• Korthals Griffon Breed
  • Korthals Griffon in Great Britain
  • Korthals Griffon
  • Korthals Griffon Dog Breed
  • Korthals Griffons in the UK
  • Korthals Griffon in the UK
  • Korthals Griffons in Great Britain
  • Korthals Griffon Dog
  • Korthals Griffons
  • Korthals Griffon Dogs
Size:
Grooming:
Exercise Level:
Trainability:
Barking Level:
Good with Children:
Good with other pets:
Affectionate:
Protective:
Height: 55 - 61cm M | 50 - 55cm F
Weight: 23 - 27kg M | 18 - 23kg F
Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 Years

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Introduction

The Korthals Griffon is known as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in some countries specifically the USA and Canada. It was bred as a gundog and has excellent hunting skills. It tends to be wary of strangers but it would rather keep its distance than attack. Children of all ages have a special place in its heart.

Has the Korthals Griffon caught your attention? Here is a brief background of this excellent hunter.


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History

The Korthals Griffon originated in the Netherlands, developed in 1873 by Eduard Karel Korthals, thus the name. It is believed that German and French Pointers, as well as different waterdogs and spaniel types were used in the hopes of developing the perfect gundog. Korthals continued his breeding program in Germany and after his death, breed enthusiasts continued his work in Germany, France and other parts of Europe. It was first exhibited in the USA as a Russian Setter.

The Korthals Griffon is registered with The Kennel Club under the Gundog group. This breed is recognised by other major registries and known as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in some countries specifically the USA and Canada. Today, it remains a rare breed outside Europe, including the UK and anyone interested to own one must be put on a waiting list.


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Appearance and Grooming

The Korthals Griffon is a medium-sized robust dog that stands 50 to 60 centimetres at the withers and weighs 50 to 60 pounds. It is a handsome dog with a well-developed moustache and beard, giving off a determined and confident presence. It has a large yet not too broad head, long and square muzzle, brown nose that is always a bit convex at the tip, brown or dark yellow round eyes, bushy eyebrows, medium flat ears, and a strong jaw with a perfect scissor bite.

The Korthals Griffon boasts of a harsh and coarse outer coat and a dense undercoat. The accepted KC standard colours are steel grey with liver brown patches, solid liver brown, white and brown, liver brown with white hairs, and liver roan. The Korthals Griffon only requires weekly brushing, which only becomes more frequent twice a year, during spring and autumn when they shed more heavily. However, it needs to be hand stripped at the groomer’s twice a year for grooming to be easier at home. It can be bathed as needed, when it is visibly dirty or when it starts to have that doggy smell.

Other basic grooming needs are nail trimming once a month, tooth brushing twice a week and regular inspection and cleaning of its ears.


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Temperament and Intelligence

The Korthals Griffon is a gentle and loyal companion that develops a strong bond with its humans, particularly to the person that takes care of it. However, it is worth noting that today’s Korthals Griffons have retained their natural hunting instincts, making them energetic dogs unsuitable for sedentary families and first-time owners. They need owners who are experienced in handling hunting dogs and people also lead active outdoor lives. Although they are not dominant by nature, they need to be taught who the alpha in the family is so they have someone they can follow and obey.

The Korthals Griffon can be wary and shy around strangers. However, it is not usually aggressive and would rather keep its distance until it gets to know them. It has an affinity with children of all ages and is usually gentle and kind to them. However, adult supervision is needed to avoid any accidents. It also gets along with other pets, even cats especially when they are raised together but could chase the neighbours’ cats and small pets.

This breed is intelligent but can be challenging to house train. Early training and socialisation are important so the Korthals Griffon can grow up well rounded and obedient. Since it has heightened hunting abilities, trainings should involve challenging and interesting jobs so they will become truly happy. Being sensitive dogs, Korthals Griffons do not respond well to harsh trainings and would excel in a positive environment filled with treats and encouraging words.


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Nutrition and Feeding

A typical serving for an adult Korthals Griffon is 2 to 2.5 cups of excellent quality dry dog food per day. The amount of food depends on various factors such as the dog’s age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism. While it would help owners to understand the basic nutritional needs of dogs based on their breed, they should pay attention to their own dog’s individual characteristics.

Typical calorie needs of adult Korthals Griffons per day:

  • Senior and less active: up to 1,250 calories daily
  • Typical adults: up to 1,400 calories daily
  • Physically active/working dogs: up to 1,500 calories daily

You have the option to feed your Korthals Griffon raw/cooked homemade or dried/canned commercial food. When you choose the homemade food route, make sure you provide supplementation to avoid nutrient deficiencies. On the other hand, if you opt for commercial dog food, go for high quality brands with limited ingredients, with protein as the number 1 component. Stay away from those with artificial flavourings and fillers.


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Health and Exercise

Korthals Griffons are generally healthy, which can have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. The good thing is that it is predisposed to only a handful of hereditary illnesses including Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Luxating Patella, and bloat.

Being a high-energy and intelligent canine, the Korthals Griffon would need at least 2 hours of exercise daily. If it is unable to get the right amount of physical activities and mental stimulation, it will get bored and exhibit destructive behaviour. Apart from going on walks and being given jobs, the Korthals Griffon should also be allowed to go to a fenced yard anytime to let off steam. Make sure the fencing is sturdy or it will try to escape.


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Cost of Ownership

Since the Korthals Griffon is a rare breed in the UK, you must agree to be put on a waiting list to obtain one. The cost of a well-bred pedigree puppy is anything from £1,000 upwards. To ensure it stays healthy at whatever age, be ready to spend £40-£50 a month on high-quality dog food. You also need to factor in the initial cost for dog accessories and equipment such as food bowls, leads, collars, and beds, which will likely be about £200 depending on the brand.

When it comes to healthcare, you need to be prepared in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. You can offset some medical bills if you get a pet insurance, which can range from £25 for a time-limited cover up to £45 for a lifetime one. These prices vary depending on your dog’s health and age, size and weight, the type of cover you choose, and whether it has pre-existing conditions.

Other outgoings to consider are veterinary expenses that may not be included in a pet insurance coverage such as vaccinations, routine checks, neutering or spaying, and annual boosters, which can have a combined cost of £1000 annually. Roughly, you will be setting aside £70-£110 a month for recurring expenses, depending on the type of insurance cover you choose. This estimate is also exclusive of walking or grooming services that you might want to use at times.


Korthals Griffon Breed Highlights

  • The Korthals Griffon is a medium dog that is loyal and gentle.
  • It has an affinity with children of all ages.
  • Its grooming requirements are quite easy but would require hand stripping twice a year.
  • It is an exceptional hunter that does well with pets it grows up with but would chase other small animals.
  • As a working breed, it is a high-energy dog not needs at least 2 hours’ worth of daily exercise.
Korthals Griffon

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Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.