Additonal Breeds Starting
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COUNTRY:
France
WEIGHT:
50-60 pounds
HEIGHT:
22-24 inches
COAT:
Hard and coarse, "like a wild boar" with
heavy beard and eyebrows
COLOR:
Solid chestnut or chestnut with white or
steel gray (roan) markings
OTHER
NAMES: Korthals Griffon, Griffon d'Arret
a Foil Dur
REGISTRY:
FCI, AKC, CKC
GROUP:
Gun Dog
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Edward K. Korthals, a Dutchman who later moved to Germany, created this
versatile hunting breed. Its development took place in the 1860s-70s, when
so many of the shooting dogs were being developed. Korthals's basic stock
started with a bitch named "Mouche," and continued with other
griffons of Barbel origin for coat, love of water and intelligence. What
he crossed the griffons with is not known for sure. Experts speculate that
he used various setters or pointers for pointing ability and air scenting;
German Shorthairs, Small Miinsterlanders and others of this type were in
abundance in Germany at this time. Many feel he used the Braque Francais.
Herr Korthals served as an agent to the Duke of Penthievre in France. Interest
soon generated a following for his new breed in that country. Thus, France
was the source of much crossbreeding and the area of first interest, which
is the reason FCI lists the breed as French.
The Pointing
Griffon was brought to the USA in the very early years of this century,
and, in fact, was the first of the Continental "all-purpose"
breeds to gain official recognition here. But, like so many of the excellent
working Continental breeds that followed him, he tended to be denigrated
by the American dog press as too slow and unstylish. The United States,
at that time> was still a nation of abundant game and vast, unfenced
spaces, where the big running pointer/setter was at his glory. Only recently
has the modern American hunter had to come to grips with the commonplace
situation in Europe a century
ago: urban expansion, increased use of all land for crops and livestock,
and shrinking habitat for wild game. Therefore, only lately have American
hunters begun to appreciate the Continental breeds, which may be slower
but never miss a "single"—dogs who work closer and are more
biddable in small farm fields, who trail a wounded running bird so it
won't be lost, and retrieve in water as well as on land.
Even though
the Korthals breed has been a long-term resident of the USA, it has
never reached great heights of popularity, which is acceptable, perhaps
preferable, to those who foster it. He has maintained a steady, if small,
following among practical hunters. His keen nose and passion for the
hunt are still present. Only a few are ever seen in American show rings.
The breed club in America is adamant in stressing working qualities
and soundness. The Korthals is still bred in Europe as well.
His tail is
docked to leave a third, and his wiry, bristly coat requires a minimum
of brushing. He is an intelligent, affectionate dog, but is also active
and energetic. The Pointing Griffon needs plenty of exercise, especially
if he is to be kept in the house.
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