Field

Hunting is in a Griff’s name and its DNA. The AWPGA’s mission is to do all possible to bring Griffs’ natural hunting qualities to perfection. To learn more about hunting and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, keep reading!

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a highly adaptable and loyal hunting partner, ideally suited for hunters on foot. Known for its versatility, this breed excels at both upland bird hunting and waterfowl retrieval, reflecting the multifaceted hunting style of Continental breeds. Whether it’s tracking wounded deer in the U.S., helping in search and rescue, or pursuing rabbits and hares in Europe, the Griff’s exceptional instincts and dedication make it a valuable companion year-round. Unlike its faster, longer-ranging counterparts—like the Pointer or German Shorthaired Pointer, which are often used by hunters on horseback—the Griff is a close-working, cooperative hunter. Its European-style, foot-handled range makes it ideal for dense cover and varied terrain, adjusting intuitively to the environment.

Whether you are a seasoned hunter but new to upland, or a novice that has never hunted before, learning hunting basics and watching your dog’s skills grow in the field supports its natural instincts, and is a great bonding activity for you and your griff! There are several organizations that can help you and your griff learn and grow. Once basic skills are mastered, you and your dog can also compete for titles in the AKC and NAVHDA systems. 

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is also a popular participant in American Kennel Club (AKC) and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) hunt tests, which simulate upland hunting scenarios. These tests focus on desirable upland hunting traits: the dog’s hunting style, control, range and ability to point and retrieve.  The goal is to train a dog that is steady to wing, shot, fall and send for the retrieve to hand. Hunt tests are classified into three levels: Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter, and Master Hunter, and in 2025 a Master Hunter Excellent Title was also added. “Advanced” titles for dogs that pass more than the required braces with high scores at each level are also offered. 

AKC Tests for Pointing Breeds

  • This is a beginner level at which the dog may briefly point but does not need to retrieve. A successful dog receives the JH suffix. (4 passes)

  • The dog must be steady on point while the handler flushes the bird and must retrieve the game. Successful dogs earn the SH. suffix. (5 passes unless a dog has a JH, then 4) 

  • The advanced level requires steadiness to wing, shot, and fall, retrieving from land and water, and honoring a brace mate. Successful dogs earn the MH suffix (6 passes unless a dog has an SH, then 5)

  • The MH Excellent Test consists of two 30-minute series. A dog must receive a passing score in both series to pass the MHX Test and must pass three Tests to receive the MHX title. The dogs are judged on Hunting Desire, Hunting Intelligence, Handling, Bird Work, and Retrieving. Honoring is not required unless an honor occurs naturally.

In the United States and Canada, the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) offers structured tests that simulate hunting scenarios to evaluate a young Griffs’ natural hunting abilities. This organization is based on members helping members train their dogs. Most chapters also offer monthly training days. A great way to start training your griff, start bird exposure and prepare for your hunting adventures. Find a chapter close to you HERE. These tests cover various skills, including tracking, pointing, retrieving, and cooperation. The tests offered are: Natural Ability(NA), Gun Dog Test (GDT) (formerly the UPT), the Utility(UT), and the Invitational. Griffons that achieve a top score (Prize I) in the Utility test are invited to the prestigious Invitational, where they can earn the title of Versatile Champion. This is the only NAVHDA test conducted with two dogs working in a brace, requiring them to honor each other’s work and perform advanced tasks like long retrieves.

Above all, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is cherished for its companionship and teamwork in the hunt, preserving the timeless bond between human and dog. Griffons are happiest in the field, faithfully accompanying their human partners in pursuit of game. Griffs that achieve titles in these and other field competitions earn points and  may be eligible for annual awards given by the AWPGA at the National Specialty Banquet. View the point schedule and awards available at AWGPA AWARDS.

If you want to learn more about hunt testing, consult our Hunt Test Informational Guide.

If you still have questions after consulting the Hunt Test Informational Guide , contact Mr. Jerry Freeze, Field Committee Chairman.

NAVHDA Tests

  • Designed for pups under 16 months, this test assesses the dog’s innate potential in field, water, and tracking activities.

  • This test replaces the UPT and adds obedience criteria for slightly older dogs, preparing them for more advanced tasks like pointing, retrieving to within a step, and retrieving dragged game.

  • For experienced dogs, this test measures a fully trained dog’s skills in both field and water settings. The Utility Dog must demonstrate steadiness, reliable retrieving, and sustained search capability.

  • Griffons that achieve a top score (Prize I) in the Utility test are invited to the prestigious Invitational, where they can earn the title of Versatile Champion. This is the only NAVHDA test conducted with two dogs working in a brace, requiring them to honor each other’s work and perform advanced tasks like long retrieves. 

Breed Standard vs. Working Standard

The AKC Breed Standard describes the ideal physical appearance, movement, and temperament of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, serving as a blueprint for breeders and a guide for conformation judges. It ensures consistency in type and preserves the breed’s distinctive look.

In contrast, the AWPGA Working Standard focuses on the Griffon’s field abilities—its hunting instincts, nose quality, stamina, cooperation, and drive. This standard prioritizes performance and functionality, ensuring the breed remains an exceptional and versatile hunting companion. View some of our Griffons at work in the field here.

While the AWPGA Working Standard describes the ideal hunting Griffon and serves as a guide for breeders and handlers, judges in AKC and NAVHDA tests score dogs according to their respective standardized test criteria. Together, these systems help preserve and showcase the Griffon’s exceptional working ability.

Ideally, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon excels in both standards: a true dual-purpose dog that looks the part and performs in the field.

This video illustrates how the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's working standard builds on the breed's conformation standard to define its distinctive performance and behavior in the field.

Griffons can also participate in events conducted by organizations such as:

  • Kitt

    GCHG CKC CH WHISKEYTOWN GENESEE ON TAP MH NAI UTII 

    2016 AWPGA Field Dog of the Year

  • Brazen

    GCHG WHISKEYTOWN SMOLDERING DRAM BN MHA CGC NAI UPTIII UTI 

    2015 AWPGA Field Dog of the Year

  • Rudy

    GCHB VC AUX LAKE RUM TUM RUDY MH CGC CGCU NAIII UTI 

    2021 AWPGA Field Dog of the Year

  • Walker

    CH VC FLATBROOKS WALKER MH NAII UTI 

    2020 AWPGA Field Dog of the Year

  • Lainey

    VC CROWNPOINT LIKEWISE MH NAI UTI 

    2019 AWPGA Field Dog of the Year

  • Ryder

    VC SWITCHGRASS DUST IN THE WIND MH NAI

    2018 AWPGA Field Dog of the Year

  • Itak

    GCH CKC CH ITAK DE FRANC JEU CD SH NAI UPTII UTII CD 

    2017 AWPGA Field Dog of the Year