Griff Grooming & Coat Basics
About the Coat
The coat of a Griff is an extremely important aspect of this breed and contributes greatly to both functionality and type. It is, after all, a WIREHAIRED Pointing Griffon! A correct wire coat is designed for harsh climates and field conditions and will not accumulate many burrs or other materials. However, contrary to popular belief a Griff is not a “no-grooming” nor “hypoallergenic” dog. Regular combing, field checks and stripping are needed to keep the coat in good shape.
To quote the AKC Breed Standard:
“The coat is one of the distinguishing features of the breed. It is a double coat. The outer coat is medium length, straight and wiry, never curly or woolly. The harsh texture provides protection in rough cover. The obligatory undercoat consists of a fine, thick down, which provides insulation as well as water resistance. The undercoat is more or less abundant, depending upon the season, climate, and hormone cycle of the dog.”
“The head is furnished with a prominent mustache and eyebrows. These required features are extensions of the undercoat, which gives the Griffon a somewhat untidy appearance. The hair covering the ears is fairly short and soft, mixed with longer harsh hair from the coat. The overall feel is much less wiry than the body. The legs, both front and rear, are covered with denser, shorter, and less coarse hair. The coat on the tail is the same as the body; any type of plume is prohibited”
The Griff’s Puppy Coat
When your Griff puppy arrives, or when you see pictures of young Griffs, you may notice that they are a light color and often “fluffy.” All Griffs have a “puppy coat” that is different from their adult coat. This will change. To what degree is also largely a genetic issue, but proper grooming and stripping of the puppy coat will ensure that your Griff always looks its best and is free of mats and other puppy issues when the coat is softer. This guide provides insight into managing the unique coat of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, especially as it transitions from puppy to adult. Opinions vary on whether the coat should be stripped or left to shed naturally, but for many Griffs, regular grooming is essential. Puppies typically start developing a thicker coat around 4 months old, often requiring consistent grooming to prevent matting, especially around the beard area, which easily gathers debris. Puppy owners should comb the coat weekly and increase the frequency as the coat thickens. Key tools include a medium/coarse steel comb, Mars Coat King, stripping knife, pumice stone, and a mat buster to remove dead hair effectively.
Check out the full article for an in-depth look at specific grooming tools and stripping techniques!
Griff Nail Care
It is important to maintain Griff's nails and expose them to proper nail care as puppies. Griff nails should be kept short and neat as soon as you get your puppy. Using gentle nail devices like a Dremel “Paw Patrol” to expose them to the sights and sounds of a nail drill helps to ensure that you are not fighting your Griff to do its nails later on in life.
Griff Grooming for the Show Ring
The difference in grooming techniques between dogs being groomed for the breed ring versus those who are strictly hunters or pets is pretty minimal but varies by each dog’s unique coat needs. The Griff is, first and foremost, a hunting dog designed to be “minimally groomed” for the show ring. It is inappropriate to present a Griff in the breed ring that has been groomed or shaped like a poodle. As the AKC Breed Standard states:
“The Griffon should be exhibited in full-body coat, not stripped short in pattern. Trimming and stripping are only allowed around the ears, top of head, cheeks and feet.”
That is not to say that a Griff should not be groomed at all, nor that exhibitors should present a dog whose coat, body, or feet are not clean or in poor condition. A great Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in excellent physical and mental condition, who is in full coat and is presented well, is a thing of beauty. No artificial enhancement is necessary.
“Coat is hard and coarse, never curly or woolly, with a thick undercoat of fine hair, giving an unkempt appearance. ”