While their origins can be traced back to ancient Greece, the modern Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed was developed in the late 19th century with a specific goal in mind: to create the ultimate all-terrain hunting companion.
A recent study by the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association1 (NAVHDA) revealed that Griffons consistently score highly in natural ability tests, showcasing their innate hunting instincts from a young age.
But the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon’s journey to recognition has been anything but straightforward, as you’ll discover in these interesting facts about the breed.
1. The Breed aas Inspired by Gregor Mendel’s Genetics Research
While there’s no definitive proof, many believe the development of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in the late 1800s was inspired by Gregor Mendel’s groundbreaking research on genetics. Mendel’s work on inheritance and selective breeding of pea plants motivated dog breeders across Europe to try engineering their ideal breeds.
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Dutch breeder Eduard Korthals set out to create the ultimate versatile gun dog, crossing various pointing and retrieving breeds to produce the Griffon.
2. Griffons Have Ancient Greek Roots
References to “Griffon” type dogs can be traced all the way back to the writings of Greek historian Xenophon in 500 B.C.
The Gauls of Europe also used Griffon-like dogs for hunting from the 5th century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. However, the exact origins of this ancestral stock remain a mystery lost to history.
3. Their Wiry Coat Serves a Practical Purpose
The Griffon’s signature wiry outer coat and thick, insulating undercoat aren’t just for show. This weatherproof jacket provides excellent protection when hunting in thick underbrush and icy marshes.
The coarse texture also resists burrs and mats, allowing the dog to move effortlessly through challenging terrain.
4. They Were Bred to Be the Ultimate Versatile Hunting Dog
When developing the breed, Eduard Korthals selected for traits like superior scenting ability, strength, endurance, trainability, and a water-repellent coat.
His goal was to engineer a physically robust dog with the characteristics of both a pointer and retriever that could hunt and retrieve on any terrain – dry land, marshes, or in the water. This versatility is what earned them the nickname “supreme gundog”. (ref)
5. Griffons Have Feline-Like Pointing Style
The French breed standard describes the Griffon’s unique “feline” pointing style. When catching a scent, the dog freezes with head and nose aligned with their back, neck extended, and legs bent in a semi-crouch.
As they creep closer to the game, they crouch lower and lower until their belly is nearly on the ground.
This distinctive cat-like movement led to Griffons being called “Korthals Cats” in the 19th century.
6. They Have Serious Retrieving & Tracking Chops
While best known for their pointing abilities, Griffons are also talented retrievers on both land and water, a top priority for the breed’s founder. They also excel at tracking, with many German-bred Griffons passing the most demanding tracking tests.
7. The Breed Nearly Disappeared After World War II
World War II took a heavy toll on the Griffon population in Europe. If not for the efforts of a dedicated group of American servicemen who discovered the breed while stationed overseas, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon may have faced extinction.
These soldiers brought Griffons back to the U.S. after the war and formed the new breed club to help promote and preserve the breed in 1951.
8. They Have a Famous Royal Fan
Perhaps the most famous Wirehaired Pointing Griffon owner was Prince Rainier III of Monaco, husband of actress Grace Kelly. The prince’s beloved Griffon, Odin, was frequently photographed alongside the royal couple and their children.
Odin was so cherished, he followed the casket in the funeral procession after Prince Rainier’s death in 2005.
9. Griffons are Gaining Popularity as Versatile Sporting Dogs
While still a relatively rare breed, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are becoming more common as word spreads about their prowess as versatile gun dogs and loving family companions. Griffons compete in many AKC sports beyond hunting tests, including agility, obedience, tracking and more.
A Griffon named Benelli was the first of the breed to earn the coveted Champion Tracker title, with only one other achieving the honor since.
10. They Have Bushy Mustaches & Eyebrows
One of the Griffon’s most endearing traits is their abundance of facial furnishings.
Beneath the wiry outer coat, the breed’s soft undercoat grows longer on the face to form bushy eyebrows, a beard, and an impressive mustache. This gives Griffons a charming, slightly unkempt appearance that many owners find irresistible. While not a fashion statement, these shaggy features help protect the dog’s face and eyes while hunting.
Source:
1. projectupland.com
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.