Where the controversy started.....
Back in the 1980's, a group of Griffon Breeders in the WPGCA (Wirehaired Pointing
Griffon Club of America) were conducting a breeding system where approved club dogs would
be bred to other approved club dogs. Club Breeding dogs and entire litters were (and still
are) put through hunt tests. At one point or another during this breeding/testing program,
the WPGCA found that some of the Griffons produced were not the quality that they were
looking for.
After researching many different options, the WPGCA took a dramatic step ...... The
WPGCA decided to cross breed their club's Fullblood Griffons with another breed of dog,
the Cesky Fousek.
Some of the WPGCA's Fullblood Griffon Enthusiasts spoke out against the proposed
crossbreeding, and in fact a few of them started a separate club dedicated only to the
Fullblood Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. This new club was called the AWPGA (American
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association) and it became the AKC representative for the
breed in the United States of America. The AWPGA supporters have continued true to the
Fullblood Wirehaired Pointing Griffon as Korthals set the breed.
The supporters of the WPGCA cross-breeding program are equally dedicated to their
cause. There are those who have stated that the WPGCA cross-breed is exactly what they
were hoping to produce and that it is here to stay. They continue with the excellent
system of testing breeding stock and litters. While the WPGCA has talented people who are
dedicated to the cross-breeding program, the issue for which the WPGCA comes under fire
is their policy of cross breeding Fullblood Wirehaired Pointing Griffons with Cesky
Fouseks and calling the offspring Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.
So, this is the main source of conflict and controversy, the fact is that the WPGCA
continues to call it's new cross-breed a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
What is Griffonpoint's view on this controversy?
Since 1989, we have lived with and hunted with many excellent Griffons of different
bloodlines, and because of this we maintain that (had they chosen to) the WPGCA could have
improved it's club breeding program with Fullblood Griffons.
Very importantly, it is our view that the WPGCA should in all fairness, stop presenting
their crossbreeds as Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. A cross between a Fullblood Griffon and
any other breed may show some of the unique hunting and character traits of the Fullblood
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, however, it is no longer a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and
must not be presented as one. The Cesky Fousek X Griffon should take his place in the
world of hunting dogs and be awarded his own name.
It is in the best interest of the Fullblood Wirehaired Pointing Griffon that those who
are knowledgeable and responsible breeders and stewards of Fullblood Wirehaired Pointing
Griffons take time and resources to offer information to those interested in hunting with
Griffons. Those affected by this conflict must deal with each other openly and in a
civilized manner, perhaps our breed will be re-united or a change of name will be
arranged.
