Considered to be one of the most versatile of all of the hunting dogs, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is known for his ability to tackle all terrains without pause.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon History
The origin of the Griffon founder is uncertain, but he was first noted as far back as 500 B.C. Various strains of the Griffon were then referenced throughout Europe during the 16th century, but development of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, as a single breed, can be traced back to the mid 1800’s.
It was during this time that Eduard K. Korthals, an avid Dutch hunter, began to work at developing a dog that could not only traverse the wet marshes of his homeland, but was also capable of hunting over a variety of challenging terrains.
Korthal’s ideal dog would have the keen scenting nose of a pointer, the endurance to handle an all-day hunt, and the speed to keep up with moving game. Additionally, he would have a gentle and cooperative nature like that of a retriever, and a coat that was designed to handle both extreme heat and cold, as well as having water-repellent qualities. It was apparent that Korthal sought to create a sort of all-purpose, all-terrain super dog.
He would be granted further opportunity to create his super dog, when Korthals was hired by Prince Albrecht zu Solms-Braunfels, to run his large German kennel in 1873. There, Korthals was able to purchase dogs from several different countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Using a selection of griffon dogs, Barbets, Boulets, Pointers, Spaniels and Retrievers, he would use these dogs to breed for the desired type an attitude that he sought in a well-mannered and versatile hunting dog. By 1886, he had developed his Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and wrote a standard by which the breed should be judged.