Puppies are sent to their new homes with to date shots, deworming and a Veterinarian's Health Certificate. We have a written sales contract and guarantee for genetic health. We dock the tails on our Griffons to prevent injury and discomfort to the dog. This has nothing to do with aesthetics, our main concern is for the dog's comfort. Historically, the Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon has been a docked breed.
Griffons have a very long, thin, weak and sparsley coated tail.
Because he is a docked breed, breeding stock has never been selected for strong tails. As the Griffon is normally docked with a fairly long tail, he can readily communicate with it, but his tail is short enough that it can't be injured in the home or field. We also remove dewclaws, as experience has shown us that they are easily torn back while going through dense windfalls and a ripped dewclaw will bleed profusely. As protection dogs, Griffons are lousy. Though they might bark convincingly and are excellent watchdogs, some Griffs will happily make friends with an intruder.