Pointer vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Which dog breed is right for you?

Pointer

Size
45–75 lbs, 23–28 in
Lifespan
12–17 years
Exercise
Very High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Loyal Athletic Even-tempered Hardworking

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 Pointer

The Pointer — also called the English Pointer — was developed in England in the 17th century, likely from crosses of Spanish Pointers, Foxhounds, Greyhounds, and Bloodhounds. These elegant, athletic dogs stand 23 to 28 inches tall and weigh 45 to 75 pounds, built with a lean, muscular frame designed for speed and endurance in the field. Their short, smooth coat comes in liver, lemon, black, or orange — either solid or combined with white in striking patterns.

Temperament & Personality

Pointers are energetic, even-tempered, and intensely driven in the field, yet remarkably calm and affectionate at home once adequately exercised. They are friendly with everyone — children, strangers, and other dogs — making them poor guard dogs but excellent family companions. Their strong pointing instinct often appears naturally in puppyhood, and they thrive when given a purposeful outlet for their energy and intelligence.

Pros

  • Outstanding stamina and speed for active owners who run, bike, or hunt
  • Exceptionally friendly and gentle with children and other pets
  • Short coat requires minimal grooming — just occasional brushing
  • Highly trainable for field work, agility, and competitive obedience

Cons

  • Extremely high energy — requires 1 to 2 hours of vigorous exercise daily
  • Can become destructive and anxious without sufficient physical outlets
  • Strong prey drive makes them unreliable around small animals
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and certain eye conditions

An active lifestyle deserves an equally active companion — find your Pointer 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Pointer and a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Pointer is 45–75 lbs, 23–28 in sized while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in sized. They differ in size (45–75 lbs, 23–28 in vs 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in), lifespan (12–17 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Pointer or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
Pointer is generally good with kids. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Pointer or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Pointer has a lifespan of 12–17 years while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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