Since there are so many dog breeds now, it is possible to mistake one dog breed for another. There are dogs that really appear quite similar even if they are of different breeds. These similarities are probably due to crossbreeding among the many breeds of dogs that are already available. One great example of a dog pair that is somehow similar is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and the German Wirehaired Pointer. The colors of both dogs are quite similar that it is easy to take one for the other. However, those who really know these dogs can say that the similarity ends there.
The Griffon's coat is longer in length than that of the German Wirehaired Pointer or what is also known as the Wirehair. Aside from being shorter, the Wirehair's coat also has lesser undercoat. While the coat of a Griffon is said to help it in adapting to extreme weather conditions and swampy areas, the Wirehair's coat is weather-resistant and water-repellant altogether. The Griffon has a shaggy and wiry coat compared to the Wirehair's coat which is straight and flat-lying although it, too, is wiry and harsh. The Wirehair also has longer legs than the Griffon and is said to be more angulated. It is also said to be taller by two inches as compared to the Griffon if its height is measured at the top of the shoulder blades.
When it comes to temperament, the Griffon is pleasant and amiable while the Wirehair is considered to be much sharper. This could be because of the German's liking for a hunter dog that is more aggressive and aloof as well as protective.
Many say that one of the most notable and significant differences between the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and the German Wirehaired Pointer is their style when it comes to hunting. While the Griffon works closely with its master or hunting partner who goes on foot, the Wirehair can be considered as a running field dog that has its own unique high style of pointing. The Wirehair points to the game with its tail erect and its head held up. The Griffon, on the other hand, points at its quarry with its tail either at the level of its back or dropped ever so slightly. When it has its point locked, the Griffon is also seen to even crouch slightly. This pointing style is more in keeping with the style of pointing that is considered older and more common in Europe. The Griffon is also noted to exhibit a slower pace in its hunting gait as opposed to the German Wirehaired Pointer.
Being bred mainly in France, even if it has Dutch origins, the WPG is also considered an older breed than that of the Wirehair. This is also backed by the fact that the Wirehair was a product of the crossbreeding of many breeds, among which includes the Griffon.
As evidenced by the differences here, one could really say that dogs of different breeds may look somewhat similar but they definitely are not alike. Their similarities will never outweigh their differences that make them the dogs that they really are.
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