Veterans of National Purebred Dog Day know that a dog’s name is often a clue to its function and type. The French word, Griffon,” points to a dog with a wiry coat, and in that regard, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon‘s name may be a bit redundant, but perhaps necessary since historically, many different breeds of dogs with facial furnishings and wire coats in Europe were referred to simply as “Griffons.”  It was a description of “type,” not a specific breed of dog.

Very little, if anything, has changed in the breed since Dr. E.B. Ilyus wrote, “The chief characteristics in which the griffon excels, and is superior over setters and pointers, are his ready adaptability to all species of game, all climates, and all varieties of terrain, his exquisite nose, wonderful vitality and endurance, and the pronounced instinct which makes him the easiest of all dogs to train on game. As a retriever he has, in my opinion, no superior, and being very intelligent and affectionate, he makes an ideal man’s companion.” Dr. Ilyus wrote this in 1917.

Our photo is from the AKC library which shared this 1939 French photo gem from their archives. Breed fans have noted that the breed has changed very little over time, and that Griff expression is a classic!