Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Hypoallergenic? Vet-Approved Facts
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Allergy sufferers love Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. But are these dogs genuinely hypoallergenic? The matter isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. While Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are indeed considered hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coat, it’s important to note that no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic. This article aims to explore the hypoallergenic nature of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, delve into the breed’s background and characteristics, and provide valuable insights for potential owners.
About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Breed
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, or Griffs, are medium-sized dogs recognized for their unique, wiry coats and expressive eyebrows. Originally bred for hunting, Griffs have endeared themselves to many with their friendly disposition, intelligence, and eagerness to please.
Origin
The story of the Griff begins in the Netherlands in the late 19th century. Eduard Karel Korthals, a dedicated breeder, had a vision of creating the perfect hunting dog. His efforts gave birth to the Griff, a versatile, hardworking, and resilient breed that thrives in both land and water retrieves. Despite their hunting roots, Griffs have seamlessly transitioned into beloved family pets, charming owners worldwide with their affable nature.
Personality
Griffs are renowned for their friendly and outgoing temperament. They enjoy being part of family activities and are known to get along well with children. Their intelligence and quick learning abilities make training a relatively straightforward process. However, their independent streak requires a consistent and positive approach to training.
Physical Attributes
As medium-sized dogs, male Griffs stand between 22–24 inches at the shoulder, with females being slightly smaller. One of the Griff’s most distinctive features is their rough and wiry double coat. This not only adds to their charm but also provides protection from harsh weather conditions, making them well-suited for outdoor activities.
Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Hypoallergenic?
When it comes to the hypoallergenic nature of Griffs, there’s some nuance to consider. While no dog breed can be classified as 100% hypoallergenic, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are indeed considered hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coat. This characteristic makes them a suitable choice for individuals with mild to moderate allergies.
Dander and Allergies
Allergies are often triggered by dander, which are tiny flecks of skin shed by animals with fur or feathers. It is actually a specific protein found in the dander that causes allergies. As Griffs have a low-shedding coat, they produce less dander, and therefore less protein, compared to heavy-shedding breeds, reducing the likelihood of triggering allergic reactions.
Grooming and Allergies
One way to further minimize dander production in Griffs is through regular grooming. This includes weekly brushing sessions and occasional baths. However, over-bathing should be avoided as it can lead to dry skin, which inadvertently increases dander production.
Individual Differences
An important aspect to remember is that individual reactions to dander vary significantly. How much dander triggers an allergic reaction in one person might not affect another. Therefore, it’s recommended to spend time with a Griff before deciding to bring one home, to assess if they trigger your allergies.
Living with a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Adopting a Griff means welcoming an energetic, loving, and intelligent member into your family. These dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Training should be a consistent, positive experience, with rewards like treats and praise used to reinforce good behavior.
Exercise Requirements
As active dogs, Griffs require daily physical exercise. This could range from walks and playtime in the yard to more structured activities like agility training. Regular exercise helps keep the Griff physically healthy, and mentally stimulated and prevents behavior problems stemming from boredom or excess energy.
Training Your Griff
Griffs are not just intelligent; they’re also eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Consistent, positive reinforcement techniques work best with this breed. It’s also crucial to start training and socialization early, ensuring they grow into well-rounded, sociable dogs.
Feeding Your Griff
Feeding your Griff a balanced diet contributes significantly to their overall health. This includes high-quality commercial dog food suitable for their age, size, and activity level. Regular feeding times and portion control can help prevent weight-related health issues.
What You Can Do If You’re Still Having Allergy Symptoms
If you’re still having symptoms despite the low-shedding coat of Griffs, there are a few things you can do. This includes bathing your Griff weekly and using a pet dander vacuum or air filter in your home. Additionally, consider consulting with an allergist to get tailored advice on managing your allergies. Treatments may include: immunotherapy, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, and nasal steroid sprays.
The 10 Tips for Controlling Allergies in Your Home
Although Griffs are an ideal choice for allergy sufferers, there are still steps you should take to keep your home allergen-free. These include:
- Vacuuming and dusting regularly to remove dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens from carpets, furniture, and upholstery.
- Washing your Griff’s bedding at least once a week in hot water (above 130°F) to eliminate allergens.
- Avoiding letting the dog sleep in your bedroom to reduce exposure to allergens.
- Bathing your Griff regularly, but avoid over-bathing as it can lead to dry skin and increased allergen production.
- Choosing an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove airborne allergens from the home.
- Replacing carpeted floors with hardwood or laminate surfaces as these are easier to keep free of dust and allergens.
- Using allergen-proof covers for mattresses, pillows, and duvets if you are particularly sensitive to pet dander.
- Choosing furniture pieces that don’t easily accumulate dust such as leather sofas instead of cloth ones.
- Opening windows when possible to let in fresh air and reduce allergen levels.
- Keeping your Griff’s coat well-groomed to minimize the amount of dander they shed.
Ultimately, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an excellent choice for individuals with mild to moderate allergies but no dog requires zero cleaning.
Conclusion
In essence, while Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are often considered hypoallergenic, it’s vital to understand that owning a pet extends beyond managing allergies. These dogs, with their friendly personalities and active lifestyles, require time, commitment, and care. They can make wonderful companions, and with the right approach, you’ll have not just a hypoallergenic pet but a cherished member of your family.
Related Reads:
- Are German Wirehaired Pointers Hypoallergenic? Breed Facts & Allergy Tips
- How Big Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Get? Average Weight & Growth Chart
Featured Image Credit: Vaclav Sonnek, Shutterstock
