| Height | 22-24 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 50-70 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Devoted / Trainable [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Continental Europe [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 51 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Griffons are social animals who require a great deal of attention, consistent training, time, and patience. Griffons do not make good full-time kennel dogs. They are especially active as puppies, and are very intelligent, social, and physically powerful as adults. [1]
Grooming
The minimally shedding Griffon coat has a harsh outer coat with a soft, insulating undercoat. The breed requires weekly brushing or combing, regular nail trimming, and tooth brushing as well as occasional trimming around the feet and ears. Some coats may need to be hand-stripped periodically to encourage growth of new coat. [1]
Health issues to budget for
There are several health and genetic screening considerations specific to the Griffon. While the occurrence of hip dysplasia in the Griffon is relatively low, it is still important that dams and sires obtain either OFA or PennHIP clearances. Some breeders also obtain medical clearances for eye, heart, elbow, and thyroid conditions. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in 1887. [1]
- It ranked No. 51 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 66 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Supreme Gundog.” [1]
- The AKC lists Continental Europe as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Wirehaired Pointing Griffons live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
How big does a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon get?
AKC breed information lists height 22-24 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female) and weight 50-70 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.