Wirehaired Pointing Griffon — Accessories & Essentials

A well-fitted collar is the baseline accessory for every Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. A flat buckle or quick-release collar in nylon or biothane works well for everyday wear and ID tag display. The collar should fit snugly enough that two fingers can slide beneath it but not so loose that it could slip over the dog's head. The Griffon's neck is moderately thick and muscular, so measure carefully rather than guessing at size — most adults fall in the 16 to 20 inch range.

Harnesses are the better choice for leash walking, particularly for younger dogs still learning leash manners or for Griffons that pull when they catch an interesting scent. A front-clip harness redirects pulling force toward the handler and discourages the dog from lunging without putting pressure on the trachea. Back-clip harnesses are comfortable and suitable for dogs that already walk politely but offer less mechanical advantage for managing a strong dog that surges forward.

For hunting and field work, a high-visibility orange or blaze collar is essential for safety during hunting season regardless of whether the dog is actively working. Many field owners also use a bell collar or beeper collar that allows them to track the dog's location and movement in heavy cover. These specialized collars serve a safety function that goes beyond everyday identification.

Leash selection depends on context. A six-foot leather or biothane leash is the standard for training and structured walks, offering good grip and durability. Long lines of fifteen to thirty feet are invaluable for recall training and controlled off-leash practice in open areas. Retractable leashes are generally discouraged for Griffons because the thin cord offers little control over a strong, fast dog and can cause rope burns or entanglement injuries.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's coat is one of the breed's most distinctive features and requires specific grooming tools to maintain its harsh, weather-resistant texture. A slicker brush is the workhorse of Griffon grooming, effective at removing loose undercoat, debris from fieldwork, and minor tangles before they develop into mats. Brush the coat thoroughly at least twice a week, paying special attention to the longer furnishings on the legs, face, and underbelly where mats tend to form.

A stripping knife or stripping stone is essential for maintaining the correct coat texture. Hand-stripping removes dead outer coat by the root rather than cutting it, which preserves the wiry texture and promotes healthy regrowth. Clipping a Griffon's coat with electric clippers permanently softens the texture and reduces the coat's ability to repel water and resist brush, so stripping is strongly preferred for dogs that will be shown or that work in the field. Even pet Griffons benefit from periodic hand-stripping to keep the coat functional and tidy.

A steel comb with both wide and narrow teeth handles detail work around the ears, beard, and eyebrows. The Griffon's facial furnishings require regular combing to prevent food, water, and outdoor debris from accumulating in the beard. After meals and water breaks, a quick comb-through of the beard prevents staining and odor buildup.

Nail care requires a quality set of nail clippers or a rotary grinding tool. Griffons that spend significant time on soft ground or grass may not wear their nails down naturally and will need regular trimming every two to three weeks. Overgrown nails alter the dog's gait and can lead to discomfort and structural problems over time. Introduce nail trimming tools early in the dog's life and pair the experience with high-value treats to build a cooperative grooming routine.

Stainless steel bowls are the gold standard for Griffon feeding and watering. They are durable, easy to sanitize, resistant to chewing and scratching, and do not harbor bacteria the way plastic bowls can. The smooth surface of stainless steel also eliminates the micro-scratches that develop in plastic over time, which can trap bacteria and contribute to chin acne — a condition the Griffon's bearded face is particularly susceptible to.

Bowl size and depth matter for this breed. A medium-depth bowl with a wide base prevents tipping and allows the Griffon to eat comfortably without its long ears dragging through the food. Some owners prefer bowls with tapered or narrower openings that keep the ears outside the bowl during meals, reducing the need to clean food out of the ear furnishings after every feeding.

Elevated feeders raise the food and water bowls to a height that is more comfortable for the dog's posture during meals. For a Griffon, a feeder height of eight to twelve inches brings the bowl closer to natural head position and reduces the amount of air the dog swallows while eating. However, the relationship between elevated feeding and bloat risk remains debated among veterinary professionals, so discuss this option with your veterinarian if your dog has any predisposing factors for gastric torsion.

Slow-feeder bowls with ridges, mazes, or raised patterns force the dog to work around obstacles to access food, dramatically slowing eating speed. Griffons that gulp their meals benefit significantly from these bowls, which can reduce meal consumption time from sixty seconds to ten or fifteen minutes. The slower pace improves digestion and reduces the volume of air swallowed during eating.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a natural travel companion — these dogs were bred to work alongside their handlers in varied terrain and adapt readily to new environments. A crash-tested vehicle crate or secured travel harness is essential for safe car travel. The crate should be large enough for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably, and must be anchored securely in the vehicle so it does not shift during stops or collisions.

For hunting trips, a vehicle-mounted dog box with ventilation panels provides a secure and organized way to transport the dog in a truck bed. These boxes keep the dog contained during travel and provide a shaded resting space at the hunting site between sessions. Look for models with drainage holes, tie-down points, and doors that can be secured against accidental opening.

A collapsible travel water bowl and a gallon jug of fresh water should be part of every outing kit. Griffons working in the field dehydrate quickly, especially in warm weather, and access to clean water at regular intervals is critical. Collapsible silicone bowls pack flat, weigh almost nothing, and can be clipped to a belt or pack for hands-free carrying.

For air travel, an airline-approved crate that meets IATA specifications is required. The crate must be hard-sided, properly ventilated, and labeled with live animal stickers and feeding instructions. Familiarize the dog with the travel crate well in advance of any flight by using it as a regular sleeping or resting space at home. A dog that is already comfortable in the crate will experience significantly less travel stress than one encountering it for the first time at the airport.

Every Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should wear identification at all times. A flat collar with an engraved ID tag displaying the dog's name, owner's phone number, and city is the most immediate and visible form of identification. Tags should be checked periodically for legibility, as active dogs can wear down the engraving over months of fieldwork and outdoor activity. Riveted or stamped stainless steel tags hold up better than laser-etched aluminum under heavy use.

Microchipping provides a permanent, tamper-proof layer of identification that cannot be lost, removed, or damaged. A microchip is a rice-grain-sized transponder injected under the skin between the shoulder blades, and it can be read by any standard scanner at a veterinary clinic or shelter. Keep your registration information current with the microchip company — the chip is only as useful as the contact data linked to it.

For dogs that spend time off-leash in the field, a high-visibility vest in blaze orange serves a dual safety purpose: it makes the dog visible to hunters with firearms and increases visibility in low-light conditions at dawn and dusk when Griffons are most commonly working. Reflective strips or panels on the vest further enhance visibility for early morning and evening outings.

A basic first aid kit tailored to field dogs is a worthwhile investment for Griffon owners who hunt or hike regularly. Include wound-cleaning supplies, styptic powder for nail injuries, self-adhesive bandage wrap, tweezers for tick and thorn removal, and an emergency blanket. Familiarize yourself with basic canine first aid procedures before you need them — knowing how to manage a cut pad, remove a porcupine quill, or stabilize a limping dog can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a veterinary emergency.

While the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's double coat provides excellent natural protection in cool and moderate conditions, extreme weather warrants supplemental gear. In bitterly cold climates where temperatures routinely drop below zero, a fitted insulating vest can provide additional warmth during extended outdoor sessions without interfering with the dog's movement. Choose a vest that covers the chest and torso while leaving the legs free for unimpeded running.

Paw protection is one of the most overlooked seasonal needs. In winter, ice, road salt, and chemical de-icers can crack and irritate paw pads. Protective wax applied before outings creates a barrier against these irritants, and rinsing the paws after walks prevents the dog from ingesting harmful chemicals during grooming. Dog boots are another option, though many Griffons resist them initially and require a gradual acclimation process.

During summer, hot pavement and asphalt can burn paw pads in a matter of seconds. Test the ground temperature with the back of your hand — if you cannot hold it there comfortably for five seconds, the surface is too hot for bare paws. Walk on grass, dirt, or shaded paths during peak heat hours, or protect the pads with lightweight breathable boots designed for warm-weather use.

Rain gear for dogs is functional rather than fashionable for the Griffon. While the breed's coat handles light rain naturally, a waterproof shell can keep the dog significantly drier during extended outings in heavy downpours. This reduces the amount of wet-dog aftermath in the car and home and minimizes the drying time needed after a soaking field session. Look for designs that allow full range of motion through the shoulders and hips without riding up or bunching.