Description: Korthals Griffon
The Korthals Griffon, also known as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, is a versatile hunting and companion dog originating from Europe in the 19th century. Bred by Eduard Karel Korthals, this breed is highly valued for its exceptional abilities in pointing and retrieving on both land and water. With its distinctive rough, wiry coat and friendly, intelligent expression, the Korthals Griffon is an energetic, loyal, and affectionate dog that forms strong bonds with its family. They are known for being gentle and playful with children, making them ideal for active households. While they excel as working dogs, their sociable nature and willingness to please also make them wonderful companions for those willing to meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs.
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Properties
The Korthals Griffon, also known as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, is a versatile hunting dog breed developed by Eduard Karel Korthals in the late 19th century. This breed was specifically designed to be an excellent gun dog, well-suited for both wet and dry terrain. Korthals Griffons are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 50-60 pounds for males and 35-50 pounds for females. They have a striking, wiry double coat that gives them a rugged appearance and provides protection against harsh weather and dense brush.
Korthals Griffons are recognized for their distinctive facial furnishings, including bushy eyebrows, a mustache, and a beard. Their coats are usually steel gray with brown markings, though variations can occur. The breed is known for its high level of endurance and stamina, allowing it to excel in demanding fieldwork over extended periods. They are intelligent and highly trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement techniques.
In terms of temperament, Korthals Griffons are affable, loyal, and affectionate with their families. They are particularly good with children and can get along well with other dogs, especially if socialized from an early age. The breed’s strong bond with humans makes them excellent companions, but they do not do well when left alone for extended periods, as they can develop separation anxiety.
Korthals Griffons require regular physical and mental stimulation, as they are energetic and naturally curious. Daily walks, runs, or opportunities to work in the field are crucial for their well-being. Their cleverness and eagerness to please mean they also enjoy obedience training and dog sports. Grooming needs are moderate; their wiry coats should be brushed regularly, and occasional hand-stripping is recommended to remove dead hair and maintain coat texture.
Overall, the Korthals Griffon is a robust, adaptable breed perfect for active families, experienced handlers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With the right care, socialization, and plenty of activity, these dogs make loyal and loving companions both in the field and at home.
Appearance
The Korthals Griffon, also known as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, is a medium-sized, well-proportioned sporting dog that projects both alertness and rustic charm. This breed stands out due to its distinctive rough, wiry double coat, which is typically steel-gray with brown markings, although some individuals may display a blend of chestnut, roan, or white. The outer coat is dense, harsh, and straight, providing significant protection against rough terrain, thorns, and cold water—a testament to its development as an all-terrain gun dog. Underneath, a soft, thick undercoat further insulates the Griffon.
The Korthals Griffon's most recognizable feature is its expressive facial furnishings: it boasts pronounced eyebrows, a prominent, bushy mustache, and a full beard. These features lend the breed a slightly comical and wise appearance, emphasizing its keen, lively expression. The head is proportionate to the body, with a broad, slightly domed skull, marked stop, and a distinct but not overly long or narrow muzzle. The nose is usually brown, harmonizing with the coat color.
The breed has medium-sized, oval-shaped, amber to yellow eyes, conveying intelligence and friendliness. The ears are set high and hang close to the cheeks, covered with hair and reaching just to the edge of the lower jaw. The overall body is athletic and robust but not bulky; the chest is deep and moderately broad, the back straight, and the loins strong. The limbs are straight and muscular, ending in round, cat-like feet with well-arched toes and thick pads, further suited to endurance in challenging environments.
The tail of the Korthals Griffon is typically docked to about half its length (in countries where docking is permitted); it is carried level with the back or slightly raised when alert. Full, feathered tails expressively signal the dog’s mood. Overall, the Korthals Griffon’s balanced frame, rough-textured coat, and expressive face reflect its heritage as a versatile, rugged gun dog, ready for work or companionship.
History
The Korthals Griffon, also known as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, is a versatile gun dog breed developed in the late 19th century with the express goal of creating an ideal hunting companion. The breed owes its existence largely to Eduard Karel Korthals, a Dutchman employed by French nobility, who devoted his life to breeding a dog with exceptional tracking, pointing, and retrieving abilities, while also being suitable for working in a variety of terrains.
Eduard Korthals began his breeding program in 1873, selecting dogs from French and German hunting stock, including Griffons, Spaniels, and Setters, as well as French Barbet. His focus was on producing a dog with a keen nose, a rugged and water-resistant wiry coat, and a gentle, trainable nature. The foundation of the Korthals Griffon breed was established with seven dogs that became known as the 'Seven Patriarchs.' The intentional and selective breeding led to a consistent type by the early 1880s, characterized by the breed’s iconic hard, rough coat and distinctive facial furnishings.
Korthals moved his breeding kennel from Germany to France, and it was in France that the breed achieved wider recognition and popularity. In 1887, the breed standard was established, and in 1916 the French Kennel Club officially recognized the Korthals Griffon. While the breed was named after its creator, it became known internationally as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Its exceptional performance as a pointer, flusher, and retriever made it highly sought after among hunters across Europe.
In the early 20th century, the Korthals Griffon was exported to North America, quickly finding a place among American and Canadian hunters who favored its adaptability and intelligence. Although the breed was eclipsed in popularity by more well-known pointers and retrievers, it has maintained a loyal following due to its affectionate temperament, manageable size, and dedication in the field. Today, the Korthals Griffon is prized both as a family companion and a working gun dog, with breed enthusiasts working diligently to preserve its original purpose, appearance, and character.