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Brussels
Griffon
Originally used to catch rats
in stables where hansom cabs were kept, this sturdy dog makes
a great companion.
History:
The Brussels Griffon (or
Griffon Bruxellois) was developed in the 1800s by the artisans
and cab drivers of Brussels who crossed the Griffon with
English Toy Terriers. They are mostly popular in their native
Belgium, only coming to the attention of Americans and
Canadians before the First World War. They are not profuse in
numbers as they are difficult to breed successfully, often
having only one pup in a litter and a high mortality rate in
their first few weeks.
Physical
characteristics:
A rather fierce-looking little
dog with features that are described as almost human by some,
or more monkey-like by its detractors. Height: not specified,
but usually around 10 - 12 in (25 -30 cm). Weight: 5 - 11 lb
(2.3 to 5 kg). Under Canadian standards: 7 lb (3 kg) for the
small-sized dog and bitch; 11 lb (5 kg) for the larger dog and
12 lb (5.4 kg) for the larger bitch.
The head of the Brussels
Griffon is large, rounded, and broad between the ears. The
muzzle is wide and the nose is short, black, and has large
open nostrils. The eyes are large and round, dark, and set
wide apart. The ears are small and set high in a semi-erect
pose. The body is short with well-sprung ribs and a short,
strong loin. The tail is carried high and is docked. The
forequarters are straight and solid. The hindquarters are
muscular in the thighs.
There are two coat types in
the Brussels Griffon: a rough and wiry coat and a short,
smooth coat. The two coat types can appear in the same litter
due to the number of Terrier types combined in this breed and
the unstable genes: The coat color can be black, rust, black
and tan, black and rust, tan, or red. In the red dogs, darker
shading on the face and ears is a feature.
Behavior:
The Brussels Griffon is a most
delightful little dog. This dog can develop a highly
individual character and really charm its owner. As this dog
has such a cute appearance people sometimes inadvertently
allow it to become very bossy. It is wise to be assertive with
this little dog as it matures, or else it will please itself,
rather than its owner. This dog should be given lots of simple
tasks to carry out and rewarded with showers of praise from
its owner. The Brussels Griffon will make a very good
watch-dog if it is clearly shown what it should respond to. A
wonderful companion animal.
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