Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs German Wirehaired Pointer: 5 Differences

Did you know that there are two very different gun dog breeds known as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs German Wirehaired Pointer? While these two breeds look very similar, there are a variety of differences between them that you may not expect. But what might those be, and how can you learn how to tell these very similar dogs apart?

In this article, we will address all of the similarities and differences between the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and the German Wirehaired Pointer. We will discuss their appearances, behaviors, and ancestry so that you can have a full understanding of both of these breeds.

Let’s get started and talk all about these two pointers now!

Comparing Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs German Wirehaired Pointer

Key Differences Between Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs German Wirehaired Pointer

There are many key differences between a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and a German Wirehaired Pointer. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon originated in France, while the German Wirehaired Pointer originated in Germany. Additionally, the German Wirehaired Pointer has a shorter coat compared to the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Finally, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a shorter lifespan compared to the German Wirehaired Pointer.

Let’s discuss all of these differences in more detail now.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs German Wirehaired Pointer: Size

It can be extremely difficult to tell the differences between a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and a German Wirehaired Pointer based on their sizes alone. For example, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon reaches anywhere from 22 to 24 inches tall, while the German Wirehaired Pointer reaches 24 to 27 inches tall.

Additionally, the German Wirehaired Pointer slightly outweighs the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, but only by a few pounds on average. Depending on gender, the German Wirehaired Pointer weighs 60 to 72 pounds, while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon weighs 50 to 70 pounds on average.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs German Wirehaired Pointer: Appearance

Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon look very similar based on their ancestry and their trademark wiry hair. However, there are a few physical differences between them that you can use to tell them apart. For example, the German Wirehaired Pointer looks more muscular than the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon on average, though it can be difficult to tell this because of the fur on both of these dogs.

Speaking of fur, the German Wirehaired Pointer comes in fewer colors compared to the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. You can tell these two dogs apart based on the location of their long fur. For example, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has long and coarse fur all over its body, while the German Wirehaired Pointer only has long fur on its nose and chin, as well as around the eyes.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs German Wirehaired Pointer: Ancestry and Breeding

Both the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and the German Wirehaired Pointer were bred for the same reason. They are both considered gun dogs and capable hunting dogs in the sporting breed , typically used to hunt Ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. However, the German Wirehaired Pointer was bred to tackle more difficult terrain compared to the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

Additionally, the locations in which these dogs were originally bred differ from each other. While they were both bred in the 1800’s, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon originated in France, and the German Wirehaired Pointer originated in Germany , as its namesake suggests.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs German Wirehaired Pointer: Behavior

The behavior of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon versus the behavior of the German Wirehaired Pointer are extremely similar. Both dogs are ideal in a variety of families due to their friendly personalities and active lifestyles, but the disposition of both of these dogs does not lend well to strangers. However, both of them make excellent guard dogs.

Some sources mention that the German Wirehaired Pointer is easier to train compared to the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, but this is not necessarily a hard and fast rule. Both dogs are eager to learn and get to work, whether it be hunting or simply their daily walk!

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs German Wirehaired Pointer: Lifespan

The final difference between a German Wirehaired Pointer and a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are their lifespans. The German Wirehaired Pointer lives slightly longer than the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon on average. For example, the German Wirehaired Pointer lives anywhere from 13-15 years , while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon lives 10-12 years. However, it all depends on the level of care and health that the individual dog is receiving.

Dogs Similar to The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also referred to as the Korthals Griffon, is an exceptionally rare breed with a wide range of talents. Dogs resembling this breed include German Wirehaired Pointers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and the Brittany :

• German Wirehaired Pointer: This hunting dog shares a type of friendly disposition, although it has a shorter, flatter coat.
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever : This intelligent canine exhibits a similar playful temperament and is also classified as a gun dog, but it tends to shed more.
• Brittany : Both breeds are characterized by their alertness and pleasant temperaments, with the Brittany being smaller in size and weight.

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• Types of Pointer Dog Breeds
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