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How Are Griffons to Live With?

With all the calls about Griffons I have received, the same question is being asked, "What are the temperaments like?"

So I will try to discuss this subject, but remember I'm only using my own personal experiences of owning and sharing living space with 3 Griffons and a Standard Smooth Dachshund. From time to time I have more dogs here, but I like to limit my numbers to ensure I give everyone equal amounts of attention. Which is very important in dealing with Griffons.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a versatile breed, used for pointing birds, similar to style to the German Shorthair Pointer, maybe with less flash and tends to not run as far ahead. They have a lot of natural ability and with minimal training will become a very good hunting dog for the man or woman that like to hunt on foot. Griffons love the water and make very good retrievers.

This very intelligent dog is a combination of soft and very loving with a lot of desire to please, to slightly aloof and stubborn. Yet, is very sensitive and does not work well with harsh corrections, and will often turn to stone rather than make a mistake. I have found they really work well with positive reinforcement and has the stick-to-it-ness to get the job done and will forgive your handler errors. But, the Griffon will always have time to be impish to the point of naughty.

Griffons are the complete companion dog, and will languish without human contact. They will find ways to entertain themselves if not allowed to be part of the family. If you want a dog that is always outside and left to themselves, this is not the description of a Griffon and I would recommend choosing another breed for yourself.

They can be very vocal and creative about getting your attention, this breed likes to be with his family. This is not to say that they can't be contained in a kennel when you have to go away to work, etc. I would make sure your kennel area is secure, one of mine will escape from every effort to contain him, only to come directly to my office and come through the door and under my desk and sleep at my feet for the rest of the day. They seem to have a strong desire to be with their owner. They do get along with the entire family and other pets, although they seem to treat children as their subordinates.

I have never had a problem with them being over-zealous in the house, they seem to know the difference between indoors and out and you will see totally different behaviours in this regard. They tend to be very layed back indoors and are very content to lay at your feet or beside you on the couch. Yet they are very vigorous outdoors like all other sporting breeds.

In every aspect I find this breed to be TRULY VERSATILE. They are able to fit into any kind of activity you may wish to participate in.

Shirley Flinn
5105-50 Ave.,
Lacombe, Alberta

sflinn@telusplanet.net
 

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