Korthals Griffon

The Korthals Griffon, known in continental Europe as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, is a French versatile gundog of considerable distinction created by Eduard Karel Korthals, a Dutch sportsman who devoted much of his life in the latter nineteenth century to establishing a supreme all-purpose hunting dog capable of pointing, flushing and retrieving across any terrain and in any weather. Korthals began his breeding programme around 1874, working across several European countries before settling in Germany and later France, selectively breeding from a range of wire-haired pointing and hunting breeds to produce a consistent and reliable type. The breed was first formally shown in 1888 and subsequently recognised across Europe. In the United Kingdom it is registered by the Kennel Club in the Gundog Group.

The breed is medium to large, well-muscled and strongly built with a characteristic harsh, rough, steel-grey and chestnut brown coat and the bushy eyebrows, moustache and beard that give it a distinctive and engaging expression. The coat is not curly but stiff and rough, providing excellent weather and water resistance in the field. Adults typically stand 55 to 60 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 23 to 27 kilograms.

The character is warm, devoted and genuinely family-friendly to a degree that sets it apart from some of the more driven HPR breeds. The Korthals bonds closely with its household, is good with children and sociable with other dogs, and while it needs to work or have a substantial exercise and enrichment programme, it does not have the high-strung quality of some specialist gundogs. In the home it is calm and affectionate; in the field it transforms into a determined, methodical and focused working dog.

The breed's versatility in the field is genuine and well-established. The Korthals will quarter across rough terrain hunting for game, hold a firm point on scent, flush on command and retrieve from both land and water. It is an able swimmer and the harsh coat provides considerable protection in wet conditions and dense cover. Those who can provide HPR work or field sports will find the breed in its element; those in companion settings must substitute with nose work, tracking, retrieving and substantial off-lead exercise.

Training is rewarding. The breed is intelligent and engaged with its owner, making it more responsive than some sporting dogs. Positive reward-based methods with consistent handling work well. The hunting drive means recall must be thoroughly trained from an early age and exercise in unsecured areas requires care.

Health considerations are manageable. Hip Dysplasia is the primary concern and hip scoring of both parents is strongly recommended before any purchase. The Korthals is broadly considered a robust and healthy breed without a heavy burden of specific hereditary conditions. Eye testing and general health assessment by a KC-registered breeder should be the baseline requirement.

Purchase prices from reputable breeders range from £1,200 to £2,500. Monthly running costs average £100 to £160. Given the relative rarity of the breed in the UK, waiting lists are common and prospective owners should be prepared to research carefully and wait for a puppy from a breeder who prioritises health testing and genuine working aptitude.

Affectionate, devoted and sociable with a calm and confident character. Good with children and typically sociable with other dogs. Bonds closely with family. Does not do well in isolation. Considered one of the more tractable and family-friendly HPR breeds.

Intelligent and eager to please by HPR standards. Responds well to positive reward-based training. Natural aptitude for hunt, point and retrieve work. Early socialisation and a thorough recall foundation are essential given the strong hunting drive.

Needs at least 90 minutes of vigorous off-lead exercise daily. Benefits greatly from nose work, tracking and retrieving activities that engage the hunting instinct. A formal HPR or field sports outlet greatly improves the dog's contentment and focus.

Hip Dysplasia is the primary concern and hip scoring of both parents is strongly recommended. Eye testing advised. Generally considered a healthy and robust breed without a heavy burden of hereditary conditions. Responsible breeders should provide documented health testing results.

Feed a high-quality complete dry food for an active medium-to-large breed, adjusted for workload. Working dogs may need higher protein during the season. Two meals daily preferred over one to reduce bloat risk. Monitor weight if exercise reduces. Fresh water always available.

The harsh wiry coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting in the soft undercoat. Hand-stripping twice yearly maintains correct texture; clipping softens the coat and is not recommended for working dogs. Ears require regular checking given the pendant shape.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £1,200 to £2,500. Monthly running costs including food, insurance, veterinary care and grooming: £100 to £160. Professional hand-stripping adds to grooming costs if not done by the owner.

Best suited to active owners with access to countryside and ideally a working or field sports context. Good with children and family life when adequately exercised. Gets on well with other dogs. Not suited to urban or flat living. Strong hunting drive requires secure fencing and a thoroughly trained recall.