How does the Korthals Griffon work in the field?
The Korthals griffon is a wire-coated HPR that hunts close, points firmly and retrieves on land and water. Its coat suits dense cover and marshy ground.
The Korthals griffon, also called the wirehaired pointing griffon, was developed in the late nineteenth century by the Dutchman Eduard Korthals as a versatile hunting dog. It is an HPR: it hunts close and thoroughly, points firmly and retrieves on land and from water, and its harsh, unkempt coat protects it in dense cover and on marshy ground. Its close, methodical style makes it easy to work on foot and suits rough shooting and wildfowling. It is one of the rarest HPR breeds in Britain, so expect to wait for a working-bred litter, and ask the breeder how the parents are used and whether you can see them work.
What is the Korthals Griffon like to live and work with?
Affectionate, cheerful and very attached to its family, and less intense than some HPRs. It responds best to calm, positive handling.
Korthals griffons are affectionate, cheerful and very attached to their family. They are usually friendly with people and other dogs and good with children. They are intelligent and eager to please, though some can be sensitive, so calm, positive handling works best. They are less intense than some HPRs, which makes them easier to live with, but they still need daily exercise and work. Look for parents that are confident, friendly and keen on game, and that stay in touch with their handler in the field rather than hunting for themselves.
Which health tests matter for the Korthals Griffon?
Both parents should have hip and elbow scores and a current eye certificate, plus any tests the breed club recommends. Ask about testing done abroad.
Ask for both parents' hip scores and elbow grades under the BVA/KC schemes, and a current eye certificate under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme. With very few Korthals griffons in Britain, breeders often import dogs or use stud dogs from abroad to keep the gene pool healthy, so ask about the parents' origins and any health testing done overseas. The breed club keeps an up-to-date list of recommended tests; ask which have been done and see the certificates rather than accepting 'health tested' on trust. Ask, too, about any problems in the parents' close relatives. Results for Kennel Club registered dogs can be checked on the Kennel Club's Health Test Results Finder. Our buying checklist covers what else to check before you pay.
How much training and exercise does the Korthals Griffon need?
The full HPR syllabus, made easier by their close working style. An adult needs at least an hour of exercise a day, ideally with swimming.
Training covers the full HPR syllabus: obedience and the stop whistle first, then quartering, pointing, steadiness on point and to flush, and retrieving on land and from water. Korthals griffons are eager to please and usually responsive, and their close working style makes control easier than with a wide-ranging HPR. Short, positive sessions suit them, and steadiness should be built gradually as they mature. HPR training groups are a good way to bring a young dog on. An adult needs at least an hour of exercise a day, ideally with swimming. The rough coat needs a weekly brush and occasional stripping, and the beard should be checked for burrs.
How long does it take to train the Korthals Griffon?
For the Korthals Griffon, readiness for the intended role matters more than a birthday. Check demonstrated foundations, physical suitability and the support needed for the next stage.
Early learning includes socialisation, recall, the stop whistle and water work. After comfortable everyday foundations, the puppy learns to quarter close, its point is encouraged, and retrieving is built with dummies. With reliable foundations, it is steadied on point and to flush and meets game on walked-up days. Litters are rare in Britain, so watch for Korthals griffon puppies for sale. Use the training progression guide to discuss readiness with a reward-based trainer. Ask your vet about physical demands, and plan game, water and gunfire introductions with competent help.