What is the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

The Labrador Retriever is 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in sized. They differ in size (55–80 lbs, 21–25 in vs 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Labrador Retriever or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Labrador Retriever is generally good with kids. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

The Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

Labrador Retriever vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon — Breed Comparison

About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades — and for good reason. Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, during the early 19th century to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve catch from the icy North Atlantic, the breed was refined in England into the versatile sporting dog we know today. Labs stand 21.5–24.5 inches tall and weigh 55–80 pounds, with a short, dense, water-resistant double coat in three recognized colors: black, yellow (ranging from fox-red to pale cream), and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited — they greet nearly every person, dog, and situation with unbridled enthusiasm and a wagging tail. They are exceptionally patient and gentle with children, making them one of the most trusted family dogs in the world. Labs are also remarkably intelligent and eager to please, which is why they dominate as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs across dozens of working disciplines.

Pros

Outstanding family dog — patient, gentle, and naturally good with children of all ages
Highly trainable and eager to please — consistently ranks among the most obedient breeds
Versatile and adaptable — equally at home on the couch, in the field, or in the water
Friendly and social temperament — gets along well with other dogs, cats, and strangers

Cons

Heavy shedding year-round with major seasonal blowouts — not suited for allergy sufferers
Prone to obesity — Labs are notoriously food-motivated and will eat anything not locked away
High energy in the first 2–3 years — requires substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior
Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and progressive retinal atrophy

There's a reason the Lab is the world's favorite dog — discover adoptable Labrador Retrievers on Puplister today.

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.

Labrador Retriever vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon