Want to know a little about me?

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

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Griffonpoint is a CKC registered Kennel owned and operated by Shannon Ford.  I enthusiastically support the Art and Tradition of hunting with a Korthals Griffon.

We live in the beautiful foothills of Alberta, Canada, in the Interior of British Columbia and on one of the Gulf Islands.

We also breed and train Mangalarga Marchadors (I know, another one of "those" names) which is a Brazilian Ranch Horse that is as unique and uncommon as the Griffon... and we have Highland Cattle. 

My Art Studio provides me the freedom to train our Griffons at different times throughout the day and evening.  

Breeding and training of working Griffons has been a long-term commitment. I am particularly interested in the study of genetics of behaviour and in particular hunting traits as they are essential to the Griffon. 

I have been a CKC Field Test Judge for  Pointing Breed, and a NAVHDA apprentic judge.

The traits that I select for in Griffonpoint Griffons would be expected.  

Good Character, Sound Genetic Health, Correct Structure, Natural ability, and that unexplainable "Griffon" essence and eagerness to please.

From 1989 to 1998 I worked fulltime toward developing an breeding group of 35 excellent Griffons, and in2002/2003/2004, I produced 4 to 7 litters per year.. Through my experience with numerous Griffons of different bloodlines I had an unparalleled opportunity to compare side by side a great many dogs.

The 1990's was a time of rapid development and intense scrutiny of the breed and its bloodlines. This was key to the development of my bloodline. I based my selection criteria on testing each dog in the field, on genetics, on being easy to keep,on cooperation, being amiable with people and other dogs, etc. Having that many dogs meant every day in the field, often running 3 to 5 young Griffons at a time in the autumn under the gun and making many of my selections from what I observed there. I went on to start sellling trained and started gundogs (custom raised dogs and also dogs that didn't make the cut for breeding or who were finished their breeding career) and was also involved with running a hunting dog club and judging pointing dogs.

In 2004, I selected my very best 15 dogs, and then in 2008, selected again, the 5 best. I am now in the process of breeding based on those best dogs that were kept back or placed with other breeders, and using that highly selected genetics to produce beautiful, athletic, intelligent, cooperative, talented and effective hunting Griffons. Many of my Griffons are living with co-ownership homes, so that they are individually loved and cared for even when they are in my breeding program.

I believe in being honest and helpful in dealing with prospective customers. Our customers include hunters who are looking for family companions, our fellow breeders who understand the quality of our program and newcomers who value our practical advice.

Once again, thank you for visiting, and I hope that you enjoy the Griffonpoint Website.

All the Best

Shannon Ford 

© Shannon Ford 2009

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member and/or past member of

Alberta Fish and Game Association
(Alberta) Rocky Mountain Versatile Hunting Dog Club
Calgary Pointing Dog Club
Canadian Kennel Club
 Ducks Unlimited
North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association
Saskatchewan Hunting Dog Club