Wirehaired Pointing Griffon as Hunting Dog
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a fairly new breed of dog hunting dog it is a rough-coated, strong and graceful, medium-sized hunting dog. It is Dutch in origin, but is regarded as a French breed because a major portion of the breed's development took place in France. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the period between 1870 and 1873 by the Dutch breeder named "E. K. Korthals" through mixing German Griffons with French and German Pointers, Spaniels, Barbets and a Setter. The result of his breeding program was an enthusiastic hunting dog with a fine nose especially good for small game such as hare and quail. In the 1980's a few American breeders elected to import Cesky Fousek dogs and breed them into the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon lines. Disagreements over this practice resulted in a rift among breeders and the subsequent formation of the American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association to preserve the purity of the original breed. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a skilled field dog. Energetic, loving and intelligent. It is a superior gundog and tracker, and an excellent hunting companion. It points and retrieves with a deliberate style, generally staying within the hunter's gun range. His style is especially good for hunters on foot. It combines independent action with the ability to be directed by the hunter. This breed is gifted with an exceptionally fine sense of smell and a great passion for the hunt, especially for quail and hare. Lively and active, the breed works well in marshland and upland, and is a fine pointer, flusher and water retriever. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's coat protects him from dense brush and bad weather. They prefer cool climates. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is particularly adapted for swampy country, where its harsh coat is excellent protection.
