Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffon has been popular in Europe for centuries, and has been portrayed by several famous artists.

The Griffon is an attractive, happy little dog that makes a first-class family pet. It has an almost monkey­like face with a knowing expression, and'is hardy, intelligent and terrier­like in temperament. The breed, which is essentially Belgian, was originally used as a guard dog and catcher of vermin, particularly in stable yards. However, it took the fancy of royalty, thereby becoming a fashionable house-pet.

There are two varieties, the Griffon Bruxellois and the Griffon Brabancon. The only difference is in the coat: The Bruxellois has a rough coat, and the Brabancon a smooth coat. Rough-coats and smooth-coats can appear in a single litte[ The only variation in the breed standard is in the coat; roughs are harsh, wiry and free from curl, preferably with an under­ coat; smooths are short and tight.

Origin and history

The Griffon was first exhibited at the Brussels Exhibition in 1880 and is a truly Belgian breed. It seems likely that it derives from the Affenpinscher, to which it certainly bears a facial resemblance; the introduction of the Pug may be responsible for the Brabancon, or smooth-coat, which in the early days was not recognized.

An enthusiastic Griffon owner was the late Queen Astrid of the Belgians. Before World War I, the popularity of Griffons in their country of origin was immense, but the breeding programme was severely affected by the wa[

Griffons have fortunately now found their way to most countries of the world, but showing differences exist. In its native land the Griffon is shown with cropped ears, a practice that is illegal in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Australia. In the United States the Brussels may be shown with its ears cropped or natural.

Brussels Griffon Puppies

Good points

• Happy temperament
• Hardy
• Intelligent
• Long-lived
• Obedient
• Suitable for town or country living

Take heed

• No drawbacks known

Size

Weight: 5-111b (2.3-5kg), most desirable 6-101b (2.7-4.5kg).

Exercise

Adapts well to town life and does not need a great deal of exercise, but a romp in the countryside will be greatly appreciated. The adult Griffon is capable of holding its own in woods or in water.

Brussels Griffon Information

General appearance
A well­balanced square little dog, lively and alert, giving the appearance of measuring the same from withers to tail root as from withers to ground. Its action should be free, well-bent hocks giving the correct drive from behind and moving true coming and going. High-stepping front movement should be discouraged.

Colour
Clear red, black or black and rich tan. In the clear red, a darker shade on the mask and ears is desirable. Ideally each hair should be an even red from tip to root. Frosting on the muzzles of mature smooths should not be penalized.

Head and skull
The head should be lfirge and rounded but in no way domed, and should be wide between the ears. In the rough variety, hair on the skull should be rather coarse. Nose always black, as short as possible, with large open nostrils, high set, sloping back to the skull with a deep stop between nose and skull. Wide muzzle, neat lips with good turn-up. Chin prominent and slightly undershot without showing the teeth, and (in the rough variety) furnished with a beard.

Body
The neck is of medium length and gracefully arched. The brisket should be broad and deep, the ribs well sprung and the back short and level. The forelegs are medium in length, straight, well muscled and set wide apart. The thighs are strong and well muscled, the stifles are bent and the hocks are well let down, turning neither in nor out.

Tail
Short docked, carried high, emerging at right angles from a level topline.

Feet
Small, thick, cat-like feet with black toenails.

Brussels Griffon Feeding & Grooming

Grooming

The rough-coat needs twice yearly stripping: best to seek advice, or have this done professionally. The smooth-coat should be brushed, towelled and gently rubbed down

with a velvet glove or a piece of chamois leathe[ Watch with this and other small breeds that the nails do not grow too long.

Purchase the proper nail clippers for the job from a pet store or pharmacy, and be particularly careful to cut down only to the 'quick' (the vein inside the nail).

Feeding

About 70z (198g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added in equal volume, or 1-1V2 cupfuls of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to V2 cup of hot or cold water

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