About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 76-89 cm

Height range  : 51-61cm

Weight range : 23-27kg

Coat : double coat|harsh wiry outer coat|soft undercoat|scruffy|protective all-weather coat|low-shedding

Life expectancy years : 10-14

Colors: steel gray with brown markings|gray and brown|chestnut and white|roan.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: France

Similar Breeds : German Wirehaired Pointer|Spinone Italiano|Wire Fox Terrier

 

History

The breed was developed in The Netherlands during the 1800s and much of its refinement took place in France. Also known as the Korthals after Edward Korthals , the breed was created from continental gundog stock to produce a hardy , versatile hunting dog that was slower than speedy British dogs but faster than slower continental dogs. Its protective coat and close-working hunting style made it useful across rough terrain , water , and thicket.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

friendly|even-tempered|assertive|obedient|independent|quiet|resilient

Personality

outgoing|eager|quick-witted|loving|gentle|intelligent|loyal|alert

Needs

lots of exercise|mental stimulation|outdoor space|weekly brushing|routine ear care|consistent training

Social Needs

very attached to owners|usually gentle with children|social with friendly dogs|may chase smaller pets because of prey drive

Grooming 

Weekly brushing is usually enough and some dogs need routine hand stripping. Bathe only a few times a year or as needed because bathing more than once a month can strip natural oils. Trim around feet and eyes as needed , wipe eyes daily if debris collects , clean ears every one to two weeks , and keep whiskers tidy.

Nutrition

Feed an AAFCO-compliant diet matched to age , activity , and health. Puppies generally need three or four meals daily while adults are usually fed twice daily. Smaller more frequent meals and a slow feeder may help reduce bloat risk and raised food bowls are not recommended.

 

Breed Standard

medium sturdy athletic build|rectangular shape|harsh wiry coat with beard and moustache|cat-like gait|tail docked or carried horizontally|protective coat for water and thicket

Did you know?

The breed is also called the Korthals and Zolette was the first Wirehaired Pointing Griffon registered with the AKC.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Canine Hip Dysplasia, Otitis Externa, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cataracts, Hypothyroidism

 

Symptoms

1. Bunny-hopping gait
2. Difficulty or stiffness when rising
3. Reluctance to climb stairs or run
4. Hind-limb muscle atrophy
5. Hip pain and limping may occur.

1. Frequent head shaking
2. Ear scratching
3. Dark or purulent discharge
4. Bad ear odor
5. Redness , swelling and pain may occur.

1. Night blindness
2. Hesitation in dim light
3. Dilated pupils
4. Increased eye shine
5. Daytime vision loss may occur later.

1. Cloudy or bluish-white pupil appearance
2. White spot or streak
3. Bumping into objects
4. Hesitation in dim environments
5. Depth perception changes and vision loss may occur.

1. Weight gain
2. Lethargy
3. Mental dullness
4. Symmetrical non-itchy hair loss
5. Dry coat , cold intolerance and recurrent skin or ear infections may occur.

Onset of symptoms

 

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Signs may appear during rapid growth from about 4 to 12 months or later in life as osteoarthritis develops.

Probability Of Onset:

High breed-specific risk is described in the supplied external text even though the breed page says the breed is generally healthy overall.

Otitis Externa

It can occur at any age and may flare after swimming , field work , hunting in dense cover or humid conditions.

Probability Of Onset:

High risk is described in the supplied external text because sporting dogs with ear furnishings and repeated outdoor moisture exposure may commonly develop ear problems.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

It typically presents in young adulthood to middle age and supplied external text places common onset around 3 to 6 years of age.

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate risk is described because PRA is an inherited eye disease specifically listed as a breed concern.

Cataracts

Juvenile inherited forms may present between 1 and 4 years of age while age-related cataracts may appear in mature to senior dogs.

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate risk is described because cataracts are reported to occur more frequently in this breed than in many other dog breeds.

Hypothyroidism

It is most common in middle-aged dogs and generally emerges between 4 and 10 years of age with supplied external text placing typical onset around 4 to 9 years.

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate risk is described in the supplied external text and repeated ear or skin issues may increase clinical suspicion when metabolic signs are present.

Reasons

Canine Hip Dysplasia       

 Normal hip stability is lacking because the coxofemoral joint forms too loosely and joint laxity develops early. Cartilage protection may then be lost over time and osteoarthritis can follow. No single chemical deficiency is established as the direct cause in the supplied text. Rapid growth , excess calories and improper calcium balance can worsen vulnerability in predisposed dogs.

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

Normal retinal photoreceptor survival is lacking because inherited degeneration causes rods and cones to break down over time. Rod dysfunction may come first and night vision may decline before day vision is lost. No nutrient deficiency is established as the direct cause in the supplied text because the condition is genetic. This progressive cellular loss can culminate in complete blindness.

 

Canine Hip Dysplasia       

 Normal hip stability is lacking because the coxofemoral joint forms too loosely and joint laxity develops early. Cartilage protection may then be lost over time and osteoarthritis can follow. No single chemical deficiency is established as the direct cause in the supplied text. Rapid growth , excess calories and improper calcium balance can worsen vulnerability in predisposed dogs.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

Normal retinal photoreceptor survival is lacking because inherited degeneration causes rods and cones to break down over time. Rod dysfunction may come first and night vision may decline before day vision is lost. No nutrient deficiency is established as the direct cause in the supplied text because the condition is genetic. This progressive cellular loss can culminate in complete blindness.

 

Otitis Externa

 Normal ear canal defense is lacking when moisture , debris and poor air flow remain trapped in the external ear canal. This means the canal environment loses its protective balance and becomes more favorable for yeast or bacterial overgrowth. No single missing nutrient is established as the direct cause in the supplied text. The resulting microclimate can increase susceptibility to inflammation , pain and recurrent infection.

Cataracts

Lens transparency is lacking once proteins and fibers in the lens break down and the lens becomes opaque. No specific missing nutrient is established as the usual direct cause because hereditary factors , diabetes , trauma and chronic eye disease are described instead. This loss of clarity blocks proper light transmission to the retina. Vision may progressively worsen as opacity expands.

Hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormone is lacking because functional thyroid tissue is progressively destroyed or replaced. This hormonal deficiency slows cellular metabolism throughout the body. The supplied text links the condition to lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy rather than a simple dietary shortage. Reduced hormone availability can contribute to lethargy , weight gain and skin or coat changes.

Normally Treament Methods

Canine Hip Dysplasia:

  1. Management may include lean weight control , controlled low-impact exercise , NSAIDs , physical rehabilitation and joint-support strategies. Severe cases may require referral for total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy and early screening may improve planning.

 

Otitis Externa:

  1. Treatment may involve ear examination , cytology-guided therapy , cleaning and targeted topical medication that may include antibiotics , antifungals and anti-inflammatory agents. Routine ear care and addressing underlying allergy or hormonal disease may be needed and over-the-counter treatment alone is not recommended.

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  1. There is no medical or surgical cure and management may focus on ophthalmic monitoring , DNA testing considerations , safety adaptations and verbal guidance training as vision declines.

 

Cataracts:

  1. Early cases may only need monitoring while discomfort or vision-limiting disease may require medication for inflammation or referral for surgical removal by a veterinary ophthalmologist. If surgery is not pursued then associated complications such as glaucoma may still need intervention.

 

Hypothyroidism:

  1. Treatment may require lifelong oral levothyroxine with periodic serum monitoring and clinical reassessment. Improvement in lethargy may occur sooner than coat recovery and if signs persist despite treatment an alternate diagnosis may need to be considered. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Canine Hip Dysplasia :

  • 1. Glucosamine hydrochloride can,might be helpful for cartilage support.
    2. Chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful for joint support.
    3. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA,DHA can,might be helpful for joint inflammation support.
    4. Green-lipped mussel extract can,might be helpful for cartilage hydration support.
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Otitis Externa

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA,DHA can,might be helpful for skin and mucosal barrier support.
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  • 1. Lutein can,might be helpful for retinal antioxidant support.
    2. Zeaxanthin can,might be helpful for retinal cellular support.
    3. Vitamin A can,might be helpful for ocular support.
    4. Vitamin E can,might be helpful for antioxidant support.
    5. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for retinal cellular health support.
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Cataracts

  • 1. Lutein can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support.
    2. Zeaxanthin can,might be helpful for combating oxidative stress in ocular tissues.
    3. Astaxanthin can,might be helpful for antioxidant support.
    4. Vitamin C can,might be helpful for eye tissue support.
    5. Vitamin E can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support.
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Hypothyroidism

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for dermal support alongside medical therapy.
    2. Omega-6 fatty acids can,might be helpful for coat quality support.
    3. Zinc can,might be helpful for skin support.
    4. B-complex vitamins can,might be helpful for coat and dermal support.
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