15 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Pros & Cons: What To Consider Before Bringing One Home

Every dog breed has a ton of positives that make us love them. However, if you are considering bringing a specific breed home, gather all the information you can. Certain aspects of having a particular dog might be totally in alignment with your household, but others can be deal breakers.

So, if you want a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, we have a list here of all the pros and cons of the breed so you can make an informed choice. Is this breed right for you?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Pros

1. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Have Fabulous Personalities

These dogs have excellent personalities that you will be sure to love! They have a perfect mix of being laid back and easygoing, as well as being active and on the go.

If you want a dog that is very open to meeting new people, this is certainly a terrific breed to consider. They tend to be extremely loving and outgoing with strangers and new experiences. While they can be protective of their family, they aren’t aggressive or defensive.

These dogs are generally highly adaptable, perfect for families with ever-changing environments. They are exceptionally eager to please and have exuberant energy to expend with the kids in the backyard or on outdoor adventures.

Prepare to mentally stimulate your dog with all sorts of new activities and exciting games. When properly socialized, these dogs make and maculate family editions for many lifestyles.

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2. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Are Incredibly Intelligent

This particular breed was a hunting dog originally. It’s no wonder that they take directions so well! These dogs are smart little whippersnappers. They will be hyper-intuitive to your emotions and their surroundings.

While this certainly comes in handy, it can also be a downfall. Dogs are so swift they might just test your patience. They may be too smart for their own good. However, using positive reinforcement techniques and praise can work in your favor when coupled with their willingness to please.

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3. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Look Very Unique

Have you seen a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon? Why wouldn’t you want to own one of these magnificent beasts? These dogs have bristly and wiry coats, hence their name. It gives them a naturally unkempt appearance despite grooming.

Most generally, these dogs are a steel gray color with brown markings. They are notorious for their distinguished-looking mustache and large frame eyebrows. The scruffy, old-man-like look gives them that appeal that many canine lovers adore.

These dogs are medium-built when fully developed. They can weigh between 35 to 70 pounds.

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4. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Love Being Outside

Your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will absolutely love romping around in the great outdoors. They work best in homes with a large fenced-in backyard or several acres to run around on.

If they have a lack of space, it can cause them to get a little rambunctious. They will not only enjoy running around solo outside, but they will love accompanying family members on hikes, park visits, and other outdoor adventures.

If you live in a residential area, ensure that the fence you have on hand is secure in all spots. These dogs are extremely intelligent and adventurous, making escapes hard to resist.

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5. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Are Very Independent

If you want a dog that can stand on its own two feet, all the while having a very close relationship with you, this breed is certainly one to consider. These dogs are independent in their own right, but they still bond deeply with their human companions.

It is a very good mixture if you’re someone who doesn’t necessarily want a lap dog or a shadow dog but still wants to spend lots of time with their pup.

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6. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Are Great with Children

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an excellent canine for the little ones. Even though they might be a little rambunctious to have around kids that are younger than six, they can acclimate pretty well into basically any lifestyle.

They will enjoy romping around with the kids in the backyard or going on a family outing. Even though these dogs are not aggressive, they will be very protective over the smaller members of the pack.

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7. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Have Minimal Grooming Needs

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a thick double coat requiring easy brushing. However, they don’t really require any complicated care. A few passes a week will get rid of any loose shed in the coat.

Like most other dogs, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires a good old-fashioned bath once every 4 to 6 weeks. They are not prone to particularly sensitive skin, although we still recommend buying fragrance-free shampoos and conditioners to avoid irritation.

In addition to bathing, your Griffon will require nail trimming and teeth brushing as needed. They don’t require any fancy haircuts or specialized care unless you want to pamper them by taking them to a professional groomer.

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8. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Are Very Healthy

Luckily, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an exceptionally healthy canine. There are very few genetic health issues that crop up in the breed. That is not to say they can’t develop specific health issues due to environmental and dietary factors. But overall, these dogs are very healthy, so you can count on infrequent vet bills.

If you are the kind of person who would like to avoid the vet as much as possible, this breed should be among your top choice. However, that’s not to say that they never need vet care. They will require annual checkups and routine vaccinations to stay happy and healthy and get out in front of any potential health issues.

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9. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Are Easy to Train

Since the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has hunting roots, they are generally effortless to train. They take direction well, although their independent spirit can sometimes get the better of them.

With consistent and firm training, these dogs will get the hang of many commands and can carry out multiple tasks. They thrive on positive reinforcement. Also, the way to their heart is through their belly.

So be sure to have their favorite snacks on hand and cheerfully express your happiness with their actions. Doing so will create a bond between the two of you and guarantee successful training outcomes.

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10. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Work Well in Hot or Cold Environments

Since Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have thick double coats, it makes them perfect for an environment that gets a little chilly. That is not to say that they should ever be outside in below-freezing temperatures for long periods of time, but they have extreme cold hardiness.

You always have to be careful about having any dog in the heat, but this dog tends to do very well in warmer environments. They’re good for any climate you live in. However, always ensure you take the proper precautions to keep your animal safe.

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11. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Are Great for Allergy Sufferers

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a pretty straightforward coat that’s easy to manage, as we discussed above. But another positive? This breed is considered hypoallergenic. We want to make sure we’re clear.

No dog is entirely hypoallergenic, but they produce significantly less dander and allergy-inducing proteins than other breeds. So even though they are a double-coated breed, they are the ideal companion for mild to moderate allergy sufferers.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Cons

12. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Aren’t Great for Apartment Living

Because the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is such an athletic dog, they don’t make the most outstanding candidates for apartment living. The cramped living space and lack of free-roaming capabilities can be quite taxing on them.

Even though they only have moderate exercise needs, they might get a little rambunctious in small spaces. Unless you’re the kind of person who can commit to long daily walks, hikes, and frequent trips to the dog park, an apartment is just not the ideal environment for these dogs.

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13. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Can Be Difficult to Potty Train

Surprisingly, this breed can be incredibly easy to train but difficult to potty train. Since they have such a mind of their own, it can take time to convince them that they need to go outside to do their business.

That isn’t to say that every single one of these dogs will be difficult to potty train. They are so smart that convincing them to go outdoors shouldn’t take long. However, you should be aware that it can be a little more complicated for some.

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14. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Require Secure Areas

This particular breed is quite the adventurer. They will require a secure fenced-in yard. Because they are so athletic, they can quickly jump low or unsecured fences. So always make sure the fence is the appropriate height and material to withstand such a dog.

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15.  Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Don’t Like Being Left Alone

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon isn’t a dog that requires constant attention. However, they are also not the kind of breed you should have if you’re gone for a large portion of the day. They crave companionship from their human counterparts and want to spend time with their family.

You can leave this particular breed home for around 8 hours a day, but no more than that. So if you work long hours or no one is available to take care of the dog, you’re better off getting another breed.

Getting a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Puppy

Now that you’ve scoured the pros and cons, is this breed for you? If so, you’re likely going to start your puppy search very soon. When you do, there are some things you need to know about costs and care.

Buying from a Breeder

If you choose to buy your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon from a breeder, there are several things you’ll want to check off your list. Selecting the appropriate breeder ensures that your puppy is healthy and issue-free.

Breeders work diligently to produce quality puppies with minimal health issues within their control. They only breed dogs that have sound structures and appropriate genetics.

Total costs depend on quality, particular breeder rates, and bloodlines. If you purchase from a reputable breeder, here are a few things you can expect.

Deposit Requests

Many breeders will request that you put a deposit down on the puppy that you want. This helps a breeder weed out potential owners that aren’t really serious about purchase. It also helps the buyer secure the dog that they want.

Typically, you can expect to pay half of the cost of the dog up front.

Puppy Contracts

Puppy contracts are an extremely positive thing that breeders put in place to ensure the success of the new home. If the new owner finds themselves unable to take care of that particular dog, the contract requires them to return the puppy to the breeder.

Homelessness is a real epidemic among pets, and this measure is put in place to ensure that it doesn’t happen. It is also a good indicator that the breeder is very serious about the overall care and happiness of the puppy.

Home Visits

Home visits allow the breeder to see the environment the new puppy will be in. If they have to make any recommendations for fencing, puppy-proofing the home, or any other area of interest, they can do so at this time.

In turn, many breeders allow the prospective owner to come by and check out the current puppies’ environment. You will also have a chance to get to know the parents to validate the quality, care, and temperament of the parents.

Proof of Vet

Often, breeders will require that you show proof of having a licensed vet ready before bringing your puppy home. This indicates that you will be serious about the overall care of your dog, ensuring they get the proper vaccines, spay and neuter surgery, and general care.

Spay/Neuter Agreements

If you purchase a puppy for a pet and do not get breeding rights, many breeders will want you to spay and neuter the dog as soon as possible. Often, they will have you sign an agreement that you will get your puppy fixed within a set amount of time.

This kind of agreement eliminates the possibility of improper breeding tactics and accidental litters. It is another mechanism to reduce the risk of homelessness among dogs.

Adopting a Rescue or Shelter

You can always adopt a juvenile or adult dog from a local rescue or shelter. Often, even purebred dogs find themselves in a situation where they need a new forever home. The great thing about adopting from a facility is that all of the vetting is done for you.

When you purchase the dog, you can take them to your vet for general care, but the basics will already be completed, such as spay and neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. Adopting can often be less expensive than purchasing a dog from a breeder.

One-Time, Upfront Costs

Buying your puppy or dog isn’t where the spending ends. You must consider that you will need their appropriate supplies to ensure a successful partnership. Some of these costs include:

Recurring Costs

There are several recurring costs you can expect when owning any dog. These are pretty basic and standard, and you likely anticipate them already. But we do want to mention each one to put costs into perspective.

These include:

Professional Training

Training a new puppy can be quite challenging. If you don’t have the experience or you feel like you’re in over your head, you can factor in the cost of professional services. There are plenty of professional trainers who can give you basic tips to advanced training, depending on your needs.

There are many free resources online or paid training at an actual facility. Remember that training is a two-way street. You have to work diligently with your dog in a manner that works for them as much as they will have to learn manners and basic behavior.

The costs of professional training can vary depending on the kinds of services you require. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $500 to $2,500 for these sorts of services.

Conclusion

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an exquisite dog that is usually family-friendly, affectionate, and athletic. They are best with other dogs and have plenty of space to roam and explore. Due to their demanding physical needs, they don’t do best in apartments or with sedentary people.

After learning all of this information about the gentle, adventurous Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, what do you think? Is this breed one you could imagine sharing 12 to 15 years with you? Or would you be better off with another type of dog?

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Featured Image Credit: Cat Simpson, Shutterstock