Australian Cattle Dog vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Which dog breed is right for you?

Australian Cattle Dog

Size
35–50 lbs, 17–20 in
Lifespan
12–16 years
Exercise
Very High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
No
Intelligent Energetic Loyal Alert

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Size
50–70 lbs, 20–24 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Loyal Eager-to-please Outgoing Trainable

About the Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog — also known as the Blue Heeler or Red Heeler — was developed in 19th-century Australia by crossing native Dingoes with Collies and Dalmatians to create the ultimate cattle-herding dog. Compact and muscular, they stand 17–20 inches tall and weigh 35–50 pounds, with a sturdy build designed for all-day work in harsh outback conditions. Their distinctive short double coat comes in two color patterns — blue or blue-mottled and red speckled — and sheds moderately year-round.

Temperament & Personality

Australian Cattle Dogs are intensely loyal, highly intelligent, and tireless workers — they need a job to do or they will invent one, often to their owner's dismay. They bond deeply with one person and can be velcro dogs, following their favorite human everywhere. They are naturally cautious with strangers and may nip at heels — a herding instinct that needs to be redirected — but they are fiercely devoted companions for active owners.

Pros

  • Exceptionally intelligent and trainable — they excel in agility, herding trials, and obedience
  • Hardy and healthy with a long lifespan averaging 12–16 years
  • Compact size makes them manageable while still being robust enough for outdoor work
  • Low grooming requirements with their short, weather-resistant coat

Cons

  • Extremely high energy — requires 1–2 hours of vigorous exercise daily
  • Tendency to nip and herd children, other pets, and even adults
  • Can become destructive, anxious, or obsessive without adequate mental stimulation
  • Prone to progressive retinal atrophy, deafness, and hip dysplasia

Think you can keep up with an Australian Cattle Dog? Find your energetic companion on Puplister.

About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the late 19th century by Dutch breeder Eduard Karel Korthals, who meticulously crossed French and German griffons, setters, spaniels, and pointers to create what he considered the "supreme gundog." These medium-sized sporting dogs stand 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a robust build that balances power with agility. Their distinctive coat features a harsh, wiry outer layer over a dense, water-resistant undercoat — typically in steel gray with brown markings, though roan, brown, and white and brown patterns also occur.

Temperament & Personality

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are eager, devoted, and remarkably trainable — often called the "supreme gundog" not just for their versatile field skills but for their cooperative, people-focused temperament. They are gentle and patient with children, friendly with other dogs, and form strong bonds with every family member rather than fixating on a single person. Their enthusiasm for both work and play, combined with a gentle disposition, makes them outstanding all-around family companions for active households.

Pros

  • Versatile sporting dog — points, retrieves, and works in water and thick cover equally well
  • Low-shedding wiry coat suitable for allergy-conscious owners
  • Devoted and affectionate family dog with a gentle, trainable nature
  • Adaptable and eager to please — excels in multiple canine sports and disciplines

Cons

  • High exercise requirements — needs vigorous daily activity and mental stimulation
  • Coat requires regular hand-stripping or professional grooming to maintain texture
  • Can become anxious, clingy, or destructive without adequate exercise and companionship
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a rare treasure among sporting breeds — see if one is available on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Australian Cattle Dog and a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Australian Cattle Dog is 35–50 lbs, 17–20 in sized while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in sized. They differ in size (35–50 lbs, 17–20 in vs 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in), lifespan (12–16 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Australian Cattle Dog or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
Australian Cattle Dog is generally good with kids. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Australian Cattle Dog or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Australian Cattle Dog has a lifespan of 12–16 years while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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