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CKC Breed Standard

THIS ROUGH-COATED SPORTING DOG was first known as the Korthals Griffon, so named for the man who standardized the breed, Eduard Korthals, a Dutchman. Born in Amsterdam, Korthals moved to Germany where he worked to perfect the breed between 1865 and 1885. At one time the breed was also known as the Griffon d'Arrêt à Poil Dûr.

Most authorities seem to agree that the breeds used in the development of the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon were the French Pointer (Braque Français), a medium sized, energetic sporting dog and the French Barbet, an intelligent, obedient, water retriever. From the Braque the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon is said to have inherited his keen nose and field ability; from the Barbet, his superior intelligence, his aptitude for working marshland, and his bristly, water-repellant coat. It is reported that it was the purity of its breeding that persuaded the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) to classify the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon as French. However, other writers claim that the bloods of the Otterhound, setter and spaniel were also used. But this opinion seems to be in the minority.

The breed was shown first in Britain in the late nineteenth century and came to this continent in 1901 where it was registered under its present name.

In addition to his harsh coat, which has been described as being "as rough as boar bristle," his colouring is distinctive: chestnut markings against a grey or "dirty white" background.

The breed is highly regarded as a sporting dog, being classified with the versatile gun-dog group--those that work equally well on land or over water. And because of his biddable, affectionate nature he can double as a house pet and companion for the weekend nimrod. Only occasionally does the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon make an appearance in the show ring in Canada. It would be rare indeed to hear of one earning a group placing.

Official Breed Standard for the Griffon (Wire-Haired Pointing)

General Appearance: The Wire-Haired Griffon is a dog of medium size, fairly short-backed, rather a little low on his legs; he is strongly limbed, everything about him indicating strength and vigour.

His coat is harsh like the bristles of a wild boar and his appearance, notwithstanding his short coat, is as unkempt as that of the Long-Haired Griffon, but on the other hand he has a very intelligent air.

Size: Height--21 ½-23 ½ in. (55-60 cm) for males, and 19 ½ - 2 1 1/2 in. (50- 5 5 cm) for females.

Coat and Colour: Hard, dry, stiff coat, never curly, the undercoat downy. Steel grey with chestnut splashes, grey white with chestnut splashes, chestnut, dirty white mixed with chestnut, never black.

Head: Long, furnished with a harsh coat, forming a moustache and eyebrows; skull long and narrow; muzzle square. Nose always brown. Eyes large, open, full of expression, iris yellow or light brown. Ears of medium size, flat or sometimes slightly curled, set rather high, very lightly furnished with hair.

Neck: Rather long, no dewlap.

Forequarters: Shoulders long, sloping. Forelegs very straight, muscular, furnished with rather short wire hair.

Body: Ribs slightly rounded.

Hindquarters: Hind legs furnished with rather short stiff hair, the thighs long and well developed. Feet round, firm, and well form ed .

Tail: Carried straight or gaily, furnished with a hard coat without plume, generally cut to a third of its length.

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