Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Chinese Crested
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Sporting Group
Chinese Crested
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Overview
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons showcase a distinctive harsh double coat and noble bearing. Their medium-sized, athletic frame supports their versatile hunting abilities. Distinguished by a characteristic steel gray coat with brown markings, these dogs possess a square-built body, intelligent expression, and prominent eyebrows that give them an alert, attentive appearance.
Chinese Crested Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the hairless with silky hair on head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff with a full soft coat. Their fine-boned, slender body carries them with a light, flowing gait. Distinguished by their alert expression and vivacious personality, these dogs combine exotic looks with a warm, affectionate nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are more energetic than Chinese Cresteds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Wirehaired Pointing Griffons require more grooming attention compared to Chinese Cresteds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Chinese Cresteds.
- Trainability: Chinese Cresteds may be slightly easier to train due to their Chinese Crested's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chinese Cresteds adapt better to apartment living, while Wirehaired Pointing Griffons typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and Chinese Crested, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-24 inches 51-61 cm | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm |
| Weight | 35-70 lbs 16-32 kg | 8-12 lbs 4-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Devoted, Trainable | Affectionate, Alert, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is known for being friendly, devoted, trainable, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Chinese Crested Temperament
The Chinese Crested is characterized by being affectionate, alert, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and Chinese Crested, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Rating: 5/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Rating: 5/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Rating: 2/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Chinese Crested Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chinese Cresteds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Chinese Cresteds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
Chinese Crested Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
Pros & Cons
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Devoted family dog
- Highly trainable
- Good with children
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Strong prey drive
Chinese Crested
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Minimal shedding
- Good for apartment living
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- Requires skin care (hairless variety)
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures
- Can be yappy
- May be difficult to housebreak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and Chinese Crested, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.