Original Article: https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/griffondor

You’ve probably taken several online quizzes to find out what house of Hogwarts you would be in. You’ve read every Harry Potter book known to man and still demand J. K. Rowling for more. So, when you hear that there is a dog called a Griffondor, your attention is already peaked.

This particular hybrid takes the elements of a Labrador Retriever and mixes them with the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. What do you get when you combine these two things? This beautiful dog before you. If you are looking for a family dog with an incredibly easy temperament, learn more about this hybrid today.

Breed Overview

Griffondors are not really a pure breed, but a mixture of two awesome pups who deserve recognition. These dogs aren’t very popular, so chances are, breeders aren’t really doing anything to make this combo and most stem from accidental litters.

Griffondor Characteristics

Griffondor Puppies

Often what you see with hybrids is that there are a lot of experimental breeding practices happening at the moment, and a lot of animals are suffering because of it. Certain breeds are being combined that are really not compatible, creating inconsistencies in the bloodlines.

It can take many years to perfect the breed, and also to become a part of dog associations. Without these things, there is a lack of regulation. If you find someone claiming to be a Griffondor breeder, just make sure that you look into their credentials and make sure they seem to care about the wellbeing of the dogs and aren’t just trying to make a quick buck. We highly suggest purchasing from a rescue or shelter when you can.

As far as the puppies are concerned, these dogs tend to be free-spirited adventurers. You will see just how quickly they grow! These athletic dogs will stun you with their capabilities and stamina. These pups are extremely playful, fun-loving, good-natured, and such fun to have around the home!

Griffondor Breed Origin & History

The Griffondor is a hybrid breed that is not a genuine AKC-registered dog. So, there is really not much history behind this hybrid itself, but we can take a look at the parents.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is thought to have originated in the last part of the 1800s in the Netherlands. It is a hunting dog at heart! These dogs were bred for easy training and athletic capabilities. You can train them to do a variety of tasks, especially related to hunting.

The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland in the 16^th century. It was also bred for hunting and retrieving and is consistently in the top 5 favorite dog breeds. These athletic, friendly, dependable dogs check all the boxes that make a canine fabulous.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Griffondor

These dogs are nothing short of intelligent! They will learn very quickly and be extremely receptive to training. These dogs are extremely attached to their owners and love to please them. In terms of training, you should have a little to no trouble, especially if you are an experienced dog owner.

These dogs have very strong hunting roots, but that is not the extent of their capabilities! You could also train one of these dogs to perform other job-related tasks. This combo creates a well-mannered pup that will impress you with its brainy ways.

The Griffondor is the kind of dog you can expect to be highly emotionally intelligent. They can pick up on changes in demeanor and tone, making them incredibly receptive to commands. Plus, it really gives them an opportunity to comfort, console, and look after their people.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

In the home, you will be nothing short of pleased when you have one of these dogs. They tend to be extremely obedient, family-oriented, and kid-friendly. Even though they are extremely compatible with people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and colors, they are not suited for every environment.

These dogs work best with athletic people who can keep up with their exercise demands. For this reason, they don’t work as well for seniors or folks with limited mobility. Because of their exuberance and desire to explore, they also don’t work very well for apartments or small living spaces without a large backyard.

However, if you buy an adult from a rescue or shelter, you might have a manly dog that would be suitable for smaller living spaces or more relaxed lifestyles.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Griffondor should get along perfectly with other pets. They tend to be very docile and accepting of canines and can get along slowly with cats when they are raised together. However, both of these animals are very efficient hunters.

That means that they might chase or even kill smaller pets. For this reason, they might not be the most suitable candidates if you have caged animals or outdoor poultry like chickens and ducks. They will enjoy the companionship of another canine, and most of them will prefer to have one around.

Because of their relaxed, accepting demeanor, they can generally get along with dogs of all personalities. These dogs are never inherently aggressive and aren’t prone to same-sex dog aggression on either side of the spectrum.

Things to Know When Owning a Griffondor

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Because you have a highly athletic dog on your hands, they will require a high-quality, protein-rich diet. They will be in need of calorie replenishment at each meal. While there are wet, canned food and dry kibble options virtually anywhere you can look, many pet parents are also looking for other options.

Fresh and raw diets are becoming more prevalent. Often, companies make fresh foods that are shipped directly to your house on a subscription-based timeline. Many pet parents are finding this to be not only more canine appropriate, but also super convenient.

If you choose raw, homemade, or fresh food diets for your pooch, you should always consult your vet for proper ingredients and recipe safety.

Exercise 🐕

The Griffondor will need plenty of exercise! Don’t let them fool you. They will require an extensive amount of exercise. Despite their super chill demeanor, these dogs can be extremely high maintenance, especially for more sedentary lifestyles.

On average, the Griffondor needs at least an hour of vigorous exercise per day to stay happy and healthy. You will find that these dogs love exploring a variety of hobbies, like hiking, retrieving games, swimming, and all things outdoors!

Because of their wanderlust potential, it is important to always keep them on a leash and harness. Even well-trained dogs can wander off when something captivates their attention.

Training 🦮

As we’ve already mentioned, training these dogs should come relatively easy based on temperament alone. These dogs have a high-level of intelligence and are capable of learning just about anything! You should start early with basic commands and potty training, and you can move up from there.

You can expect to spend some time with training, so be prepared to put in the elbow grease to make it happen. However, in comparison to some other breeds, you might get really lucky and have a very easy pup to train.

Grooming ✂️

Even though this particular breed will shed year-round, grooming is a pretty easy part of owning this particular hybrid.

Always make sure to actually get them used to brushing early so they don’t resist you later. The earlier you start, the better they will perform during grooming sessions. Some may absolutely love the feeling of the brush while others simply tolerate it.

You might have an occasional dog who is absolutely resistant to brushing, but this usually only happens if you try to introduce it later in life.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Dogs can develop all sorts of health conditions—some congenital, some environmental. It really depends on underlying triggers and genetics. Vet visits are a crucial part of your dog’s well-being to keep them safe and healthy.

In the first year of life, your dog will get to know their vet quite well—checking in to get routine vaccinations, weigh-ins, spay or neuter surgery, and microchipping. Your vet will also give you helpful tips about your breed and how to keep them healthy.

Because both parent breeds are so genetically sound, your pup should be very healthy. These breeds were developed to be very hardy and adaptable. That doesn’t mean that certain issues can’t crop up, and often with hybrids proper testing hasn’t been done beforehand.

Male vs Female

There are a few differences between males and females. However, if you’re thinking in terms of personality, you might want to pick other criteria. It is hard to tell exactly what kind of personality this dog can have, and none of it really is based on them being male or female.

Neither breed is prone to same-sex aggression, so you don’t really have to consider sex here either. Physically, males from both parent breeds tend to be a little blockier and stockier than their female counterparts.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Griffondor

1. Your Griffondor will love water.

Both parent breeds, especially Labs, have a special affinity for the water. So, you will likely have a pup that equally loves exploring the land and seas! Your pal will be a perfect match for kayaking, canoeing, and other water-bound adventures.

2. Your Griffondor will be a speedy one!

Both parent breeds are highly athletic, so prepare for lots of fast movement! These dogs can take off like a bolt of lightning (up to 12 miles in just three seconds!)—and many have wanderlust potential. For this reason, unless your dog is specially trained, these pups aren’t good candidates for off-leash walks.

3. Your Griffondor’s sense of smell will nearly go unmatched!

All dogs have a great sense of smell, but this dog will be quite superior in this sense. These hunting dogs were bred for tracking, so it only makes sense that they would have an impeccable knack for using their sniffer.

Final Thoughts

The Griffondor is a stunning specimen—even if they aren’t purebred. These dogs are so affectionate, friendly, and ready for action—what more could you want in a family member? If you live in a rural neighborhood and love life outdoors, this is certainly a breed you should consider.

What do you think about the stunning Griffondor? Do you think that it sounds like a dog after your own heart or would you prefer another Hogwarts house pooch instead?

Featured Image Credit: (L) MirasWonderland, Shutterstock | (R) Lucia L, Shutterstock

Source: Dogster