The Griffon

( Originally Published 1920 )

The Pointing Griffon is distinguished from the Griffon Hound, from which he undoubtedly sprang. They are mentioned as far back as the sixteenth century, and paintings and drawings of the seventeenth and eighteenth represent them practically as they are today.

The celebrated artist, Percival L. Rosseau, who has had much to do with their introduction in this country, in discussing them in an article which he wrote for Forest and Stream a few years ago, says:

"A race of dogs that has survived for four centuries must have remarkable qualities, and the Griffon is par excellence a dog for swamps and rough country. His coat affords protection from cold and dampness, thorns and briars, and as a mixed-game dog for any shooting in rough country he has no superior.

"As a race they are built more for strength and endurance than for speed, although individuals under favorable conditions have shown as good speed and range as any other breed of bird dog. They are at their best, however, in close, careful ranging, covering the roughest ground thoroughly, and in America are especially adapted to grouse, woodcock, and snipe shooting. They are natural retrievers on land and water, easily broken to any kind of game, and their puppies show a higher average of nose and hunting qualities than any other existing breed of dogs. The sportsmen who love rough shooting and derive their greatest pleasure from a mixed bag will find the Griffon admirably adapted to their purpose."

The following standard has been adopted for all Wire-haired Pointing Griffons:

HEAD.-Big and long; hair rough and thick, not too long, but with mustache and eyebrows well marked; skull not too wide; nose long and square; stop not too pronounced.

EARS.-Medium, flat, not wrinkled, placed not too low; hair short, slightly mixed with long wire hair.

EYES.-Large, not covered by eyebrows; color, yellow or brown; expression, always intelligent. NOSE.-Always brown.

NECK.-Fairly long and straight.

CHEST.-Deep, not too wide.

HEIGHT.-Males, 22 to 24 inches; females, 20 to 22 inches.

SHOULDERS.-Fairly long and oblique. RIBS.-Well arched.

FORELEGS. -Straight and vigorous; hair thick and rough.

HINDLEGS.-Hair thick and rough; thighs long and well muscled; hocks well turned. BACK.-Vigorous loins, thick and strong. FEET.-Round and firm; toes well closed. TAIL.-Carried horizontally, point slightly raised; hair thick but not feathered; docked generally onethird to one-half.

COAT.-Color preferable, steel-gray with liver marking or liver mixed with white or roan; admitted also, white-and-liver and white-and-orange.