Wirehaired Pointing Griffon also called the Korthals Griffon, and Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur Korthals is believed to have a Dutch ancestry since Eduard Karel Korthals started breeding griffons in Amsterdam around 1873.
Korthals's vision was to create a breed that is versatile, adaptable, highly trainable, and attentive to its master. Following years of interbreeding, Korthals' vision became reality, in 1888 the first griffon club was formed in Bavaria followed by Belgium (in 1895) and France (in 1901). It wasn't until 1916 that the griffon breed was officially recognized in the United States.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon or what many locals would call "Griff" is relatively rare in the United States. However, as a gundog, the Griff is quite popular among avid hunters by virtue of its intrinsic coarse double coat that allows it to navigate in a variety of difficult terrain and environments.
As a gundog, the Griff do not do well living in kennels or closed areas. Regular exercise and training as pointers in the field and as retrievers in the water make them excellent dogs for outdoor sportsmen and hunters.
The Griff's unkempt appearance might not appeal to everyone who desires the soft, silk-like feel of an Afghan Hound, an Irish Setter, or Yorkshire Terrier. The Griff's tough and thick coat makes them ideal for those looking for an all-around sporting dog. That said, Griff's wire-like coat requires regular brushing and stripping to maintain its optimal healthy coat.