Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The rough, wiry coat of a Griffon dog is low-shedding and doesn’t take much in the way of routine maintenance.  

Brush your dog’s coat at least once a month, which will loosen dead hair and keep the coat free of debris. Use a TK brush for best results. 

An occasional hand-stripping, in which hair is removed at the root instead of clipped, will help maintain the coat’s texture and keep shedding under control, Magnusson says. This can be done by a professional or a dedicated pet parent.  

While it might involve learning new techniques, grooming a Griffon isn’t out of reach for most pet parents. “Many [pet parents] can manage maintenance grooming at home with some guidance, though some do choose professional grooming periodically,” says Magnusson. 

Bathing is only needed when your dog becomes especially dirty or stinky, but plan on regularly trimming your dog’s nails, brushing their teeth, and checking the folded ears for signs of irritation or infection. The breed can be prone to ear infections, but this is largely preventable if you keep their ears clean and dry. 

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are A+ canine students. But they have a sensitive side, too, so it’s important not to be overly harsh during training sessions.

“They respond best to positive, consistent training methods rather than heavy-handed correction,” says Magnusson. “They thrive with praise, structure, and regular engagement.” 

Consistency is especially important when training a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. “You need to be ready to do several repetitions of a skill in order for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon to grasp it,” Upchurch says. She points out that versatile breeds like the Griffon are sometimes slower learners since they have so many concepts to commit to memory.  

Along with basic obedience skills, Upchurch includes a strong recall command and a stop cue as essential skills to teach these dogs, especially if they’ll be off-leash for hunting or recreation. 

If you’re a first-time dog parent, be prepared to understand this breed’s training style and needs. It’s also important to socialize these dogs well, early, and frequently to new people and situations. This helps the Griffon learn that the world is a safe and fun place full of kind people. 

To ensure your Griffon is healthy and maintains a healthy weight, feed your dog food that has a seal from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Choose a diet that is specific to your dog’s life stage: puppy, adult, or senior. Follow the feeding guidelines on the package to determine how much to give your dog based on their weight. If you have questions specific to your dog’s activity level or body condition, ask your veterinarian for advice. Your vet can recommend the best dog food for your Griffon. 

Adult Wirehaired Pointing Griffons usually do best when fed two meals a day. But if you bring home a puppy, you’ll want to adjust the meal schedule.  

For Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppies under 4 months of age, feed three meals a day. More frequent meals can help predict your pup’s need for a potty break while also helping prevent low sugar and regulating the digestive system. Once your puppy is 4–6 months old, reduce feeding to twice daily.

The sporty Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

“Most Griffons do best with at least one to two hours of activity per day,” says Magnusson. Several walks or a long jog will fulfill this breed’s exercise needs, but you can take advantage of other canine sports, too. Griffons easily take to activities like hiking; scent work and tracking; agility; rally; and dock diving.  

This breed is also well-known for having versatile hunting capabilities. Sometimes referred to as the four-wheel drive of hunting dogs, there’s practically nowhere these dogs won’t go while hunting. “They hunt both upland and waterfowl in the field and water,” says Upchurch.  

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons easily take to tracking and retrieving tasks—and their impressive stamina means they don’t tire easily, even in tough terrain.  

However, it’s important to take precautions to make sure you keep track of your dog. “If they get away from their [pet parents],” Upchurch says, “they are capable of traveling long distances due to their athleticism.” She recommends collars with name plates and microchipping when hunting. 

A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will be happiest at the center of your daily activities and in a home that offers plenty of opportunity for daily exercise. These active dogs adapt well to family life, Magnusson says.

“[They] are typically very social with children and other pets when properly socialized from an early age,” he adds.

Usually, a home with a fenced yard is best for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon—but they shouldn’t stay outside all the time.

They are not full-time kennel dogs, and do well with indoor and outdoor access,” says Upchurch.