Wirehaired Pointing Griffon a medium size sporting dog adept at hunting upland birds and waterfowl
About two years ago our family brought home our dog, Stoli, to his new home. Stoli is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (WPG) which is a medium size sporting dog adept at hunting upland birds and waterfowl. He is not fully grown at two years of age but is expected to reach a bit over his current 60 pounds, 24 inches tall.
How we learned about and became owners of this distinct breed of dog began almost 3 years ago when my husbands internet research with the terms ‘middle size non shedding sporting dog’ resulted in information on the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
The breed and its nuances are well known within the WPG community. Being new to the neighborhood so to speak, I was not fully aware of the characteristics that make WPG’s a desirable breed. As a sporting dog the breed is very loyal always keeping a within sight or closer range, adaptable to different weather and conditions due to breeding and the wirehaired coat, and are quick learners who are eager to please. These traits also make Stoli a great family dog.
One breeder we met during our initial stage of research stated that WPG’s “Like to Be With You”. My husband and I said OK, not really knowing what that meant in a dog. We assumed affection and loyalty like our childhood dogs: Jim’s Labrador Retriever or my German Short Hair Pointer. Well, that phrase took on a whole new meaning with Stoli. Our WPG likes to rest against our leg with his paws on our feet. This close proximity can be while we are standing cooking, reading the mail, or doing a chore. Other WPG owners have commented similarly stating that their dog “checks-in” while running outside off lead to say hello and then return to running in the fields or grasses. We have seen this too in our backyard with running off energy and then coming by to say hello.
Coarse double coat
The WPG coat is a coarse double coat that is wiry to touch and provides protection against briars or underbrush. We have also noticed the wiry coat being helpful at repelling water. The WPG is an adaptable hunting dog bred to cover terrains traveled by the walking hunter. It is this protective coat that gives our Stoli and the breed an unkempt appearance. The coat seems to shed a layer the beginning of the Fall and Spring. At this time, there are clumps of hair that gather and act like little tumbleweed patches floating around the floor. As far as our WPGs hair getting on your clothes, or sticking to material, this does not or has not seemed to happen.
This breed is known to be easily trainable and we have found that to be true with our WPG. Stoli is always ready to learn something new, whether it is for a new trick, or retrieving in the back yard. Stoli has been crate trained since he was our puppy. He responds to “Crate” by returning to his crate whether it is for a treat, the end of the day, or to hang out while I vacuum the kitchen. Most recently Stoli was quick to learn not to counter surf for treats. This was a beautiful thing, for us.
Check out the American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association
In conclusion we have found having a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon as a family dog to be rewarding and at times entertaining. Stoli is always eager for fun and exercise, he is always loyal, and is a close, dependable family and hunting dog.
