GWP vs German wired hair griffon

[ribka]

Looking to pick up another more versatile hunting dog. Like the GWP but would like a more calm type of dog.

Anyone ever own a wired haired griff?

[curtdiesel]

Ribka,

I don't believe Griffens are any calmer than GWPs.  Not sure how calm you are looking for but I think your best bet is to find a breeder with dogs closer to the temperament you are looking for or a different breed of dog.  Perhaps a retriever?

[JODakota]

If you want calm, then don't even think of getting a brittany. I really have yet to see any well bred pointers that are calm

[jetjockey]

If you want calm, then don't even think of getting a brittany. I really have yet to see any well bred pointers that are calm

Not without proper exercise.  All the Brits in my family are fairly calm, but they have their moments when they spaz out as well.  The best discription I've heard of Brits is that they are excitable.  From what I've seen, GWP's and Griffons (still have no idea what the difference is), are a little less excitable. So e if the flushing and retievig breeds seem to be the most calm.

[bhawley76]

I thought a griffon and a wire hair was the same dog just different name 

[AspenBud]

I thought a griffon and a wire hair was the same dog just different name 

Totally different breeds.

[AspenBud]

If you want a calmer wirehaired dog buy a Spinone Italiano.

[AspenBud]

From what I've seen, GWP's and Griffons (still have no idea what the difference is), are a little less excitable.

The Griff's that I have seen tended to be more happy go lucky whereas the GWP's tended to be more wolfy and serious. Griffs are also separated down two branches, one with the AWPGA which leans towards the AKC standard and the other, the WPGCA, who bred Cesky Fouseks into the breed which made them ineligible for NAVHDA and AKC registration.

GWP's are just Americanized Drahthaars that have had more of an eye towards bird work in breeding than their German counterparts.

[JODakota]

If you want a calmer wirehaired dog buy a Spinone Italiano.

Exactly, a nice close ranging, big hairy pointer! Have fun finding a breeder though, I hear they are rare in the states.

[AspenBud]

If you want a calmer wirehaired dog buy a Spinone Italiano.

Exactly, a nice close ranging, big hairy pointer! Have fun finding a breeder though, I hear they are rare in the states.

Very rare and pups are spendy.

I know a breeder.

Personally I would look at Griffs. More of them (than compared to Spinoni)  from proven lines and I have yet to hear anyone really say anything negative about them. "Best dog I've ever owned" is what I usually hear and that's not based on any breed bias here, I own Pointers and will until they pat dirt on my face.

I've seen a lot of guys say their German wirehairs were not necessarily great family dogs and God help neighborhood cats. But they are naturals in all they do and pass for watch dogs in a pinch.

[Emptyhanded]

We have had 2 griffs, still have one of them. Our first one was a big male that was calm as can be, and the one we have now is a 6 yr old female. She has more energy than Jake did but she's by no means "highstrung". I personally love the temperament of the griffs, and they are awesome upland dogs.

[JODakota]

If you want a calmer wirehaired dog buy a Spinone Italiano.

Exactly, a nice close ranging, big hairy pointer! Have fun finding a breeder though, I hear they are rare in the states.

Very rare and pups are spendy.



I know a breeder.

Personally I would look at Griffs. More of them (than compared to Spinoni)  from proven lines and I have yet to hear anyone really say anything negative about them. "Best dog I've ever owned" is what I usually hear and that's not based on any breed bias here, I own Pointers and will until they pat dirt on my face.

I've seen a lot of guys say their German wirehairs were not necessarily great family dogs and God help neighborhood cats. But they are naturals in all they do and pass for watch dogs in a pinch.

Very spendy, my buddy bought one when he was in Italy. Between shipping, shots, passport and price of the dog. Dear lord!

[coyotestalker22250]

I have a Griffon and I love his temperament. My 3 year old daughter and him play relentlessly, and he's a perfect gentleman. I have been around a lot of gwps and would take a griff any day over one. They are hard get you have to be on a waiting list if you want one but they're worth it. Check out gundogbreeders.com there is plenty of breeders on there. Good luck with whichever you choose.

[ribka]

Thanks guys. Found a reputable breeder in ID. Sent in a deposit on a grif. Owned labs, brittanies, vizsla, GSP's . So looking forwRd to a new experience

If you want a calmer wirehaired dog buy a Spinone Italiano.

Exactly, a nice close ranging, big hairy pointer! Have fun finding a breeder though, I hear they are rare in the states.

[constructeur]

Hun Hills by chance? When will you get the new guy home?

I recently went through the same process in choosing between a WPG/PP/GWP and we ended up putting a deposit on a female GWP to be picked up this Spring.


Spinone? I've never seen one that wasn't a bootlicker, which makes sense for the small tracts available to hunt in Italy; I just have no idea why anyone locally would want one though.

[richardt]

Thanks guys. Found a reputable breeder in ID. Sent in a deposit on a grif. Owned labs, brittanies, vizsla, GSP's . So looking forwRd to a new experience

If you want a calmer wirehaired dog buy a Spinone Italiano.

Exactly, a nice close ranging, big hairy pointer! Have fun finding a breeder though, I hear they are rare in the states.

Great choice!! I own a Griff, and he's a great dog, he definitely knows the difference between when he's outside on the job, or at home, adjusts his energy as needed. I have a 4 year old, and a 9 month old, and they get along great, he knows the difference between playing with me, my 4 yr old, or my 9 month old, he's gentle with my 4 yr/old, but sooo gentle with my little guy, he knows the difference, and is so patient, letting him crawl all over him, tug on his hair etc.

If you're on FaceBook, there is a public group with over 2000 members, that is all about Griffs, including people from all walks, trainers, vets, hunters, etc., I highly recommend joining, it's a wealth of information https://www.facebook.com/groups/Griffology/?fref=ts

Also, if you're looking for someone to train your Griff (if you won't be training him yourself) I recommend Doug Burnett at Cooke Canyon hunt club near Ellensburg. He and his assistant Chad are great, they had Drake for 3 months this summer, and helped Drake get 3 of 4 JH tests passed, and he scored 108 with a prize I in NAVHDA, if you're thinking of going down the hunt test road. They have a bunch of experience with Griffs, and we're referred to me by another local Griff owner who also hunts. Here's his site http://hstrial-aburnett.homestead.com/

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Griffs like all breeds have their quirks, and I'll be happy to try and help.