About two years ago our family brought our dog, Stoli, home to his new home. Stoli is a Wire Pointing Griffon (WPG), which is a medium-sized sporting dog skilled in hunting upland birds and waterfowl. He hasn’t fully grown at two years of age, but he is expected to be a little over his current 60 pounds, 24 inches tall.

The way we found out about and became owners of this distinctive breed of dog began almost 3 years ago when my husband’s internet research using the terms ‘non-shedding, medium-sized sporting dog’ turned up information about the Griffon. of wire hair sample.

The breed and its nuances are well known within the WPG community. Being new to the neighborhood, so to speak, I wasn’t fully aware of the characteristics that make the WPG a desirable breed. As a sporting dog, the breed is very loyal, always keeping within sight or closer range, adapting to different climates and conditions due to breeding and wire-haired coat, and is a quick learner and eager to please. These traits also make the Stoli a great family dog.

One breeder we met during our initial research stage stated that “I like being with you” from WPG. My husband and I said it was fine, not really knowing what that meant in a dog. We assume affection and loyalty like our childhood dogs: Jim’s Labrador Retriever or my German Shorthaired Pointer. Well, that phrase took on a whole new meaning with Stoli. Our WPG likes to rest against our leg with its paws at our feet. This proximity can be while we cook, read the mail or do a task. Other WPG owners have similarly commented that their dog “checks in” while he runs outside off-leash to say hello and then runs back into the fields or pastures. We have also seen this in our backyard with running out of power then stopping by to say hi.

The WPG coat is a thick double coat that is rough to the touch and provides protection against brambles or brush. We have also noted that the wiry fur is helpful in repelling water. The WPG is an adaptable hunting dog bred to cover terrain traveled by the hunter on foot. It is this protective coating that gives our Stoli and the breed a unkempt appearance. The coat seems to shed a layer at the beginning of autumn and spring. At this time, there are clumps of hair that accumulate and act like little patches of tumbleweeds that float along the ground. As for the hair of our WPG getting dirty with their clothes or adhering to the material, this does not happen or it seems that it has not happened.

This breed is known to be easy to train and we have found that to be true with our WPG. Stoli is always ready to learn something new, whether it’s for a new trick or to retrieve in the backyard. Stoli has been crate trained since he was our pup. He responds to “Box” by going back to his box, either for a present, at the end of the day, or to hang out while I vacuum the kitchen. More recently, Stoli quickly learned not to counter surf for treats. This was a beautiful thing for us.

In conclusion, we have found that keeping a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon as a family dog ​​is rewarding and sometimes entertaining. Stoli is always eager for fun and exercise, is always loyal, and is a close and dependent hunting and family dog.