The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

God with a little help from Eduard Karel Korthals

If you like dogs that take being a dog very seriously get out now and make the acquaintance of a griff.

People all the time: “What kind of dog is that?!”

Me: “A Griff”

Them: “… a wha?” or “oh I know them” (this is code for - “…a wha?”)

Me: “A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon… no she’s not old, no I didn’t dye her head, yes she is supposed to look like that, in fact…”

If you are willing to build your lifestyle around a dog because you want the best and most loyal companion you will ever have a chance of finding, then you need to think Griff. They are no joke though. They need five to six miles walking a day and at least a few days a week where they can get out in the woods and run for ten. In fact most breeders won’t even talk to you if you don’t guarantee to take them hunting - the Griff not the breeders, although they would probably be up for it too. If you want to get the lowdown on where these excellent beasts came from, check out the American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association.

These dogs want to be with you all the time. I happen to love that but you really have to have a life that lets you get away with it. Mine is happy as a clam sleeping under my desk all day but is raring to go when the workday is done. Think about your day - could you take one everywhere? These guys aren’t huge but they are 50 - 65 pounds so not exactly a dog you can throw in a bag.

Except for the awesome guy on the New York subway with a great dane in an IKEA bag with leg holes… you are my hero!

You can’t leave them alone all day, but if you usually don’t, they will patiently wait in their house for you to return from dinner and a few cocktails, just not so many you can’t take them out when when you get back. Bottom line having a griff is a relationship. If you want that in a dog, you can do no better but if you need a part time pet, go get a cat or a french bulldog if the cat thing sounds like too much for you.*

* My apologies to my friends with cats and frenchies - I don’t like you any less, you just don’t have a real dog.