Adding a loveable pooch to your family comes with a great deal of responsibility, including considering if they’re hypoallergenic or not. If you or someone in your family has allergies, choosing the right dog can become a bit of a headache.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed of dogs are exceptionally playful and loving, and make fantastic family dogs.
They were originally bred as sporting dogs around the end of the 19th century and were primarily used in hunting. They’re considered by many canine experts to be the ultimate gun dog.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have been known to be very friendly towards children, partly because they enjoy playing games like fetch, but also because of their temperament. This breed of dog is extremely trustworthy and eager to please.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffons need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, which is why they are excellent for families that want something active and energetic.
They also require lots of attention from their owners, so it’s important to keep them well-socialized.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons typically do not take to kennel life very well. They’re the type of dog that needs to be in your home alongside you. They usually develop deep bonds with their owners.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
The most common misconception surrounding the idea of an animal being hypoallergenic is that they don’t shed.
All animals with fur, including our four-legged friends, will shed their fur to some degree.
In fact, being able to shed their fur is an absolute biological necessity. This is because hair acts as both insulations against cold temperatures and protection against parasites and bacteria.
However, shedding does not necessarily mean that an animal is more likely to cause allergic reactions. It’s essential to remember that all animals produce allergens, even those who do not shed.
It’s also worth noting that there are different types of allergy, and while many people experience skin allergies, others may suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma.
So, when we’re talking about hypoallergenic animals, what we’re saying is that these animals are less likely to cause someone to have an allergic reaction.
Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Hypoallergenic?
Going with the fact that hypoallergenic animals are less likely to cause someone to have an allergic reaction, the answer to the above question is yes, these dogs are hypoallergenic.
Classifying Wirehaired Pointing Griffons as hypoallergenic is down to a number of factors, including the following:
- They hardly shed
- Produce small amounts of dander (tiny flecks of skin)
- Low levels of drooling/saliva production
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons need to be groomed correctly. With the right grooming, there is even less of a chance that they will trigger someone’s allergies.
How To Determine Whether Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Will Trigger Your Allergies
It almost goes without saying that because there are literally hundreds of breeds of dogs, some may trigger allergies more than others.
As mentioned above, there are two main categories of allergies: skin and breathing.
There are some key differences between these two types of allergies. The main trigger for those of us who have breathing allergies is shedding. As Wirehaired Pointing Griffons shed very little, they would be a great companion to someone who has breathing allergies.
It’s important to note that these dogs do shed a little more during certain seasons.
People with skin allergies are also in luck if they’re intending on adding a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon to their family. Unlike breathing allergies, skin allergies tend to have two main triggers: dander and proteins from saliva.
Both of these triggers are very minimal in this breed of dog.
Coat Maintenance And Grooming For Wirehaired Pointing Griffons
Whilst these doggies are very hypoallergenic, there is a moderate amount of grooming needed when taking care of them.
Weekly brushing is required in order to remove old hairs that may trap allergens. We’d advise getting their coats groomed every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on their shedding cycle.
Regarding bathing a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, they should be given a bath frequently, particularly if they’re an active dog taken outside a lot. This being said, bathing should be done every 4 to 6 weeks.
It’s also worth remembering that you’ll need to strip their coat roughly twice a year. The process of stripping the coat involves getting rid of the outer coat. This keeps the overall coat healthy, plus many Griffons enjoy this process.
Wrapping Up
In summary, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are one of the most hypoallergenic breeds out there. Whilst they can still cause your allergies to flare up, it’s much less likely to happen compared to other breeds.
They shed very little throughout a shedding cycle, especially when compared to other breeds of dogs that have two coats. In fact, they’re truly unique in this way, as they’re one of the few breeds to have an outer coat and a dense undercoat yet still be very hypoallergenic.
If you’re looking for a dog that won’t give you any problems, then look no further than a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. They are very active dogs, so will need to be given daily stimulating exercise.
They are incredibly loyal, loving and affectionate dogs. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons make fantastic companions for children and adults alike. If you want a dog that will love you unconditionally, then this is the breed for you.
