Wirehaired Griffons

[Lallans]

I'm looking for a versatile gun dog. There's an impressive amount of outre knowledge on this site, so I thought it was worth asking if anyone has experience with this breed, known in Europe as the Korthals Griffon, and variations on that in the rest of Europe. I have no dog at present but I'll be in a position to own a dog again in a year or so, and this breed has always intrigued me as it seems to be the perfect versatile gun dog in so many ways-and to be honest, in appearance reminds me of a favorite pet mutt from some year back. The breed is quite rare in my area and indeed I was unable to find a Canadian breeder 20 years ago, now however there are several. My fallback dog would be a Brittany, I'm looking for a smallish indoor gun dog that can't wreck the dwelling in a single bound (or sweep of the tail).

[IDScot]

As a versatile breed, I don't think you can go wrong. They have instincts and drive like most continental breeds but significantly (IMO) more suitable to adverse weather conditions then something like a GSP. In the US, it sticks in my head, that breeding is tightly controlled by savvy kennels and for good reasons too.

Personally, I'm a spaniel guy and I love Brittanies. Small, agile, and good looking. You have to deal with the long coat, though.

Good luck and post pics if you decide to get either one!

[Lallans]

Appreciate the information. If there is something you really do need in my area, it's an ability to stand up to adverse weather.... Brittanys are great, no argument there, but it's nice to be able to encourage the new local(ish) breeders that are bringing in Griffons. And, what I hear is that Brittanys seem to be tending towards a setter-like tendency to work 'way out beyond the guns, not something I want in the closed-in bush conditions around here. I have in fact encountered no fewer than two 'way out in the bush who had 'lost their owners'- I trust both cases ended happily.

[Drac]

Not sure if you're interested in other breeds but here is one I fell for -

http://www.australianterrier.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Terrier

Jim

[auld argonian]

While the topic is open and I have all of you dog fanciers here, what breed was Useless, the dog who blew Hector up on Monarch of the Glen? I'm guessing English Springer but there are so many sub-spaniels that I can't be sure.

Best

AA

[Lallans]

While the topic is open and I have all of you dog fanciers here, what breed was Useless, the dog who blew Hector up on Monarch of the Glen? I'm guessing English Springer but there are so many sub-spaniels that I can't be sure.

Best

AA

I remembered that someone on Xmarks once told me he was a Springer, but it turns out that was you! Whatever, I had remembered he was a Lab because it's exactly the sort of overly helpful thing a real Lab would do. I would say Springer is correct, BTY. Wrong head shape for a Cocker.

[IDScot]

Re Useless: Well Done! He is an English Springer Spaniel.

Regarding the Brittany, I think you are right. I have hunted over several and that does seem to be the trend. I split the blame equally between the Field Trialing community and the breeders. I'm sure not all Brits are that way as every dog has it's own personality.

As for other breeds you might also consider:

-The French Brittany Spaniel (Epagneul Briton) as opposed to the American.
-The Welsh Springer Spaniel (Pointing breed, though might be difficult to find a field line)

In any case, I don't think you can go wrong. Just be prepared with an extra dose of patients if you get a Brit.

[Lallans]

Not sure if you're interested in other breeds but here is one I fell for -

http://www.australianterrier.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Terrier

Jim

My plan is to get a terrier when I'm too old to traipse the woods any more; at least one could keep the mice at bay. Or if I move back to the country and can have more than one dog in the house. The Oz version you picked is pretty neat, for sure, and to this point the breed seems fairly healthy.

[jgcunningham]

I will tell you that griffons are easy to house-train and are great with kids and other dogs, BUT they get bored easily and can wreck havoc if they so choose. I had one for about 5 years and we learned to keep a variety of chewable toys in every room he frequented so he could have something to play with and could change to another item if he got bored with them. Otherwise, he would go through the laundry hamper (came home once to find some of my boxers around his neck) or pull all of the stuffing out of a sofa pillow. Spike was a really great dog and while I never got to take him hunting, he enjoyed tracking animals by scent in the yard and would go on point at the odd bird sometimes. I also trained him to retrieve the newspaper for me from the front yard. It only took about an hour or so to get him to do it. He loved to please us by executing commands to do tricks for a kibble. They are able to learn several word commands with some patient repetition and treats. Spike knew probably 20 commands and words. YMMV. Enjoy the dog if you get one. They do shed a lot and need to be trimmed to look presentable. We trimmed him mainly in the Spring and again in the Summer to then let his coat get longer for the Winter. Tell your groomer to trim them like a schnauzer.

If you get one, share a picture. I'd really like to see it. We miss Spike terribly. You'll get a good faithful friendly dog in a griffon.

[mull]

I have a german shorthair and so cannot talk about how the griffon is in the house, but I have been in the field with a few, hunting and at NAVHD events and they are great. Very trainable and well mannered and love to work. A litttle slow to dry after getting wet, but that's the trade off for the long coat.