German Wirehaired Pointer​ - Sporting Group

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Breed Group: Sporting Group

Size Group: Medium Dog Breeds

Origin: France

Height: 22”-24” (male) 20”-22” (female)

Weight: 50-70 lbs (male) 35-50 lbs (female)

Color: Brown & gray, Chestnut & gray with or without Ticked or Roan making

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Temperament: Laid-back, affectionate, intelligent

 

Overview

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons were bred to be the world’s greatest gundog. They live up to this title with ability, determination, and a committed attitude. They can point and retrieve on land and water. When on hunts they continually check back in with their human. They truly are exceptional companions.

WPGs require minimal grooming and are considered hypoallergenic.

 

These pups may bark when a stranger approaches, but their easy-going nature does not make them an ideal candidate for being a watchdog. They are wonderful with well-mannered children and are deeply devoted to their families. They have a strong prey drive and will not be a great fit for homes with small pets.

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Fun Facts

In the 1980s when the Wirehaired pointing griffon population was in serious decline two factions in the US split off due to differing opinions on how to successfully continue the breed. Tension between the two groups still exists today. 

Health

WPAs are generally healthy dogs. Some health concerns to be aware of include elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, bloat, otitis externa, entropion, and ectropion.

While you always hope your pet will live a long and healthy life, it is always a good idea to invest in pet health insurance.

Keeping your dog’s mouth clean and problem free goes a long way to your pup’s overall health. Dental hygiene can be the cause or can be the byproduct of other serious health issues.

Visual inspections can be performed to keep track of the signs of potentially waning oral health. These signs can be anything from bad breath to abnormal chewing to loss of appetite.

Keeping ahead of these warning signs can pay dividends. A preventative approach can delay and stop many of the common dental problems from arising.

Oral health can be tackled in five basic steps:

  1. Brushing your dog’s teeth to prevent an undesirable buildup of plaque
  2. Feed your dog a diet where the high quality dog food has dental benefits
  3. Regularly give your dog dental toys and treats
  4. Use mouthwash, to help where brushing misses
  5. At the sign of any abnormalities, consult a vet. You can even do it virtually, from the convenience of your home.

Dogs are just like humans in that they can experience anxiety. The degree to which they are susceptible to anxiety and how they deal with anxiety is breed specific. Left unchecked, initial signs of anxiety could give way to an anxiety disorder. The symptoms of anxiety disorders can lead to a myriad of behavior issues.

Knowing the signs and symptoms will best equip you to keep ahead of it and to nip it in the bud at the earliest signs. There are options available to help with anxiety.

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Grooming

WPGs require minimal grooming. Brush your pup’s coat once a week to remove dead hair and matts. There is some debate over whether monthly hand stripping or allowing the hair to naturally fall out is better. It is agreed though that clippering while easier will irreparably change your pup’s coat and destroy some of the naturally occurring properties. Bathe your pup as needed or if he starts to smell. As with all dogs keep your pup’s ears and eyes clean and clear of debris. Keep your pup’s nails clipped and brush his teeth several times per week.

Cost

$1,000 – $2,000

Exercise

WPAs are very active dogs that need lots of exercise. While they will love running around in the backyard playing games with family, they will not be happy left to their own devices for long periods of time. Likely they will become destructive or mischievous. They love to be outdoors, playing in the park, going on hikes, brisk walks and whatever else might get them sometime with you. Plan to spend between one to two hours a day engaged in activity with your pup.

Nutrition

Your fully grown WPA will eat around 3 cups of food per day over two meals. Poodles are prone to bloat, which can be life threatening. Be sure you serve your pup in two meals where they will not be able to overeat. The exact requirements for your dog will vary with age and activity level.

 

We’ve taken a look at some premium dog foods, high in nutrition here.

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Training

As with all dogs, early socialization with humans and other dogs is essential. It is critical to train your WPG early. It is much easier to teach a tiny puppy that is eager to learn than a full-grown pup that is somewhat set in his ways. This breed does best with positive reinforcement training. Work on a strong recall command, as this breed has a strong prey drive. If you intend on having your WPA be a hunting companion, starting training in this specialty early is advised.

Proper training is essential to ensuring the safety of your dog and those around you. Having your dog come when they should, and in general having them listen is something you want to address early in your pup’s life, as it will pay dividends down the line. There are many tried and true training programs to accomplish this training – faster and better than you might think!

Unless you’re living on a farm, or have the space, a yipping dog, or one that barks all day when you are gone could be an issue with the neighbors and/or landlord. Historically, dogs would bark to communicate with the rest of the pack when hunting and bark as a warning shot to predators eyeing up their flock. Barking is deep rooted in dogs and manifests itself in many ways and for a variety of reasons.

Just like any habit or instinct, there are effective ways you can train this issue away.

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Supplements

A solid Glucosamine Supplement for hips and joints will go a long way to helping your furry friend.

Other helpful supplements include full-spectrum hemp oil or CBD oil. Fish oil skin and coat supplement.

Ensuring a comprehensive preventative vitamin and mineral plan is essential to keeping your dog healthy. Truth is, there are vitamins and minerals that your dog needs, but doesn’t produce naturally. While many of these vitamins and minerals can be found in your dog’s current diet and dog food, the question becomes, are there enough vitamins to ensure they aren’t deficient.

Poor nutrition can lead to some of the most common health issues, such as weak joints, compromised immunity, increased allergies, and low energy.

Vitamins play a vital role in your pet’s health and overall life expectancy. Here are some multivitamin and joint relief options.

As regulations around marijuana have eased, the emergence of CBD oils for humans and dogs have sprung up.

Just to begin to dispel the negative stigma, CBD extract comes from Hemp, marijuana’s cousin. Unlike its cousin, there are no psychoactive qualities in CBD oil. An emerging number of clinical and institutional studies have shown the wide variety of healing qualities in CBD, including pain management, and the containment of seizures and epileptic episodes.

Explore this remedy further to see all the health benefits that have transformed the lives of so many dogs to date.

Have You Tried CBD For You Dog's Health?

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Annual Vet Bills: $1,500+

Be Prepared for the unexpected.