Wirehaired Pointing Griffon - Appearance & Grooming
Dog Breeds
Introduction
Appearance & Grooming of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Breed: The average Wirehaired Pointing Griffon stands 20 to 24 inches high at the shoulders and weighs between 50 and 60 pounds. Their harsh wiry coat should be brushed a few times a week and professional hand striped and groomed twice a year.
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Appearance
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium sized hunting dog with a rough coat, and a strong, yet graceful demeanor. The head is noble, the muzzle square, and the distinctive face sports bushy eyebrows, a mustache and a beard. The skull is the same length from stop to occiput as it is from the nose to stop. The nose is brown and the teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The ears lie flat against the head and the eyes are large and either yellow or brown in color. Pointing Griffons are slightly longer than they are tall and the topline slopes downward from withers to rear. The tail is customarily docked to 2/3 length. The feet are round and webbed to aid in swimming. The coat is wiry and underneath, thick and downy. Pointing Griffons may be gray or silver with roan or chestnut markings or they may be solid white, brown or white.
Size and Weight
The ideal height for male Wirehaired Pointing Griffons is 22 to 24 inches at the withers and for females, 20 to 22 inches. Slightly longer than they are tall, the correct ratio for the breed is 10:9. Show dogs are severely penalized for not meeting these standards, as size is of key importance to the breed. Though there is no weight standard, the average weight for well-proportioned males is 60 pounds and for females, 50 pounds.
Coat and Color
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon wears a dense, weatherproof double coat. The undercoat is thick and downy and the topcoat is coarse and harsh. The hair is medium length and should never be curly. The distinctive eyebrows and mustache are made up of the same hair as the undercoat. The ideal color is steel gray with either roan or chestnut markings. Solid white, brown or white and orange are acceptable, but less than desirable for showing.
Grooming Needs
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons shed lightly, if at all. Weekly combing is necessary to remove any loose hair that is trapped in the wiry coat. Only bathe when necessary, as frequent shampooing can change the texture of the coat.
Check the ears regularly (and always after swimming) for signs of infection, irritation, or wax build up. Cleanse regularly with a veterinarian-approved cleanser and cotton ball. Brush the teeth at least once per week to prevent tartar buildup and fight gum disease. Additionally, nails should be trimmed once per month if the dog does not wear the toenails down naturally.
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Temperament & Personality