BRUSSELS GRIFFON DOGS

Brussels Griffon dogs are also known as Griffon Bruxellois. The Griffon Bruxellois however can refer to three different breeds, the Griffon Bruxcellois, the Petit Brabacon and the Griffon Belge.

Brussels Griffon dogs are identical except for their coats and colors. The Griffon Bruellois’s coat is wiry, red or reddish brown. The Griffon Belge’s coat is harsh and dense with either black, black and tan or black and red. Finally, the Petit Brabacon’s coat is smooth, glossy and short, which can come in all colors. All these breeds are sturdy toy dogs.

The Griffon’s or Griff’s, nick manes for these dogs, have thickset short bodies but are well boned. Their rounded head is large in proportion to their bodies with a prominent chin. Their ears are set high on their head with very black and extremely short nose. Their tail is wet and hold high. Large black eyes are set well apart with long eyelashes that are black. They have an almost human expression with their eyebrows, moustache and beard.

They weight between 8 – 10 pounds, are 7 – 8 inches high and live to be 12 – 15 years old.

The dogs with the rough cats do not shed but the smooth and short coats dogs do shed.

Brussel Griffon’s are intelligent, sensitive but mischievous little dogs. They are also, curious, alert, cheerful, playful, and eager to learn and full of self-importance.

Their small size makes them unsuitable as a family pet although they get along well with children. It is recommended that if you have children they be over five years of age.

They get along with other dogs and other household pets.

These adaptable dogs have huge hearts and like to snuggle with their owner. They are happiest when they are with them and they will follow them around the house. They do need a lot of attention.

They are emotionally sensitive so they need to be socialized carefully when young. The Brussels Griffon may be difficult to housebreak. They do however make good watchdogs.

They can be willful and high-strung so they need gentle but firm handing when training. It is a good idea to make training fun to keep his attention. Obedience classes are recommended.

These dogs do well in apartments or condominium’s but need short walks and play time to get enough exercise. They are intolerant of cold weather though.

Grooming for these dogs depend on their coat type. The smooth coast dogs need regular brushing. The hard coats need grooming with a technique called “stripping”. This is done by pulling out dead hair by hand. Their beards need to be combed, occasionally bathed, nails trimmed short and their ears should be cleaned occasionally.

Health problems they are prone to are:

• Heat stroke
  
• Lacerations
  
• Cataracts
  
• Len luxation
  
• Glaucoma
  

This breed originated in Belgium in the 1800’s. They were first used in coach houses to keep rats away. They were like Affenpinscher dogs but were later bred with Pugs and King Charles Spaniels. In the late 1800’s they were popular with noblemen and workers. After the First and Second World Wars this breed almost were extinct. Only through dedicated breeders were they able to survive.

This breed never has been popular and is considered an uncommon breed.

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