Gun Dog Breeder Reviews for Idaho Outback Griffons
Testimonials (35) | Back to Idaho Outback Griffons
Submitted by: Adam Bergdale on Jan 05, 2023
I wanted a dog for hunting that could live in my home without destroying it. I got a world class experience from a breeder that I have learned so much from and the best friend a man could ever ask for. Christy’s mission as stated on her website is to deliver a puppy at the peak of its potential. I received this from her. The pup was ready and eager to join our family from day one. Or maybe it was just the many phone calls with Christy over the year preceding day one that prepared me for the pup. I have learned a lot both about dogs and myself from this transaction. I was the lucky “last pick”! I was insecure about getting a dog worth the money but Christy reassured me that I would love my puppy, especially since she spent the time to understand my plans for the dog. She was 100% right and delivered to me everything she promised and more. The last pick of a 2020 litter has received comments on her hunting and beauty not less than 100% of the hunts she has blessed other groups with. I am not exaggerating, her drive and athleticism are above the bar and she out works most other dogs while maintaining an intimate working relationship with anyone who knows her name. Thank you Christy, you were right, I couldn’t imagine having picked a better dog myself if I had first choice in 5 litters. I will be back when our family is ready to grow again!
Adam Bergdale
South Dakota
Submitted by: mike mcIntosh on May 12, 2022
Boonie turned 8 may 11.She still brings more joy and exceptional ability to my life than i could have ever hoped for. She loves to hunt and loves people, has an great nose and every ability we all want in a hunting dog.

Thank you Christy your the best.
Submitted by: Holly Haffey on Dec 19, 2021
While my experience is a bit unconventional, we could not be more thrilled to have an Idaho Outback Griff. This past summer we unexpectedly lost our male LH Weim at just 5.5 yo. After a few weeks it was apparent we needed to add a new pup to our family to keep us going and to give our LH Weim female buddy. We connected with Christy with an off the wall question of if she had any retired mamas who may be looking to retire into a plush life filled with adventures, love and naps on the couch. Just a week later we were on the road to bring Promise home. She is an exceptional girl, her demeanor is so sweet and kind and man oh man does she want to make her people happy. We’ve had her now for just about 4 months and she has gone above and beyond for helping us heal. Promise is the perfect companion for daily walks, watching and hunting for the critters on our acre -chipmunks are her favorite!, relaxing while we work and is always up for some good old fashion snuggling. She has made for the perfect family dog and I send all thanks to Christy for raising such a sweet girl. Maybe the sweetest trait Promise has is this silly scoot to get more pets. If you are interested in a dog that wants to be part of your family, look no further. You will not be disappointed and you might have the cutest dog in town, if Promise is any measure of how adorable your Griff with be!
Submitted by: Steven Peterson on Oct 19, 2021
I have had 2 of Idaho Outbacks dogs. In 50 years of upland hunting I haven't had a dog with the prey drive and yet he work as a team with Outback dogs. I've hunting with GSPS, GWPS, Weimeraners and the rest. Outback dogs are the best. Period!
Submitted by: kurt kingsolver on Oct 18, 2021
Look no further if you want a top notch family hunting dog. Christy produces a fine Griff. My pup is one year old and hunts like a champ. My Griff would also win a good looks contest. just an amazing beautiful animal. Thank you Christy for bringing me exactly what I was looking for in a dog.

Kurt
Submitted by: Daniel Abernathy on May 12, 2020
Christy breeds top notch Wire-Haired Pointing Griffons. Our griff is from her Chrome x Justice January 2019 litter and currently 15 months old.

Christy and her family are amazing, both in quality of character and dedication to breeding such amazing dogs.

It saddened me to hear Chrome (our griff’s dad) retired, it was such a joy to be greeted by him when we picked up Saoirse (our griff), he had a huge pine cone in his mouth but dropped three throaty barks to let you know visitors had arrived (never dropping the cone). Saoirse is looking more like him every day; her chocolate head and tail are strong with her body slowing turning more and more liver.

Her instincts are incredible as are her agility and athleticism, the only dogs we have met faster than her are whippets/greyhounds and the occasional mutt. To watch her run/explore on all manner of hikes, hunts, and scouting trips has been mind blowing. Her confidence grows with every outing. I took her opening day pheasant hunting; she was 9 months old and she quickly learned to break brush and flush birds. Today, she runs full speed on outings, jumping over logs, breaking brush, jumping into creeks, and chasing everything she sees and smells. I grew up with border collies chasing cows 18 hours a day, but she out works any dog I have ever seen. She gets stronger with every outing; she is an amazing dog due to Christy’s meticulous breeding and care.

Her first season of bird hunting she flushed 20+ birds and I missed nearly all of them (I’m working on my shooting). She has no formal training, just me and the books I read. But her instincts are incredible. She points then flushes on command; waterfowl is in progress but for upland game she doesn't need training. I am amazed.

The other thing I am amazed by is her temperament, she loves people and other dogs. She is so happy all the time, growing up with cattle dogs it’s hard for me to understand this. She is the happiest dog I have ever seen, she just loves being around us. I know this sounds childish, I read all the articles I could find on griffs but I was skeptical that they could be this awesome.

We have met many other griffs over the last year at various dog parks and none of them match up to Saoirse in terms of physique, speed, gait, and temperament. I have owned many dogs over the last 50 years, each very cool in their way but our Wirehaired Pointing Griffon from Christy has been the most fun. A Christy griff is exactly what Eduard Korthals was trying to create when he invented the breed.

Final comment, in the summer of 2019 some close friends watched Saoirse for a long weekend. They had never heard of a Wiredhaired Pointing Griffon. When we arrived to pick her up they had fallen in love and didn’t want to give her back. They will be picking up their own griff from Christy in a couple of weeks. A Christy griff requires a lot of exercise, we live in the city and I run 3-5 miles a day with her and that’s not enough. As Christy told us, a tired pup is a well behaved pup. Christy has been very responsive and helpful to any questions and updates we have had since picking up Saoirse. Thank you Christy!
Submitted by: Joe on Jul 03, 2019
Quality breeder, blood line is evident with quality dogs with little to none health issues. Natural instinct on point, easy to train. Dog wants to work! Awesome family dog, gentle with kids and adults alike.
Submitted by: Art Scheel on Jul 03, 2019
We've gotten 1 dog from IOG and are planning on a second later this year. The quality of dog from them is outstanding! The noses are outstanding and their willingness to work under a shotgun is great. The temperament can absolutely not be beat. They've been amazing around our kids, adults, and strangers alike.

No complaints and only praise for their dogs.
Submitted by: Susi Beckett on Jul 03, 2019
I am completely happy with my Griff. He is the best dog I have ever had. He is driven, focused, strong as well as sweet and loving. To have a working dog that is all things is a wonderful experience. He learned fast and is very smart.

Christy was so easy to work with. She made the process of finding the right dog for our family an easy one. She goes above and beyond to help through the whole time and is there to answer any questions you have before and after bringing them home.

Without question, I will work with Idaho Outback again in the future.
Submitted by: Mike mcintosh on May 22, 2019
We were blessed with one of ldaho out backs wonderful Griffin dogs.i can't say enough about her talent and bitability.wonderful nose and drive.steady on point and a great retriever. Best dog ever.
Submitted by: Denny Towns on Mar 14, 2019
Christy and Elliot have been great to work with and produce amazing dogs. We've got a great puppy who just completed her first year of hunting and is everything you could ask for in a Bird Dog. Sage has a tremendous nose, tons of drive and is super athletic. She's an even better dog around the house and we couldn't be happier with our Idaho Outback Griffon. I can't say enough good things about dealing with Christy and Elliot. If your looking for a puppy from them you may have to wait a bit because of the demand for their dogs but it's worth the wait!
Submitted by: Derek Lange on Mar 06, 2019
I can't say enough about how wonderful our dog Redek (Shine) is. We researched the breed for a long time and Im so thankful I ended up getting a pup from Christy at Idaho Outback. I have had shorthairs in the past and I was very thankful for the time Christy spent with me explaining the special characteristics of the WPG. She knows her breed and obviously loves her dogs. Red has been doing extremely well in the field already this first season (only 3-5 months old). He pointed multiple pen raised birds in the field, as well as 3 deep water duck retrieves. Amazingly smart and willing to learn. Could go on and and on but i'll save you. Great experience. Great dog.
Submitted by: Blair Beall on Jan 10, 2019
We live in Florida and flew out to pick our puppy up March of 2018 . Christy was incredibly patient and helpful in the weeks leading up to our pick.
She has been a delight. She is very birdie and has a great sense of humor. I am thankful to Christie for this super pup.
Submitted by: Vicki Lightbown on Aug 08, 2018
Timber (Chrome x Justice, Jan 2018) is our first dog and first wirehaired pointing griffon. We love our guy and get comments from our trainer, family and friends about what a great dog he is growing up to be. Very little phases him and he LOVES everyone. He was sleeping through the night within a week and not a peep from him when he is in his kennel. It took him all of 5 minutes to figure out swimming and we now have a water retriever. He picks up new commands very quickly, although sometimes he is almost too smart and figures out how to get around the rules. He was the only dog in our puppy class to figure out some of the weekly "challenges". His hunting drive is incredible. His natural instinct never stops amazing us - with no training he is pointing and tracking. We live near storm ponds and big fields so we need to adjust timing for walks to include rabbit, magpie, robin, duck and goose time. We are looking forward to working with him in the field this fall. Christy has been amazing throughout the process, answering all our questions about the breed and providing tips/advice since he came home. We couldn't pick our pup in person so Christy worked closely with us to understand our lifestyle and matched us with the perfect moderate energy boy. I highly recommend Idaho Outback Griffons. If you are willing to put in the time and energy you will have a great dog!
Submitted by: Krista Beavis on Mar 18, 2018
Otto joined my household in January 2018 at 7 weeks old. I got him as a companion dog so can’t comment on hunting abilities, but he’s smart, learns quickly, has a very loving personality, and is adored by everyone who meets him. He’s well behaved in the house, and was housetrained within a week. My experience with the breeder was great leading up to my getting Otto and continue to stay in touch as they enjoy getting updates on the puppies. I recommend Idaho Outback Wirehaired Pointing Griffons!
Submitted by: Lori Ennis on Mar 17, 2018
Our Griff Gillie is such an amazing joy. We are so lucky to have found Christy and we love our Idaho Outback Griffon pup! He is the most intelligent, mischievous, and lovable dog in the world!
Submitted by: Jerry Moore on Mar 03, 2018
Our puppy Andie from Idaho Outback Griffons is everything and more than I expected. She is a very smart puppy with exceptional hunting instinct. She is 10 months old. We have been training since the day that we brought her home at 7 weeks. To tell you the truth you don’t have to do much training on her hunting abilities. She has a strong enthusiasm for hunting and a goodRtn nose. This winter I took her out in the snow and she would track just like always. She is a good friend and companion. She behaves well in the house. She has never chewed up anything except her toys.
Submitted by: Gary Wheeler on Feb 13, 2018
I could not be happier.Top notch breeder.Quality bloodlines are very evident in these pups.Parents are on site.Very knowledgeable breeder that works very hard to provide outstanding dogs for the hunter or companion seeker.No nonsense.If you are looking for an honest and educated breeder Idaho Outback Griffons is a very good choice!!
Submitted by: Paul Wick on Aug 25, 2017
I am so amazed with our griff we bought from Idaho Outback Griffons. I have had limited experience training bird hunting dogs but in just over a month of having him he is pointing dummies, dead birds and live birds. Both in plain sight and hidden in the bushes. He holds his point well without distraction. I have him retrieving about 50 yards on dry land and 20 yards in the water and he is well on his way to understanding and following hand signals. In the house he is calm and a joy to be around. Did I mention he is already trained to sit and come to the whistle? Elliott and Christy are Awsome people to work with and will help you with anything and everything concerning your Griff. They are both professional and personable. I can't say enough good things about Idaho Outback Griffons.
Submitted by: Gayle Dacus on Jan 17, 2017
I researched Breeders and came up with Outback. We are not hunters, so I was worried we would be rejected. We wanted a female and we were #5 on the list. Thankfully it all worked out. And we got the one we wanted from the photos, which was almost strange. Hannah is a marvelous animal! She is all nose! She hunts every time she walks out the door. It is so ingrained that I feel she could hunt with anyone with no training. We take her to a park daily so that she can run. She is extremely high energy. It is a commitment getting a Griff. They need to be with their people and able to get plenty of exercise. She is a marvelous companion for us. Christy chose the right one for us! AND, did I say, She is beautiful and healthy! 3 years old - Twister/Chrome litter, Oct.1, 2013
Submitted by: Cathy L Gerhard on Jan 16, 2017
We got our female Griffon pup from Idaho Outback Wirehaired Griffons in September of 2016. She is the best thing that has ever happened to us as a couple. We haven't hunted her YET, but may some day. She has been in obedience training and has learned all her commands quickly. She is a great family member and gets us both out in the great outdoors daily walking and hiking. Christie Holt was very forthcoming about the characteristics of a Griffon and available for consult and ongoing help, even after we brought our pup home. It is clear from working with her this past 18 months that she loves her dogs and values the breed and wants to ensure the pups she sells are of outstanding quality and placed with the right families for the well being of the dog and the owners. I HIGHLY recommend Christie Holt and Idaho Outback Wirehaired Griffons for anyone interested in owning a Griffon, whether you are planning to hunt it or not.
Submitted by: Rebekah Rice on Jan 16, 2017
We have two female dogs from Idaho Outback Griffons, one is 2 years and the other is 5 months old. These are the best dogs I've ever owned, they are extremely smart, easy to train, and the best family dogs you could ask for. They are naturals in the field and are great at upland and waterfowl. They have awesome personalities and are very attached to their family. I would highly recommend Idaho Outback Griffons, Christy was great to deal with and is always willing and quick to answer questions, plus her blog is super nice for future puppy buyers. Can't say enough good about them and their dogs!
Submitted by: Jess Maier on Jan 16, 2017
WE LOVE OUR DOG!!! Christy was incredible. Her knowledge and love of the breed surpassed the other breeders, in my year plus search for a Griffon. I did have the chance to get a pup form other breeders, but I chose, and was happy to wait a year on the list, just to get one of Christys pups. I had the opportunity to go pick up our pup, and I was able to meet Christy and her dogs. Christy was great! Her dogs are all beautiful, and have great personalities. You couldn't have a better environment for pups to be born into. Though I am not a big hunter, our dog displays all that one could want in a good bird dog. She is very intelligent and is quick to obey commands, even at 6 months old. She loves the water. She retrieves. She has a keen interest in ground birds and is quick to get her nose to the ground and lock up on point, this is with little to no training. She travels well in the car and truck, and doesn't require a leash when walked. She is a beautiful well perportioned dog with a beautiful coat. Above all that her personality is amazing, we love her. One thing that I found interesting was as we were looking into Christys Griffons, everyone seemed to think that they had got the best dog out of each littler........ no matter if they were the 1st or last pick. Well that is exactly how we feel. We were 7th or 8th pick out of 10 females and we truly believe that we got the best dog out of the littler, though I am sure the other 9 picks would disagree. I really can't say enough about our experience with Christy and our new Griffon. The best of the best in all aspects!
Submitted by: Erik Y. on Aug 17, 2016
We received our Idaho Outback Griffon in Sept. 2015. He is the perfect match for our family and a hunting machine. He's the definition of the versatile dog. He knows what his job is and is constantly bringing us random things whether we want them or not. We couldn't be more happy with him.
Submitted by: Brian Schroeder on May 24, 2016
We received a pup from Idaho Outback this Spring. The entire process from the beginning was a pleasure. Christy does a fantastic job of making the experience a smooth one, and helping to match the right pup to the desired needs of her customers. The care and diligence that goes into Idaho Outback's Griffon breeding to keep the lineage is top notch. I am an avid upland game bird and waterfowl hunter, and these Griffons have amazing versatility to do both. We were able to visit the litter at 5 weeks and do some testing on prey drive, dispositions, etc, to help us make the choice, and was there for 1.5 hrs - Christy was very patient in allowing us the time to help us make our choice.
Submitted by: Ryne Olson on Apr 29, 2016
I have one Griff from Idaho Outback Griffons. She's perfect in the field, with the family, in the office, basically everywhere I travel. I can't imagine having a better all-around dog.
Submitted by: Brion wise on Feb 21, 2016
Have two Griffons from Christy. Great dogs with great energy and couldn't be more loving. They love to hunt and want to go every time you open the gun safe. Love them.
Submitted by: Kristie Foster on Feb 20, 2016
About 3 and 1/2 years ago we were researching breeders to find a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. My husband is an avid hunter and all of our research indicated that this was the dog for the field and would fit perfectly with our young family. That's when we found Idaho Outback Griffons and have never looked back. We worked closely with Christy over phone and email to choose the right puppy for us. We were unable to go get her and see her before she came to our home but Christy made sure we got the right dog for us. Mavis is a champion in the field and my husband couldn't ask for a better hunting companion. More than one hunter has asked to buy her on the spot after going out with her!!! No luck, guys! We also wanted to keep our breeding options open and Christy made sure we had a good candidate for that as well. Her commitment to the breed is fabulous and I can only hope I am half the breeder she is one day. Mavis just had her first litter and Christy is still committed to her success. There have been quite a few late night/early morning texts and messages from me asking questions and she has been right by my side (although we live quite far from each other. lol). Christy's commitment to the Griff breed and to the pups born at Idaho Outback Griffons is second to none!!!
Submitted by: Teryl Hammer on Feb 12, 2016
My wife and I have been fortunate enough to have had 3 wonderful Labradors in our household for the last 38 years. The one we currently have turns 9 this month and we decided 1 1/2 years ago she needed a companion. I've come to really enjoy hunting behind a pointing dog so we discussed the possibility of going with another breed from the one we had grown to love. I spent countless hours researching different breeds that would fit the bill of a great household pet and a top of the line pointing upland game dog. The Griffon seemed to fit the bill and after even more research the decision was made and we turned our attention to breeders. We narrowed down our list to 3 and after conversations with all 3 Christy and her Idaho Outback Griffons won out hands down. Starting with just how utterly cool the dogs are and then when you add in the concern Christy has about the breed, about her dogs and about her puppies it became a no brainer. During one of our first conversations she made it clear that she always tries to place the right puppy with the right owner based off type of lifestyle of the owner and personality of the puppy. We were very fortunate to be able to get a puppy from their next litter born 31 Dec 2014. Our pup, Mocha, exceeded expectations as Christy was able to meet all our requests pertaining to color, coat length, personality and hunting traits. Mocha is off the wall funny and sweet until she's in the field and you have a gun in your hand and then it's all business. We picked up Mocha the day after Valentines Day in 2015 and have never regretted it. She's the full package and has been the perfect fit for us. Our Lab now acts like she's 5 years younger trying to keep up with the youngster. Thanks to Christy, her family and the whole Idaho Outback Griffon operation for raising and maintaining such an awesome breed of dog!! Teryl Hammer
Submitted by: Ryan Poper on Jan 16, 2016
After a lot of research we were so pleased to talk with Christy. She was quick to return our call and answer all the questions we had about the breed. Being new to dealing with a breeder it was a very nice experience.
From the moment we picked up our puppy it was apparent she took the time to help us find a puppy the was right for us.
Archer was not only the exactly the personality we had been requesting, but a year later he IS the dog for our family.
His natural hunting instincts were apparent at a very young age. Idaho Outback Griffons has an amazing balance for the family dog that not only loves to please but can't wait head out to the field.
Thanks in South Dakota!!
Submitted by: Linda K. on Dec 31, 2015
Our WPG, Camry, is a beautiful Griffon, with a very Griff-typical temperament, excited when it's time to hunt, very active, learns quickly, good nose, good retriever; she's happy at home and in the field. She came to us very well-socialized, vigorous, and healthy. She blended right in with our family and other dogs.

Christy knows her dogs and works to find a good match for her buyers. It was a pleasure to work with her; I'm sure we'll get our next dog from her.
Submitted by: Lyle Case on Dec 28, 2015
Christy Holt Owen is a great breeder who cares about the integrity of the breed. I got my male Griffon 3 years ago from Christy. She played a large roll in selecting the perfect match dog for me, mellow at home and an excellent bird dog with a great nose. He has turned out perfect for me, mellow at home and a great bird dog in the field! He finds birds readily and goes on point giving me ample time for good position for the best shot! We hunt chukar almost every week and Gunner never disappoints. He is easily the best dog I have ever owned! He is my best buddy!
Happy in Nevada!
Thank you Christy!
Submitted by: Diane Wirth on Dec 28, 2015
About two years ago, my husband and I drove from our home near Olympia, WA, to Idaho to meet Christy in person after many phone conversations. She and her family had obviously lovingly handled the puppies in Rose's litter. All of them followed people happily and Rose looked healthy and true to Wirehaired Pointing Griffon standards. The financial deal was as expected.

We also met the main subject of those phone calls, about 8 week old "Blossom", soon to be named: Chrome Rose's Camie, (for feminine Camouflage). From the first day, Camie has been what I had hoped for, loving, energetic, runs extremely fast and leaps over three feet high, and swims, but mellows when needed and with the most sensitive nose. She LOVES BIRDS! If she hears gun fire or fireworks, she looks to find where the birds are. She also chases rabbits and squirrels and learned to Find antlers! Camie has not had professional training, but does very well in the field with me.

Christy raises great Griffons.
Submitted by: Maz on Jul 04, 2013
After talking with Christy for an hour plus on the phone I made the decision to drive from San Diego CA to Idaho to pick up my first WPG from Idaho Outback Griffons...it was a no-brainer. One look at Chrome and Rose and I knew I made the right choice, Chrome is an outstanding specimen with the perfect temperament, Rose is a beauty and just as sweet.

Outbacks Adventure Time Jake is here sitting at my feet as I type this, he is shaping up to be everything I could have hoped for...I can't wait to get him ready for bird season!

Submitted by: Ann Burkhardt on Feb 21, 2010
I had the privilege of visiting this farm this fall to check them out. All of the dogs seemed very loving and well cared for. Rose, the female, is a beautiful dog. I am looking forward to see what her pups look like.

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