Understanding the Health and Care of Your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Quick answer

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a loyal, intelligent, and active companion that thrives on human interaction. While they are generally robust, they are prone to specific joint and eye conditions, along with ear health issues. Providing consistent training, regular grooming, and proactive veterinary check-ups will help ensure your dog remains healthy and happy throughout their life.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, leading to abnormal wear and tear over time. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. At home, you might notice your dog struggling to rise after resting, showing a reluctance to climb stairs, or displaying a swaying gait when they walk. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination to check for joint laxity and may use X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. Early detection is important to manage discomfort and slow the progression of joint damage. It is a common mistake for owners to assume that reduced activity is simply a sign of aging, which can delay necessary support for your dog's mobility.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia involves abnormal development of the elbow joint, often leading to pain and lameness. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You may first notice your dog limping, especially after exercise, or holding one of their front legs at an awkward angle. A veterinarian will manipulate the joint to check for pain and swelling, often using imaging to see the internal structure of the elbow. If you notice persistent lameness, do not wait for it to resolve on its own, as early intervention helps preserve joint function.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a condition that causes the gradual degeneration of the cells in the retina, eventually leading to vision loss. This is a recognised tendency in the breed, though how this passes down is not settled. You might notice your dog becoming hesitant in low light or bumping into furniture at night. A veterinarian will use specialized instruments to look into the back of the eye to inspect the retina. While there is no cure, identifying this condition early allows you to make necessary adjustments to your home environment to keep your dog safe and confident as their vision changes.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, obstructing light and impairing vision. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Owners often notice a bluish or white cloudiness appearing in the pupil area. Your veterinarian will perform an eye exam to confirm the presence of cataracts and determine if they are interfering with your dog's quality of life. Regular monitoring is key, as some cataracts may remain stable while others progress to cause significant vision impairment.

Ear Infections

Because of their floppy ear structure, these dogs are prone to recurrent ear infections. This is a well recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog shaking their head frequently, scratching at their ears, or an unpleasant odor coming from the ear canal. A veterinarian will examine the ear with an otoscope to check for debris, inflammation, or infection. They will often collect a sample to determine the type of infection present. The most common mistake is failing to keep the ears clean and dry, which allows bacteria or yeast to flourish in the warm, dark environment of the ear canal.