The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (WPG) has an uncertain origin, some historians say France and some say the Netherlands. They are a mixture of the Setter, German Pointer, Barbet, German Griffon and various Spaniels. These dogs are not common but they are fantastic hard working dogs that would be an asset to any hunter.

This breed has a muscular, athletic body and straight, toned legs. They have a long powerful muzzle and large round eyes which give them a friendly look. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has large floppy ears, and a thick rough coat that will protect them colder climates as well as cold water. Naturally this breed has a long slender tail, but for show purposes it will be docked.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a loving, happy and loyal pet that will make an excellent companion as well as an excellent worker. They are great family dogs because they interact well with children and other family pets but tend to be more energetic and will need more exercise per day compared to other breeds. Even though they are considered a more difficult dog to raise, they will do well with an owner who is able to be firm and stay patient with them while training.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 20-24 inches high

Females: 20-24 inches high

Weight

Males: 50-60 lbs
Females: 50-60 lbs

Color(s)

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will only come in 2 coat colours which are a rich brown or gray with patches of brown. Most commonly seen is the gray with brown patches but both colour variations are accepted for show standards.

Coat

This breed has dense, harder textured fur that is wiry to the touch. They have a double layered coat with the outer layer being bristle-like and thick, and the under layer being plushy and insulating. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon definitely needs their type of coat for the conditions in which they hunt because it’s not only the weather they need protection from, it is also the terrain!

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Personality

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will need an owner who has ample time to spend exercising and raising them. These are not the type of dogs who can be left alone too often because they thrive on the affection and attention they get from their owners. This breed is incredibly intelligent and should be more simple to train provided their owners are repetitive and gentle! The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is also protective of their territory and will make a good watchdog as they will gladly alert the family or their owners of intruders!

Despite their outgoing personality, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will be more weary of people they’ve never met, but upon introduction will warm up. These dogs will need to be socialized as much as possible as puppies, especially around people, dogs and busier locations, so they will become adjusted to these as adults.

Care

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will need a minimal amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing once per week and bathing every 1-2 months is all this breed needs! Once per year they should have their fur stripped just to ensure the dead coat is expelled. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is prone to hip dysplasia but is generally a very healthy breed!

Training

This breed will need gentle repetitive training in order for them to be taught obedience or any type of training. They are clever dogs that will be able to pick up the concept quickly, plus they have the motivation to please their owners! Training sessions should be kept short with this breed so they have time in between to let the information sink in.

Activity

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day to tire them out. They are an energetic breed that will need time spent off leash to run around or swim! These dogs will only be happy once they are exercised thoroughly enough and have had their dose of attention for the day. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will do well in a household environment with a backyard because they need as much space as possible to live in.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel originated in Wales and was bred to hunt and locate game for their masters. The exact lineage of these dogs is not known but it is thought that the English Springer Spaniel, Brittany Spaniel, and English Cocker Spaniel might be their relatives. Their name “Springer Spaniel” comes from they way these dogs hunt down their prey which when they are located, will “spring” upon them!

This breed is a significant weight for their height and are solidly built. Their ears are long, floppy and are perfect to listen for the movement of quiet prey. The Welsh Springer Spaniel has muscular legs, and a long slender tail that is docked according to owner preference. They have a long, powerful muzzle that is used to carry large game in and big friendly eyes.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an energetic, happy breed that loves affection from the family. They develop very strong bonds with their owners and will need a lot of attention and time spent with them to be truly happy. The Welsh Springer Spaniel adores children and will make an excellent family pet because they will also get along with other dogs and smaller pets, such as cats.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 18-19 inches high
Females: 16-18 inches high

Weight

Males: 40-45 lbs
Females: 35-45 lbs

Color(s)

The Welsh Springer Spaniel will come in one colour variation which is the white & red. They are allowed different patches or markings throughout their body, but the colouring must stay the same or they will be disqualified in the show ring.

Coat

This breed has a smooth, straight coat that cascades from their chest, underbelly and tail. Curly hair will be a disqualification as they must have a coat that is plushy and flat which is needed for this breed to protect them from the elements they hunt in.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Personality

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a laid back, caring family pet that will be a great addition to one person or a family. They need a large amount of attention but will also enjoy time spent to themselves. Once they have a bond with the family or their master, this cannot be broken and they will be near them at all times. Their loyalty is renowned and are often said to be their owners shadow!

This breed will need to be socialized at a young age around other people and dogs to ensure they will not be aggressive nor shy as adults. They will need an owner who is gentle yet firm and fair to raise them because the Welsh Springer Spaniel must have stability and correct rules set into place. Obedience and hunting/retrieval training is suggested to start at a very early age as they can be stubborn if taught later.

Care

The Welsh Springer Spaniel will need a minimal amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing once per week and bathing every 1-2 months will be excellent. They are prone to ear infections, hip dysplasia, eye ailments such as entropian and possibly epilepsy.

Training

These dogs will need a patient, gentle owner to teach them obedience or any type of retrieving or hunting training. Lessons should be kept short and made to be fun so the dog relates training and working to an enjoyable experience. They already have a high motivation to please their owners, but will need repetition and consistency to perfect the commands!

Activity

The Welsh Springer Spaniel will need about an hour of exercise per day which can be done at a dog park playing with their friends, chasing a ball, or even on a walk. This breed has a tendency to become quite lazy, so even if they choose to not want to go out on a particular day, they should be encouraged! These dogs will do well in an apartment and will not need a backyard but access to one would definitely be a bonus.

The Weimaraner originated in Germany and was bred to hunt down foxes, birds, boar, rabbits, deer, fowl and even bears! They are also used as retrievers on land and on water making them a versatile, useful hunting partner. They are thought to be a mixture of Pointers, Braken’s (a type of German Hound), and Mastiff’s.

This breed has a lean, toned body and muscular straight legs. They have a long muzzle, large circular eyes and floppy, triangular ears. The Weimaraner has a unique coat colouring which is a gray-ish blue as well as a matching nose and nails. Naturally their tail is long and slender, but for showing purposes it will be docked.

The Weimaraner is a responsive, outgoing, and energetic breed that will need a large amount of exercise daily to keep them mentally and physically healthy. These dogs will become very rowdy and hyperactive indoors if they do not get taken out at least twice per day. They are an affectionate breed that are loyal to their masters but are not recommended for people that want a low key pet.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 24-27 inches high

Females: 22-25 inches high

Weight

Males: 55-70 lbs
Females: 50-65 lbs

Color(s)

The Weimaraner will only come in one coat colour which is the steel blue-ish gray. There are to be no spotting or markings on the dog and consistency in colour is a must. The eyes may be gray, yellow or blue and the nose must correspond with the shade of gray the coat comes in.

Coat

This breed has a short, sleek coat that will need very minimal grooming. Weimaraner’s also come in a rare long haired version that will have fur about 1-2 inches in length but most commonly seen is the smooth coated variety.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Personality

The Weimaraner will be a hard worker as well as a great family pet if owned by the correct person. These dogs are definitely not for the first time owner because they can be remarkably stubborn and will need firm, repetitive obedience training by someone who has knowledge of this subject. They will also need large amounts of exercise and affection for them to flourish into happy, loving dogs. The Weimaraner will interact well with other dogs and children but should not be around small family pets such as cats, hamsters, rats etc. because they have a high prey drive and will chase or hunt them when nobody is looking.

These dogs are incredibly energetic and thrive on their owners love and affection! They are not the type to be left alone too often because they will become depressed, bored and even neurotic. Training of a Weimaraner should start as soon as the dog is brought home to enforce the house/family rules and these should be kept strict so the dog understands what is allowed and what is not.

Care

The Weimaraner will need very minimal grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing once every 2 weeks and bathing every 2 months will be perfect! They are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, hypertrophic osteodystrophy and bloat. Progressive Retinal Atrophy and distichiasis may also be genetic ailments this breed may inherit.

Training

These dogs will need an experienced, patient owner to teach them any sort of obedience, agility, or hunting training. They are clever dogs but will be stubborn and uninterested in training at times, so short lessons done multiple times per day is suggested so they do not get overwhelmed with all the new information. Weimaraner’s need to be taught using very gentle methods or they will become discouraged and unmotivated.

Activity

Weimaraner’s will need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day to tire them out! Running at an off-leash park, swimming or climbing on a hike will be perfect to burn off their energy. Without proper physical activity, these dogs will become neurotic and even destructive of their owners home, so exercise daily is a must. This breed will do well living in an apartment as long as they are taken out every day, and a backyard is not needed but access to one would be a bonus.

The Wire Fox Terrier originated in England and was bred to hunt down rodents and foxes. Their job would be to scare the animal out of its den while their master would be ready to shoot. This dog is similar to the Smooth Fox Terrier but they are different breeds that are used today as companions.

This breed has a medium length coat that has a dense, wiry texture and a long rectangular muzzle. They have an athletic body and muscular legs that give them their speed and incredible reflexes. Naturally the Wire Fox Terrier’s tail is long but for show purposes will be docked. Their ears are triangular and they stay pricked upwards giving them a soft yet curious appearance.

The Wire Fox Terrier is a confident, feisty breed that will bite first and ask questions later. These dogs are animated with their masters and will be good family pets. They adore children but can be very rambunctious so it is recommended that older kids interact with these dogs as very young children might become overwhelmed or frightened.

Breed Group

Terrier

Size

Males: 14-16 inches high

Females: 13-15 inches high

Weight

Males: 15-20 lbs
Females: 13-18 lbs

Color(s)

The Wire Fox Terrier will come in white with patches of brown and black on their body, face and tail. Different lines might produce dogs that are mostly white with only one marking colour being a brown or black.

Coat

This breed has a hard, brittle textured coat that will need a moderate amount of grooming to upkeep. Weekly brushing, and bathing every couple of months will be perfect but they should have their fur stripped multiple times per year to remove the dead coat.

Life Expectancy

About 15 years.

Personality

The Wire Fox Terrier is an energetic, outgoing dog that will need an owner who has experience raising and training dogs because this breed needs an extensive amount of socialization, training, exercise, attention and time. They make great pets but just need more time spent with them and more energy put into raising them. These dogs can be animal aggressive so will need to be socialized around dogs, smaller animals (cats) and other people at a very young age to ensure they can be comfortable in various situations as an adult.

The Wire Fox Terrier is a great watchdog because they are constantly on guard and alert when at home as they can be quite protective of their territory. Although they have a very active lifestyle, the Wire Fox Terrier will need a large amount of attention as they thrive on the love they receive from their owners!

Care

This breed will need to be brushed weekly and bathed every month or two. They are very clean animals that don’t require too much grooming maintenance. Their coat will need to be stripped and depending on the owner, this may be done very often or minimally. The Wire Fox Terrier is prone to Epilepsy, skin allergies, Legg Perthes syndrome and sometimes deafness. Eye problems may be inherited in this breed as well, some of which are cataracts and luxation of the lens.

Training

This breed will need an owner who is experienced in training because these dogs can show rebellion and behavior difficulties. A firm hand will be needed as well as gentle methods to teach this dog basic house rules and obedience. Repetition and short lessons will be an easier way for the Wire Fox Terrier to grasp the information, so multiple mini training sessions daily will be perfect!

Activity

The Wire Fox Terrier will need to be taken to an off-leash park or on a long walk regularly. Running around in a fenced in area will be much better for them to burn off their energy but as long as they get a minimum of an hour per day of exercise, they will be a happy dog. This breed will do well in an apartment if they are taken out daily. A backyard would be preferable but is not a necessity.

The West Highland White Terrier originated in Scotland and were bred to be ratters but can also hunt otters and foxes. These dogs are Cairn Terriers that were born a pure white colouring and as more of them kept appearing in various litters, more were bred together, ending in the creation of a new breed. The West Highland also goes by the name Westie.

These little dogs are bundles of energy and enthusiasm! They are loving and affectionate dogs that will make a great family pet as they get along well with older children and interact quite well with other dogs. Smaller family pets such as mice, hamsters, and rats etc. should be monitored around this breed as they might confuse them for prey!

The Westie is a short breed that is slightly longer than they are high. These dogs are oddly quick and agile for their size but this attribute gives them their ability to hunt rodents easily. They have a double layered coat and a sharp muzzle that comes to a point. Their ears are triangular and prick upwards. The Westies tail is of medium length and they have short muscular legs.

Breed Group

Terrier

Size

Males: 10-12 inches high

Females: 9-11 inches high

Weight

Males: 15-22 lbs
Females: 13-16 lbs

Color(s)

The Westie will come in only one colour which is a solid white.

Coat

This breed has a messy double layered coat that aides them in cold weather. The under coat is plushy and warm while their top coat is straight with a hard texture. Their fur is long and will need to be stripped twice per year to keep it looking great.

Life Expectancy

About 15 years.

Personality

This little dog is a cheerful and outgoing breed that has a free spirited, uplifting charm about them. Great workers as well as pets, the Westie is a joy to own and will bring entertainment and excellent companionship to any owner. They can be a barky breed but will make great watchdogs for the household. This dog will need quite a bit of sleep to be their normally perky selves but are independent enough to find this time during the day!

The Westie is a friendly breed and will even be polite and outgoing with people they’ve never met! On the whole, this dog will make a great pet for people that enjoy a cuddly pet but also one that wants their own space and will not need company every second of the day.

Care

The Westie will need regular grooming so brushing 2-3 times per week will be perfect. Bathes should be given no more than every 2 months and the coat should be stripped bi-annually. This breed is prone to Perthes syndrome, skin allergies, liver disease, and sometimes hip dysplasia. Special attention should be brought to their ears which will need to be cleaned about once per month.

Training

The West Highland White Terrier will need a firm hand when training but is a very clever breed that will learn obedience quickly. They just need repetition and consistency to understand their owner’s commands and if this is done on a regular basis, they will grasp the concept rapidly. Westies can also learn many little tricks and will charm audiences once they perfect them!

Activity

The Westie will need to be taken out on regular walks or to an off-leash dog park so they can run around and burn off their energy. These little guys play indoors and will not need an excessive amount of exercise by the end of the day. They will do well in an apartment as long as they get their exercise daily. A backyard is not needed but having one is a bonus so they can run around outside in an outdoor environment.

The Welsh Terrier originated in England and was bred to hunt fox, small game, badgers, and otter. They are descendants of the British Black and Tan Terrier and they still carry most of the same appearance characteristics today!

The Welsh terrier has a messy, hard coat that has a wire texture. Their fur is very short and as puppies, this breed is completely black but will become lighter as they age. These dogs have a muscular body, a large square muzzle and tiny floppy ears. Naturally the Welsh terrier will have a long tail but for show purposes is will be docked.

These dogs are sweet, loving and upbeat who enjoy time spent with their families. They are a curious, intelligent breed that are notorious diggers and swimmers! The Welsh Terrier will make a great family pet because they get along well with children and dogs, but will need to be raised with smaller family pets such as cats so their chase instinct does not come into play.

Breed Group

Terrier

Size

Males: 14-15 inches high

Females: 14- 15 inches high

Weight

Males: 19-22 lbs
Females: 19-22 lbs

Color(s)

The Welsh Terrier is born completely black but will lighten as they grow older. During their first year, the Welsh Terrier’s coat will eventually turn into a tan colour with black/grey accents.

Coat

This breed has a double layered coat with the outer layer being a hard, wiry texture and the under coat being a plush soft layer that protects them from the cold. Although they have a short coat, the Welsh Terrier will need to be brushed about twice per week and will need to have their coat plucked about 3 times per year.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Personality

This breed is responsive, energetic and has a positive attitude. They can entertain themselves just by exploring their territory but thrive on being part of the family pack. This dog is not just a great pet but also a great worker because they hunt well as a team! Loyal and trustworthy, the Welsh Terrier is an overall great breed to own.

Although these dogs are responsive and faithful, they are still Terriers which will do what their instincts tell them to, whether that be to chase, sniff out, or hunt. When walking this dog a leash is always needed because there is always potential for them to spot a small animal they want to chase. They should be off-leash only in areas where it is completely fenced in such as a dog park.

Care

The Welsh Terrier will need to be brushed about 3 t times per week and bathed once every 2-3 months. They will need to have their coat plucked around 4 times per year which will remove the excess dead fur. These dogs are prone to skin allergies, some eye problems such as glaucoma, and epilepsy. They are generally very healthy dogs that live long and happy lives!

Training

The Welsh Terrier will need gentle yet firm training and repetition to be able to grasp basic obedience. They are smart dogs that just need consistency to understand, but will catch on quickly when they are taught on a daily basis with short sessions.

Activity

This breed will need a large amount of exercise daily in order to burn off their energy. Long walks and time spent off-leash playing with other dogs or just chasing a ball will be needed! They will do well in an apartment as long as they are exercised regularly. A fenced in back yard would be preferable so they have an outdoor space to run in, but is not necessary for their living environment.

The Whippet originated in England and is a mixture of the Italian Greyhound and Greyhound. The name came from ” whip it” which ironically enough means to move fast. The name is perfect for this breed because they are known for their incredibly fast acceleration which reaches speeds of up to 37 MPH. This breed is most commonly used for hunting, lure coursing, racing, and agility. The Whippet looks like a miniature Greyhound and they can reach speeds almost as high as the Greyhound.

The Whippet is a skinny yet toned medium sized dog. They have muscular legs, a deep chest, and a long thin tail. Their head is wedge shaped with their ears a floppy triangular shape. The Whippets fur is hard and very short, making it easy to groom and keep maintained. Their neck is long and thick and their stomach is tight making their smallest point at the abdominal area.

The Whippet is an extremely energetic dog that will need not only daily exercise, but time spent running to tire them out. They have a very high prey drive so cats and smaller animals should never be around this breed. When walking a Whippet, a leash will always be needed because they can catch a glimpse of another animal and take off quickly.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

Males: 19-22 inches high

Females: 18-21 inches high

Weight

Males: 25-45 lbs

Females: 25-45 lbs

Color(s)

The Whippet comes in a variety of coat colours such as blue, fawn, black, brindle, white, and red. These can be either a solid colour or a mixture with different patterns and markings.

Coat

This breed has a short hard coat that will be easy to groom. They will need to be brushed about once every 2 weeks just to remove the dead fur. A hounds brush will work well as it will leave the coat shiny. The Whippet is a breed that does not have a dog smell to them. They are generally a very clean breed and will only need to be bathed every few months.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Personality

The Whippet is a loving and well behaved dog that will make a great family pet. They are great with children and interact well with other dogs but should not be around smaller pets. They are affectionate and very intelligent dogs that love to be part of the pack but enjoy their independence as well. The Whippet can be a sensitive breed especially when being disciplined so when training for obedience, the owner must be very gentle and have a softer voice to encourage this dogs confidence.

This breed will need to be kept indoors in colder temperatures because they have such a thin coat. Either layering or a dog jacket will be needed and short trips outside to prevent them from becoming too cold. This breed should not be left alone often because this will have a negative effect on their well being.

Care

The Whippet has a very short coat so keeping them groomed will be quite easy. Grooming should be done every couple of weeks with a stiff brush or a “hounds glove”. Bathing should be done every few months or at the owners discretion. This breed is prone to skin allergies, hip dysplasia, cryptorchids, and sensitivity to anesthetics.

Training

The Whippet is a highly intelligent dog but when it comes to training, will need patience and consistency. Training can be much more difficult when teaching a dog of the Hound group because they have a lot going on in their head and unfortunately obedience is not high on that list. The Whippet is a dog that can be sensitive so they will need an owner who will be able to train in a repetitive yet very gentle manor.

Activity

This breed will need a large amount of daily exercise including time where they can run around off the leash. These dogs are known for their spurts of energy and will need long daily walks as well as time where they can sprint around in a fenced in area. This breed will do well in an apartment as long as they get their daily exercise. A backyard would be excellent for this dog so they can have an outdoor area at home to explore.