group 1 - Sporting Dogs standard KC (UK) Gundog standard UKC Gun Dogs standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (also called the Korthals Griffon , and the Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur Korthals in France and Quebec) is a breed of dog used in hunting as a gundog. It is sometimes considered to be Dutch in ancestry, due to the nationality of the breed founder, Eduard Karel Korthals. History records the progression of the development of the breed through Biebeshein am Rhen Germany where the founder established the Ipenwoud kennel and the breed type was established and then into France where it is now recognized. Others consider the Griffon to be a German breed because Korthals' kennel, Ipenwoud, was located in Biebesheim am Rhein, Germany. It was there for over twenty years that Korthals dedicated his life to the development and perfection of the Korthals Griffon.

The breed is still relatively rare in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom despite long recognition by their respective national kennel clubs, as well as the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale). The Korthals Griffon is particularly adapted for hunting in thick undergrowth and around water, where its harsh coat is excellent protection. The griffon is used primarily as a hunting dog for upland game birds as well as waterfowl.

The Korthals Griffon is a strong medium-sized dog (20-22" for females, 22-24" for males) with a harsh, wiry outer coat and a softer under coat. The coat is preferably steel gray with brown markings. Other acceptable colors: chestnut brown, white and brown, roan, and white and orange. All brown, all white or white and orange are less desirable. A black coat disqualifies.

The griffon has a large and long head, with large rounded eyes covered with eyebrows and complemented with a beard. The nose is always brown. The neck is long and body well proportioned and muscular. Depending on the country, the tail may be docked.

Eduard Karel Korthals is credited with the breed around 1873. Korthals' dream was to create the ideal versatile gun dog; one with extreme resiliency, vigor, and devotion to its master. The dog would also have to work close to its master, and be open to training.