Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: The Skilled and Loyal Hunting Companion

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a versatile and hardworking sporting breed known for its rough wiry coat, keen hunting instincts, and affectionate personality. Originally developed in Europe as an all-purpose gun dog, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon excels at tracking, pointing, and retrieving game on both land and water while also forming close bonds with its family as a loyal companion. These energetic and highly trainable dogs thrive with active owners who can provide regular exercise, mental stimulation, and opportunities for outdoor work or sporting activities, as they are happiest when given a job to do and close involvement with their people. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are typically friendly, eager to please, and highly adaptable, making them excellent companions for active families as well as dedicated hunters. With their rugged appearance, strong work ethic, and devoted personality, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an excellent choice for households seeking a versatile and affectionate sporting companion.

⭐ 3 Things You May Not Know About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed as a versatile hunting dog capable of pointing, retrieving, and tracking on both land and water.
The breed is often nicknamed the “supreme gundog” because of its adaptability and close working relationship with hunters.
Its harsh wiry coat was designed to protect the dog while working through thick brush, marshes, and rough terrain.

Overview

AKC Height: Males: 22–24 inches, Females: 20–22 inches
AKC Weight: Males: 50–60 pounds, Females: 35–50 pounds
Colors: Steel Gray with Brown Markings, Chestnut Brown, Roan, White, and Brown
Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
Group: Sporting Group

🐾 Quick Facts About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Energy Level: High — Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are athletic sporting dogs that need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Grooming Needs: Moderate — Their wiry coat benefits from regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping.
Good With Kids: Yes — Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are generally affectionate, playful, and loyal with families and children.
Trainability: Very High — Intelligent and eager to work, they excel in obedience, hunting, and advanced training activities.
Barking Level: Moderate — They may bark to alert their family or express excitement during activity.

History & Origin

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon originated in Europe during the 19th century and was developed primarily by Dutch breeder Eduard Karel Korthals, who sought to create an all-purpose sporting dog capable of excelling in a wide variety of hunting environments. Although the breed has connections to several European countries, it became especially associated with France and the Netherlands.

Korthals carefully selected and crossed several sporting and griffon-type dogs to develop a breed combining intelligence, endurance, strong scenting ability, and versatility. The resulting Wirehaired Pointing Griffon became capable of pointing game birds, retrieving from water and land, and tracking wounded game efficiently.

Hunters valued the breed for its cooperative temperament and close working style. Unlike some wide-ranging pointing breeds, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons often preferred to work at moderate distances while maintaining strong communication with hunters.

The breed’s dense harsh coat provided important protection against cold weather, marshes, thorny vegetation, and rough hunting terrain. Its athletic build and strong swimming ability made it highly effective in wetlands and difficult outdoor environments.

Modern Wirehaired Pointing Griffons still retain many characteristics shaped by centuries of versatile hunting work. Their intelligence, athleticism, trainability, and strong retrieving instincts reflect generations of selective breeding for practical field performance and close partnership with people. Beneath the breed’s shaggy appearance and expressive face remains a highly capable European sporting dog deeply connected to the hunting traditions and outdoor culture of continental Europe.

Breed Traits & Personality

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized sporting breed known for its rough weather-resistant coat, expressive beard, and versatile athletic build. Originally developed in Europe as an all-purpose hunting dog capable of pointing, retrieving, and tracking on both land and water, the breed combines endurance, intelligence, agility, and trainability with a rugged outdoorsy appearance.

The breed possesses a balanced muscular frame with moderate bone structure, deep chest, strong shoulders, and powerful hindquarters designed for endurance, swimming, retrieving, and movement across difficult terrain. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should appear athletic, sturdy, and naturally agile without becoming coarse or heavy.

One of the breed’s most recognizable features is its dense wiry coat combined with its bushy eyebrows and beard.

The head is proportionate with a moderate muzzle, dark yellow-to-brown expressive eyes, and highly intelligent attentive expression. The breed’s face often conveys curiosity, gentleness, and eager responsiveness.

The ears are medium-sized, pendant-shaped, and carried close to the cheeks, contributing greatly to the breed’s classic sporting-dog appearance.

The coat is harsh, wiry, weather-resistant, and somewhat shaggy with a dense protective undercoat beneath.

Coat colors commonly include steel gray with brown markings, chestnut brown, roan, or combinations of gray and brown shades.

The tail is carried level or slightly elevated during movement depending on regional practices and bloodlines.

Movement should appear smooth, agile, and highly coordinated with excellent endurance and athletic balance.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon’s athletic structure allows impressive stamina and versatility during hunting, retrieving, swimming, and active outdoor work.

Although rugged and rustic in appearance, the breed remains fundamentally a highly capable intelligent sporting dog with strong instincts and remarkable adaptability.

Overall, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon projects athleticism, intelligence, versatility, and classic sporting-dog character through its wiry coat and expressive face.

For a broader comparison of how this breed’s size compares to others, see our Dog Size & Weight Guide.

Temperament & Personality

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is known for being affectionate, intelligent, energetic, and highly people-oriented. This breed forms exceptionally strong emotional bonds with its family and thrives on companionship and cooperative interaction.

With family members, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are typically loving, playful, and emotionally connected. Many individuals strongly enjoy participating in household routines, outdoor adventures, and family activities.

The breed is generally socially friendly with both familiar people and strangers when properly socialized.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are mentally active dogs that enjoy exploration, scenting activities, retrieving games, and cooperative work with people.

Because of their sporting heritage, many individuals possess strong environmental awareness and natural pointing and retrieving instincts.

The breed is intelligent and capable of learning quickly, often responding exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training and structured engagement.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are emotionally sensitive and generally respond best to calm positive interaction and stable routines. Harsh correction or forceful handling may reduce confidence or create anxiety.

Many individuals coexist exceptionally well with children, other dogs, and household pets when properly socialized and supervised.

Because of their deeply social and active temperament, the breed generally does not tolerate prolonged boredom or isolation well.

Some individuals may become vocal, restless, or destructive if insufficient exercise and mental stimulation are provided.

Although energetic and highly athletic outdoors, many well-exercised individuals become calm affectionate companions indoors once physical and emotional needs have been properly satisfied.

In the right home, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon becomes a loyal, intelligent, emotionally connected companion with lively personality and exceptional versatility.

For a broader overview of personality differences between breed groups, visit our Dog Breed Temperament Guide.

Exercise & Training Needs

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a highly active and intelligent sporting breed that requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain physically healthy and behaviorally balanced.

Daily activity should include long walks, hiking, swimming, obedience exercises, retrieving games, scent work, and mentally engaging tasks that challenge both body and mind.

Because of the breed’s intelligence and strong hunting instincts, mental stimulation is especially important. Puzzle toys, advanced obedience exercises, scent games, field-style drills, and varied routines help prevent boredom and frustration-related behaviors.

Training is generally highly rewarding because Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are intelligent eager learners that strongly enjoy cooperative work with people.

Positive reinforcement methods using praise, treats, encouragement, and consistency usually produce excellent long-term results. The breed responds best to engaging relationship-based training rather than harsh correction.

Early socialization is extremely important for encouraging confidence around unfamiliar people, animals, sounds, and environments.

Reliable recall training and impulse control are especially important because many individuals possess strong prey drive and environmental curiosity.

The breed often excels in canine sports and activities including field trials, obedience, agility, dock diving, scent work, hunting tests, tracking, and advanced sporting competitions.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons generally thrive best in active homes where companionship, structured engagement, and mentally stimulating activities are consistently provided.

Because of their high energy level and emotional sensitivity, insufficient activity may contribute to chewing, barking, digging, or destructive behaviors.

Although energetic outdoors, many well-exercised individuals settle calmly indoors once physical and emotional needs have been properly satisfied.

For owners seeking an intelligent, athletic sporting breed with strong trainability and affectionate temperament, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can become an exceptionally rewarding companion.

Learn more on our Dog Training Page.

Grooming Requirements

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has moderate grooming requirements due to its dense wiry coat.

The rough weather-resistant coat should be brushed several times per week using slicker brushes, grooming combs, and stripping tools to remove loose hair and maintain healthy skin and coat condition.

Most Wirehaired Pointing Griffons benefit from occasional hand-stripping or trimming to preserve proper coat texture and appearance.

The beard and facial furnishings require regular cleaning and maintenance because food, water, and debris may become trapped in the hair.

Bathing is generally needed periodically to maintain coat cleanliness and healthy skin condition, especially following outdoor activity or swimming.

Routine grooming should also include nail trimming, dental care, ear cleaning, and inspection of the skin and coat for irritation or trapped debris.

Because of the breed’s floppy ears and active outdoor lifestyle, regular ear maintenance is especially important to help prevent moisture buildup and ear infections.

The dense weather-resistant coat provides excellent protection during outdoor and water activities while still allowing flexibility and athletic movement.

Owners should regularly inspect paw pads, joints, muscle tone, and coat condition following strenuous activity or rough-terrain exploration.

Regular grooming sessions also provide valuable opportunities to monitor skin health, coat quality, body condition, and overall physical well-being throughout life.

With proper grooming, exercise, preventive care, and regular maintenance, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon maintains its healthy coat, athletic condition, and energetic sporting-dog vitality throughout its life.

Learn more on our Dog Grooming Page.

Health Overview & Testing

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an intelligent, affectionate, and highly versatile sporting breed known for its rough weather-resistant coat, exceptional hunting ability, and close bond with its family. Originally developed in Europe as an all-purpose gun dog capable of pointing, retrieving, and tracking on both land and water, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally considered a hardy and athletic breed, but like many active sporting dogs, it can still be prone to several inherited and structural health concerns. Understanding common Wirehaired Pointing Griffon health problems and recommended breeder health testing can help puppy buyers make more informed decisions when selecting a healthy puppy. Because this breed combines endurance, emotional sensitivity, athletic structure, and nonstop working drive, maintaining healthy joints, eye health, mobility, and overall body condition is especially important throughout the dog’s life.

Health issues sometimes seen in Wirehaired Pointing Griffons may include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypothyroidism, and age-related arthritis. Some individuals may also develop ear infections, epilepsy, obesity-related orthopedic stress, hereditary eye concerns, or skin allergies later in life. Because the breed is naturally athletic and physically active, maintaining proper conditioning and healthy weight management is especially important for supporting long-term orthopedic wellness and endurance. While not every Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will develop these conditions, understanding the breed’s health tendencies allows owners to make better long-term decisions regarding breeding, exercise, grooming, nutrition, and preventive veterinary care.

Health Testing & Responsible Breeding

Responsible Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breeders should perform appropriate health screenings before breeding in order to reduce the likelihood of inherited conditions being passed to future generations. Many puppy buyers are encouraged to ask about health testing, but they are often unsure which evaluations are most important for this breed. In the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, careful attention to orthopedic, eye, neurological, and overall structural health is especially valuable.

Buyers should ask whether the sire and dam have completed OFA or PennHIP hip evaluations, elbow evaluations, ophthalmologist-performed eye examinations, thyroid evaluations when appropriate, and additional neurological screening depending on pedigree history. Responsible breeders may also discuss orthopedic longevity, temperament stability, hunting ability, movement soundness, and overall lifespan within their bloodlines. Some breeders may additionally monitor for hereditary immune-related or endocrine concerns depending on pedigree history.

Unlike some breeds selected primarily for appearance alone, responsible Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breeding programs often place strong emphasis on athletic soundness, stable temperament, endurance, and working ability because the breed was developed for physically demanding hunting work requiring intelligence, stamina, scenting ability, and versatility across difficult terrain and water conditions. Ethical breeders understand that preserving the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon involves much more than maintaining coat texture or hunting style — it also includes protecting healthy movement, emotional stability, instinct, and long-term vitality.

Before Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppies are placed into new homes, they should receive a complete veterinary wellness examination that evaluates the heart, eyes, joints, neurological responses, bite alignment, parasite status, overall structure, and general physical development. Because active sporting breeds place stress on developing bones and joints during growth, proper nutrition and carefully managed exercise during puppyhood are especially important. Puppies should also leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, feeding guidance, and recommendations for safe socialization, grooming, and physical conditioning during development.

A responsible Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breeder should willingly provide documentation of completed health clearances and openly discuss inherited health concerns affecting the breed. Puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who avoid health discussions, refuse to provide testing information, or claim their dogs are completely free of health problems. Ethical breeding focuses on reducing inherited risk through careful selection, health screening, pedigree knowledge, and lifelong breeder support rather than making unrealistic promises.

Preventive Care & Long-Term Wellness

Maintaining healthy body condition and regular exercise is especially important for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon because this breed is naturally energetic, athletic, and mentally active. Without sufficient physical activity and mental stimulation, some individuals may become destructive, anxious, hyperactive, or emotionally frustrated. Regular exercise helps support cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, coordination, joint stability, and emotional well-being throughout life.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is also an extremely intelligent and highly interactive breed that benefits from regular mental stimulation and structured interaction. Walks, hiking, retrieving games, scent work, field activities, obedience training, puzzle toys, and interactive play all contribute to emotional balance and long-term wellness.

The breed’s rough weather-resistant coat requires regular brushing and grooming maintenance to help maintain healthy skin and coat condition. Grooming sessions also provide an excellent opportunity to monitor for parasites, skin irritation, lumps, coat-quality changes, or developing health concerns.

Because Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have pendulous ears and often enjoy water activities, regular ear care is especially important to help reduce the risk of moisture-related ear infections.

Routine veterinary examinations throughout adulthood and senior years remain important for monitoring mobility, orthopedic wellness, neurological condition, endocrine health, eye health, and overall quality of life. Early detection of developing health concerns often allows for more successful long-term management and improved outcomes.

Lifespan & Senior Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Care

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon often lives approximately 12 to 14 years when responsibly bred and properly cared for. Senior Wirehaired Pointing Griffons may gradually develop arthritis, reduced stamina, hearing decline, vision changes, muscle loss, or decreased mobility as they age. Some older dogs may also become more prone to orthopedic stiffness, endocrine-related conditions, or neurological concerns during the senior years.

As Wirehaired Pointing Griffons enter their senior years, many owners focus on maintaining moderate low-impact exercise, healthy weight management, supportive bedding, joint support, continued mental stimulation, and routine wellness monitoring. Because the breed often remains emotionally connected and mentally alert throughout life, continued companionship and purposeful interaction remain especially important even during old age.

With attentive care, preventive veterinary support, responsible breeding, and a healthy lifestyle, many Wirehaired Pointing Griffons continue to thrive as affectionate, energetic, and highly devoted companions throughout their lives.

Is This Breed Right for You?

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an intelligent, affectionate, and highly athletic sporting breed known for its endurance, trainability, and close bond with its family. Originally developed as a versatile hunting companion, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon thrives when given exercise, companionship, structure, and opportunities to stay mentally and physically engaged.

While loving and adaptable, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not the ideal fit for every household. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:

✔ Ideal for:

Active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and exercise
Families seeking an affectionate and interactive companion
People able to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
Owners interested in hunting, field work, or canine sports
Homes willing to provide companionship and structure

❌ Not Ideal for:

People unable to provide regular exercise and engagement
Homes where the dog will frequently be isolated or inactive
Owners seeking a calm or low-energy companion
People unprepared for grooming and activity requirements
Homes unwilling to provide training and supervision

Finding a Responsible Breeder or Rescue

If you’re interested in bringing a dog of this breed into your home, consider adopting from a rescue organization or finding a reputable breeder.

Find a Reliable Rescue:

Read our page about how to adopt from a reliable dog rescue.

Find reliable rescues through our Dog Rescue Directory.

Find a Responsible Breeder:

Read our information page about buying a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.

Find responsible breeders through our Dog Breeders Directory.

Puppy Considerations

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppies are playful, curious, and highly energetic from an early age. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are extremely important to help puppies develop confidence, emotional stability, and appropriate behavior.

Because these puppies mature into active and highly intelligent sporting dogs, early structure and healthy outlets for their energy are especially important. Their curiosity, endurance, and hunting instincts often become obvious very early in development.

Puppies benefit from:

Early socialization with people, dogs, sounds, and environments
Positive reinforcement training and structured routines
Daily exercise and mentally stimulating activities
Confidence-building exercises and interactive play
Consistent boundaries and calm leadership

Because Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppies are highly intelligent and emotionally sensitive, patient and consistent training are especially important during development.

Living With a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Living with a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is often rewarding for owners who appreciate intelligent, affectionate, and highly interactive companion dogs. These dogs generally form strong bonds with their families and often enjoy participating in active household routines and outdoor adventures.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and emotionally balanced. Many enjoy hiking, retrieving games, scent work, field activities, puzzle toys, obedience work, and interactive play with their families.

This breed generally does best in homes where it receives companionship, structure, training, and opportunities to stay mentally occupied. Without enough engagement or exercise, boredom may lead to destructive behavior, anxiety, excessive vocalization, or emotional frustration.

Although affectionate and social with family members, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons may naturally remain highly focused and energetic outdoors while still maintaining close emotional bonds with their owners. Early socialization and responsible ownership are important for helping the breed develop into a confident and manageable adult.

Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important for supporting endurance, mobility, muscle condition, orthopedic wellness, and overall quality of life. Routine veterinary care, exercise, training, grooming, and companionship all contribute to helping the breed thrive.

Final Thoughts…

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an affectionate, intelligent, and deeply loyal sporting breed that thrives with owners who appreciate active companionship and versatile working ability. Their endurance, devotion, and eager personality make them remarkable companions in the right homes.

With proper exercise, preventive care, socialization, training, grooming, and companionship, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can become a deeply rewarding and highly devoted lifelong companion.

Are you considering adding a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon to your family?

🐶 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon FAQs

How long do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons live?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons typically have a lifespan of about 12 to 14 years. With proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care, many enjoy long, healthy lives.

This breed is generally healthy but may be prone to certain inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia or eye concerns. Regular health screenings help support long-term wellbeing.

What is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon temperament like?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are known for being intelligent, friendly, and even-tempered. They are versatile sporting dogs with a strong desire to work closely with their people.

They tend to be affectionate and loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. Early socialization helps encourage confident and well-mannered behavior.

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons good family dogs?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons can make excellent family dogs in active households. They are gentle, patient, and enjoy being included in family activities.

They generally do well with children when interactions are respectful and supervised. Consistent routines help support positive family relationships.

Do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons shed a lot?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are low to moderate shedders. Their rough, wiry coat sheds lightly throughout the year.

Regular brushing helps manage loose hair and keeps the coat healthy. Occasional hand-stripping or trimming helps maintain coat texture.

Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons easy to train?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are intelligent and eager to please. They typically respond very well to training when methods are positive and consistent.

Mental stimulation and structured training sessions help keep them focused and fulfilled.

Similar Breeds You Might Like

If you’re interested in the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, you may also enjoy learning about these similar sporting breeds:

German Shorthaired Pointer – A versatile hunting breed known for intelligence and endurance.
Brittany Spaniel – A friendly, energetic sporting breed valued for versatility and trainability.
English Setter – A graceful sporting breed known for gentleness and cooperation.

🐾 Lisa’s Picks for Wirehaired Pointing Griffons

As someone who has worked with dogs for over 50 years—including more than 20 years helping with housebreaking and everyday care—I’m often asked for product recommendations. I’ve found that a few simple items can make a big difference in a dog’s comfort and daily routine.

If you have a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon or are planning to bring one into your home, these products and tips can help support your journey together.

🛏️ 1. Dog Beds

👉 My Tip: Waterproof Bed Protection (My Personal Favorite Trick)

One thing I personally do is use twin-size waterproof mattress covers over larger dog beds. They’re easy to wash, protect the bed beneath, and save money long-term—especially helpful for puppies, seniors, or heavy shedders. You can find different colors and patterns that fit your decor.

For tiny dog beds, you can use waterproof pillow covers that fit over the beds to protect them and save money long-term.

I use the same idea around the house, too. Washable, waterproof couch covers are a simple way to protect furniture from dirt, shedding, and accidents—especially helpful with puppies, seniors, or dogs that love the couch.

* Orthopedic Foam Dog Beds:
A high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog. I recommend these for every breed, once they are out of the chewing stage, especially as they age. They provide joint support, improve comfort, and help dogs truly rest.

* Tough Dog Beds for Dogs That Chew:
If your dog tends to chew or destroy their bedding, a standard plush bed may not last long. In these cases, I recommend tough, chew-resistant dog beds made with reinforced materials.
These are designed to hold up better against digging, scratching, and chewing, and can save you from constantly replacing beds. While no bed is completely indestructible, choosing a more durable option can make a big difference.

* Puppies need Simple Washable Bedding:
For young puppies that are still learning house training, I often suggest starting with simple, washable blankets instead of an expensive dog bed.
Thick towels, fleece throws, or washable pads work very well during this stage. They’re easy to clean, quick to replace, and help protect your main dog beds until your puppy is more reliable. Once house training is more consistent, you can transition to a more permanent, supportive bed.

✂️ 2. Proper Grooming Tools for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Coat

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have a dense, wiry, weather-resistant double coat designed to protect them while working in fields, brush, and water, so regular grooming helps maintain healthy coat condition and texture.

A gentle slicker brush works well for regular brushing to remove loose hair and debris, while a metal comb helps work through the beard, eyebrows, legs, and furnishings where tangles can develop. Occasional hand-stripping may help maintain the proper harsh coat texture and natural appearance, although many pet owners choose light trimming for easier maintenance.

Because Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are active sporting dogs, regular grooming also helps remove dirt, burrs, and debris after outdoor activity. Their coat should maintain a natural, rugged appearance rather than looking heavily sculpted or soft.

Regular brushing:

Helps remove loose hair and debris
Maintains coat texture
Keeps the coat healthy and manageable

🦴 3. Treats (Great for All Dogs)

Jerky Treats for Dogs: Almost all dogs love soft, easy-to-break NATURAL jerky treats. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding. Soft jerky treats provide protein and are easy to chew.
Tiny Treats for Small Dogs
For small dogs, I recommend using very tiny, NATURAL training treats that are soft and easy to chew. This lets you reward often without overfeeding.

Stronger Chew Treats for Larger Dogs
Dogs that enjoy a more robust chewing experience will benefit from stronger chew treats. Some larger dogs may still go through them quickly, while others will take more time—so it often depends on the individual dog.

👉 My Tip: Check Ingredient Labels

I always recommend checking the ingredient label when choosing treats at the store. Dogs don’t need added sugar or artificial ingredients, and some treats can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. Look for all-natural ingredient labels, and single ingredient or few ingredient labels are preferred.

It’s important to note that even among the same breed, some dogs enjoy chewing more than others, and many have preferences for certain types of chews. If you notice bleeding gums during chewing, it’s a good idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any dental issues.

🧠 4. Enrichment Toys for Mental Stimulation

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are active, so giving them something to do is important.

An enrichment toy can help:

Prevent boredom
Reduce unwanted behaviors
Keep their mind engaged

When choosing an enrichment toy, think about your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs love puzzle toys and mental challenges, while others are happier with something they can chew or carry around.

🐕 5. Safe, Comfortable Harness, Collar & Leash

From my experience, choosing the right walking gear can make a big difference in both safety and control. Some harnesses and collars are designed to help prevent dogs from slipping out, which is especially important for strong or easily startled dogs, and those are the types I personally recommend for safety.

Harness: A quality, comfortable properly fitted harness can make walks more comfortable and easier to manage—especially for dogs that tend to pull or get excited outdoors. If you have a dog that tries to wiggle out of their harness, search for an “escape proof” harness that has an extra strap towards the back.

Collar: I use and prefer safety martingale collars, as they can help prevent dogs from backing out of their collar while still being more gentle than traditional collars when used correctly.

Leash: Choose a lightweight leash for small dogs and a sturdier, heavier leash for larger dogs to ensure good control. Nylon leashes are strong and long-lasting. Some leashes also include a comfortable padded handle.

👉 My Tip: Avoid Retractable Leashes

I don’t recommend retractable leashes, as they can break and tangle easily and create safety issues and tripping hazards.

💡 Lisa’s Tip:

You don’t need a lot of products to care for a dog well… just the right ones. Focus on comfort, consistency, and routine, and you’ll make life easier for both you and your dog.

🔎 Affiliate Note

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Learn more about responsible dog ownership, dog health and daily care:

Written by Lisa Puskas — Author and founder of Dog-Breeds.net with 50+ years of hands-on experience raising, showing, and training dogs. She is dedicated to preserving dog breeds, educating responsible ownership, and supporting rescue organizations by helping improve long-term adoption success.

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