How to Groom a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Slicker brush
Metal combs
#7 blade

Step 1:
Straighten and trim the hair on the legs with scissors. Don't remove any of the feathering on the back of the front legs. Also, don't clip the beard or eyebrows, as they are meant to be long on this breed.
Step 2:
Clean out the ears and pluck out hair from the ear canals to make sure they don't become infected.
Step 3:
Brush out the bristly coat at least twice per week using a slicker brush and metal comb as needed. The undercoat of this breed is water-resistant and thick. If you don't comb the undercoat regularly, it becomes matted. If the matting continues for too long, you may have to cut the hair out or force a comb through it, which can be very painful for the dog.
Step 4:
Use a #7 blade to shorten the coat in lieu of hand stripping. Hand stripping is a process reserved mostly for trained professionals and you shouldn't attempt it if you aren't experienced. Plus, shortening the coat is sufficient for most pet dogs.

Tips & Warnings

The modern day version of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon began its development in the Netherlands in the late 1800s, when Eduard Karel Korthals decided he wanted to create the best possible dog to assist a walking hunter.
Show dogs need some special trimming and stripping.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are generally healthy dogs, but some are predisposed to hip dysplasia.

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