Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Shedding Guide

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are known for their ability in the field as a versatile gundog and their rough, scruffy appearance. But they’re not just rugged sporting dogs, they also make friendly, loyal companions.

And the good news is, they don’t shed very much!

Griffs have a medium-length double coat made up of harsh, wiry outer hairs and a dense undercoat that, together, sheds very little. And while no dog is truly hypoallergenic, his coat is generally considered to be more suitable for people with pet allergies.

Read on to learn more about how much hair Griffs molt and what they’re like to brush and groom, so you know what to expect.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Shedding

Griffs are a low shedding breed.

You may notice some hair on the floors and furniture at times, but nothing too extreme. Overall, they shed about the same amount as German Wirehaired Pointer, who is also similar in appearance.

So, if you’re looking for a low shedding working or sporting dog, then the Griff is an excellent choice.

His coat is also considered to be more suitable for people with allergies too, given that it sheds less and produces less dander than most dogs. So, while no dog is 100% “hypoallergenic” he is less likely to cause problems for those with pet-related allergies.

What if you are noticing excessive shedding?

Most Griffs don’t shed much, but at the same time, each dog is different. And factors such as the dog’s overall health and the time of year can also play a part.

With the former, dogs are susceptible to all kinds of health problems, just like us humans, and sometimes these can cause excessive shedding. For example, if your dog has fleas or his diet isn’t optimal, these things can lead to heavier than normal molting. So if you do have any concerns about your dog’s shedding, it might be worth contacting a veterinarian.

Dogs can also shed more heavily during certain seasons, most commonly during spring and fall, and this is known as seasonal shedding. Griffs aren’t very heavy seasonal shedders, but it is very common for dogs to drop more hair once or twice per year for two-to-four weeks.

Either way, it’s not difficult to manage the small amount of hair they do molt, during shedding season or otherwise. As long as you ensure his diet is optimal and that he’s as healthy as can be, it mostly comes down to a simple weekly brushing routine.

Grooming Your Griff

Griffs aren’t difficult to groom, but they do have a wire coat which means they are a little more work than a short-coated breed with straight hair.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have a medium-length double coat that is made up of harsh, wiry outer hairs and a dense undercoat.

And their coat has quite a messy, unkempt look about it, which is one of their most distinguishing features. Even though they do have a similar type of wiry coat to some high maintenance breeds, they’re scruffy, rugged dogs that simply don’t need to be brushed to perfection.

They were developed to hunt and retrieve game birds, which is something they are very good at and their coat serves them well for this purpose, as it helps insulate them in both cold and hot weather and repels water.

So, long story short, you don’t need to spend too much time brushing, trimming, or bathing your Griff. But you will need to brush them once or twice a week with a comb or slicker brush to maintain their coat, remove any dead hairs and remove any mats or knots.

And they do need to be hand stripped or trimmed occasionally, too. The benefit of hand stripping versus trimming or clipping is they tend to retain the color and texture of their coat better. But clipping the coat on occasion, to keep it from growing out of control, is much simpler and what most people do.

Aside from these things, you really only need to bath your Griffon occasionally and tend to basic things such as nail trimming, ear and teeth cleaning. All the usual stuff.

Bottom Line

Wirehaired Griffs are a truly unique breed, and in more ways than one.

From their rugged, scruffy appearance, to their ability in the field, to their beautifully loyal, devoted nature. They are a real treasure. And, unfortunately, fairly rare in he United States. So if you do get the chance to adopt one of these amazing dogs, I bet you’ll be glad you did.

That said, if you’re looking for a pointing dog that’s easier to groom, and not as hard to find, there are a number of other great Pointers to choose from.