Description: The Brussels Griffon
who is also known as the Griffon Bruxellois, is a toy dog who is intelligent,
alert, and has a terrier like disposition. Brussels Griffons attracts attention
by their almost humanlike, quizzical expressions. The Brussels Griffon is
not an overpopulated dog, and therefore a fine choice for a family pet.
There are two types of coat, rough or smooth, and in Europe these distinctions
are considered separate breeds. The rough coated breed is called the Brussels
Griffon, and the smooth coated breed the Petit Brabonçon.
Brussels Griffons owe much of their existence to the Pug, which played a
large part in creating the breed. Other terriers, like the Yorkshire and
Irish Terriers, also contributed to the Griffon. Brussels Griffons, originating
in Belgium, are very short, small dogs. They have small round heads, and
short, pointy, drop ears. Some have their ears cropped to a very short point,
as is the fashion in Europe. The rough coated Brussels often grow a rather
bushy beard that is usually black. Their eyes are dark and small, and they
have the likeness of an Ewok. They are round, fuzzy little dogs who are
full of personality. They present full confidence and can be challenging
to train. The Brussels Griffon is divided into three distinct categories:
smooth coated, rough coated reds, and roughs of other colors. The smooth
coats are called Petit Brabonçons; the rough reds
are called Brussels Griffons, and the roughs of other colors are called
Belgian Griffons. Some prefer not to be around children or strangers. However,
they are not usually aggressive with people.
Other Names: Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, Belgian Griffon, Petit Braboncon, Piccolo Branbantino
Type: Companion Dog
Height:
All variations are 7 - 10 inches.
Weight: The Brussels Griffon
and the Petit Brabonçon are 6 - 12 lbs., while
the Belgian Griffon can be of two varieties: up to 6.5 lbs., and up to 11
lbs.
Colors: Red,
Belgian Griffon: Black, black and tan, or red, black and grizzle. Brussels
Griffon: Completely and clearly red. Petit Brabonçon:
Red, red and black, red, black, and grizzle, black and tan, or just black.
The Petit Brabonçon can be any of the Griffon colors,
while the other two varieties are separated by the red color.
Coat: The rough coat
of the Griffon is harsh and wiry, and often bushy. The smooth coat is soft,
smooth, and dense.
Temperament:
Brussels Griffons are lively, obedient, and love to be around their owner.
They do not do well by themselves in a backyard, and need to be near their
owner much of the time. They enjoy and need association with people from
an early age, and do not tend to be aggressive. They are an intelligent,
cheerful dog, and they have the disposition of a terrier. They are alert
and sometimes too confident. They can be difficult to train, and some do
not get along well with children. They are mostly a one-person dog.
With Children: Okay. Older children
who help train are okay, but the Griffon has a strong tendency to stick
closely to one person, possibly becoming defensive around another who steals
their person's attention. Supervision is a must around children.
With Pets: Yes, the Griffons are fine
with other pets and get along well. But they may try to take on an animal
much larger than themselves due to their overbearing confidence, therefore
supervision is appropriate when around larger animals.
Watch-dog: High. They
are reserved with strangers, and are very alert.
Guard-dog: Low. Brussels owners
must be careful because this breed is not afraid of dominating another dog,
even if the other dog is several times their size. So although they can
defend, they are not appropriately sized to do so.
Care and Training:
A Brussels Griffon smooth coat needs brushing two to three times a week.
The rough coat needs to be hand stripped by a professional groomer. Brussels
Griffons can obtain their exercise indoors, but will enjoy daily walks.
Training should start early and needs to be consistent and precise. Although
they are stubborn they are sensitive to being rushed or to overbearing training
techniques.
Learning Rate: High. Brussels Griffons
are said to be very intelligent. Obedience - Low. Griffons may be difficult
to train. Problem Solving - Very High.
Activity: High. They
are energetic little dogs.
Living Environment: Apartment is suitable
if regular exercise is provided. Owners should be patient, precise and enjoy
a busy, amusing dog. As long as there is enough space to follow, the Brussels
Griffon will go with their owners anywhere. The best owner for this
breed would be a dedicated owner who lives in a suburban or city area.
Health Issues: Brussels Griffons have difficulty in becoming pregnant and delivering newborns. Only 60 percent of the puppies survive. Other health concerns include brachycephalic syndrome, cleft palate, eye problems, and respiratory problems.
Life Span: 12 - 15 years.
Brussels live well into their teen years.
Litter Size: 1 - 3 puppies.
Country of Origin:
Belgium
History: A painting by Jan
Van Eyck portrayed the Brussels Griffon in 1434. Once the Brussels Griffon
was known as the "Belgian street urchin" who was often found killing rats
in stables. Bred for their ratting abilities, their heritage is probably
largely due to the Affenpinscher, as well as the Dutch Pug, Ruby English
Toy Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier and Irish Terriers. It is said that even
more breeds were added to the mix including Barbets, Smoushounds, and Pekignese.
Originally, they were mostly a peasant's dog, riding as passengers on cabs
on the seat next to the cab driver. This created more popularity for the
little dog, and soon it made its way to royalty. French King Henry III,
Belgian Queen Henrietta Maria and Queen Astrid were all fans of the breed.
Most sources agree that after the breed was mixed with the English Toy Spaniel,
however, its nose became shorter and its ratting abilities were depleted.
Having Pug blood did not help either. Back then, though, the breed was probably
the size of a Fox Terrier and with a longer muzzle, all of them being rough-coated.
After which, the two types of coats were developed. The two were the rough
coats and smooth coats. In Brussels, Belgium, the Griffon Bruzellois was
highly popular between World War I and World War II, literally having thousands
in Brussels alone. Once the Griffon had developed into distinct coat variations,
the breed was divided into three categories: smooth coated, rough coated
reds, and roughs of other colors. The smooth coats are called Petit Brabonçons;
the rough reds are called Brussels Griffons, and the roughs of other colors
are called Belgian Griffons. If this wasn't confusing enough, Belgium considered
all three to be separate breeds. But in the United States and other countries,
the breeds are considered one in the same. They made their way to England
in the mid 1800s, and reached the U.S. near the early 1900s. Brussels Griffons
remain largely celebrated in Europe to this day.