Great Wirehaired Gryfenees

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized sporting dog that presents a rugged, naturally unkempt appearance that belies its athletic capability and noble bearing. Males typically stand between 22 and 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, while females measure 20 to 22 inches in height and weigh between 35 and 50 pounds. The breed possesses a square to slightly off-square build, with the body length measured from the point of the forechest to the rump being just slightly greater than the height at the withers, in an approximate ratio of five to four. Their sturdy frame features medium bone wrapped in hard, sinewy muscle, creating a dog built for stamina, endurance, and the ability to work tirelessly in challenging terrain. The most distinctive feature of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is their unique double coat, which consists of a harsh, wiry, straight outer layer that provides excellent protection against rough cover and inclement weather, and a thick, downy undercoat for insulation. The coat is preferably steel gray with brown markings, though it may also appear in various combinations of brown, white, and roan. A characteristic feature is the facial furnishings, including pronounced eyebrows that protect the eyes from brush and a full beard and mustache that give the breed its distinctive, somewhat disheveled appearance. The coat is notably low-shedding compared to many breeds, though it requires regular hand-stripping or grooming to maintain proper texture. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon possesses a head that is in proportion to the body, with a square muzzle and large, rounded eyes that display a friendly, intelligent expression in shades of yellow or brown. The ears are medium-sized, lying flat and close to the head, set at eye level. The nose is always brown, never pink or spotted. The neck is moderately long and slightly arched, flowing smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. The tail is typically docked to about two-thirds of its original length in countries where this practice is permitted, though natural tails are carried horizontally or slightly above the level of the back when the dog is working. The breed moves with a ground-covering, tireless gait that demonstrates their capability as a versatile hunting companion.

The Great Pyrenees is a large and powerful breed that presents an elegant yet substantial appearance, embodying strength and majesty in equal measure. Male Great Pyrenees typically stand between 27 and 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh 100 pounds or more, while females range from 25 to 29 inches in height with weights starting at 85 pounds. The breed possesses a well-proportioned body that is slightly longer than tall, with a level backline and a broad chest that provides impressive substance without appearing heavy or cumbersome. Their sturdy bone structure and well-developed musculature reflect their heritage as working guardians capable of defending livestock against formidable predators. The most striking feature of the Great Pyrenees is their magnificent double coat, which consists of a long, thick, coarse outer layer that can be either straight or slightly wavy, and a dense, woolly undercoat that provides excellent insulation against harsh weather conditions. The coat is predominantly white, though markings of gray, badger, reddish-brown, or tan may appear on the ears, head, tail, and occasionally on the body, typically covering no more than one-third of the dog. A distinctive mane of longer fur develops around the neck and shoulders, appearing more pronounced in males, while feathering adorns the backs of the legs and the tail. The Great Pyrenees possesses a wedge-shaped head that appears slightly rounded at the crown, with a muzzle roughly equal in length to the skull. Their eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and dark brown in color, expressing an intelligent and contemplative demeanor. The ears are V-shaped with rounded tips, set at eye level and carried close to the head. A unique breed characteristic is the presence of double dewclaws on the rear legs, which served historically to provide additional traction in mountainous terrain. The tail is long enough to reach the hocks and is carried low in repose but may rise in a wheel or slight curve when the dog is alert or excited.