Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Brushing Routine

Brush 2-3 times weekly with a slicker brush followed by a medium comb to maintain the harsh, bristly double coat. Hand-strip every 8-12 weeks to preserve the correct wire texture -- never clip this coat. A stripping knife helps maintain the rough topcoat between full strips. Focus on the longer furnishings on the face, legs, and underbody.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 5-7 weeks with a texturizing shampoo for wire coats. Avoid conditioners that soften the deliberately harsh coat texture. The Griff's coat should feel rough and bristly, not soft. Towel dry and air-dry to preserve the natural wire texture. Their waterproof undercoat takes time to dry thoroughly.

Common Issues

• Soft, flat coat developing if clipped instead of hand-stripped
• Beard and mustache matting and odor from food and water
• Dense undercoat trapping moisture after water work
• Debris collection in the harsh coat during fieldwork
• Ear infections from hairy, pendulous ears

Extend Your Grooming Results

Clean the beard after every meal and water break. Pluck excess ear hair monthly. Roll the coat weekly with a stripping stone to maintain wire texture between full strips. Trim foot pad hair and sanitary areas as needed. The coat should look rough and natural, never groomed into a polished appearance.

Seasonal Care

Griffs shed their undercoat in spring and fall -- daily brushing during these transitions removes the loose undercoat. In Houston's humid summers, the dense coat can trap heat -- keep it hand-stripped to a working length. The waterproof undercoat serves them well in rain but must dry completely to prevent hot spots.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 2-3 times weekly, daily beard cleaning, ear hair plucking monthly, hand-strip every 8-12 weeks, foot pad trimming bi-weekly, ear cleaning weekly, professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.