Description: Griffon Bruxellois
The Griffon Bruxellois, also known as the Brussels Griffon, is a charming and spirited breed originating from Brussels, Belgium. These small dogs are known for their distinct human-like expressions, highlighted by their large, soulful eyes and a distinctive bearded snout. Typically weighing between 3 to 6 kilograms, they stand about 23 to 28 centimeters tall. Despite their diminutive size, they are robust and sturdy. Griffons are renowned for their loyalty and affection towards their owners, making them excellent companions. They are well-suited to apartment living due to their small size, though they are energetic and enjoy regular play sessions. Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, but they do have a stubborn streak. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial for this breed.
Griffon Bruxellois ratings
Properties
The Griffon Bruxellois, also known as the Brussels Griffon, is a charming and distinctive toy dog breed known for its unique facial appearance and expressive eyes. Originating from Brussels, Belgium, this breed was initially bred for hunting and killing rats in stables. Today, the Griffon Bruxellois is cherished as a companion animal, blending intelligence with a spirited personality.
The breed is characterized by its human-like facial features, due to its prominent chin, large, wide-set eyes, and a short nose, creating what is often described as an ‘almost human expression’. They come in two coat types: rough or smooth. The rough-coated Griffon has a wiry, dense coat while the smooth-coated variation, known as Petit Brabançon, features a short, glossy coat. Coloration typically includes shades of red, black and tan, or black.
Griffon Bruxellois typically weighs between 3 to 6 kg (7 to 12 lbs) and stands about 7 to 8 inches at the shoulder, making them a perfect size for a lap dog. Despite their small stature, they are known for their sturdiness and resilience. They are not fragile like some other toy breeds.
Temperament-wise, Griffons are known for their alertness and curiosity. They possess a confident and self-important demeanor that belies their small size. This breed is highly affectionate and bonds deeply with its owner, often displaying a typical 'Velcro' dog trait by sticking close to their loved ones. They are also known for their sensitivity to their environment and can be quite expressive about their likes and dislikes.
Training a Griffon Bruxellois can be both rewarding and challenging. They are intelligent and learn quickly, but can also be stubborn. Early socialization and consistent, gentle training are necessary to bring out the best in these dogs. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praises. Griffon Bruxellois are good watchdogs, as they are always alert and wary of strangers.
The breed does well in apartments and does not require a backyard. However, they do need regular exercise to manage their weight and satisfy their curiosity. They particularly enjoy walks where they can explore new environments.
In terms of health, Griffons can be prone to certain genetic conditions such as syringomyelia, heart issues, and respiratory problems in their distinctive snub-nosed faces. Regular veterinary check-ups and a well-maintained diet are vital. Life expectancy for the breed is typically 12-15 years.
In summary, the Griffon Bruxellois is more than just an adorable face; they are companions with robust personalities, ready to provide love and devotion to their families. Their adaptability to living spaces and their vibrant temperaments make them excellent pets for various households.
Appearance
The Griffon Bruxellois, also known simply as the Brussels Griffon, is a breed that captures attention with its distinctive appearance and expressive countenance. Originating in Brussels, Belgium, this breed is small but robust, characterized by its almost human-like expressive eyes and a unique facial structure. The hallmark of the Griffon Bruxellois is its round, wide-set eyes and a prominent chin, which together give it a somewhat comical yet endearingly serious look.
The breed comes in three varieties: the Griffon Bruxellois, the Griffon Belge, and the Petit Brabançon, which differ mainly in their coat types and colors. The Griffon Bruxellois typically possesses a rough, wiry coat that can range in colors such as red, a mixture of red-brown and black, or black and tan. The rough coat requires regular grooming to maintain its distinctive appearance. In contrast, the Petit Brabançon sports a smooth coat, offering a slight variance within the breed.
Standing at about 7 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 6 to 12 pounds, the Griffon Bruxellois may be small in stature, but it is sturdy and agile. Its body is more squared than long, contributing to a compact and muscular frame. The head is quite large in comparison to the body, adorned with a fringe of stiff, upright hair that enhances its thoughtful expression. The ears can be cropped or left natural, with natural ears being small and set high on the head.
The tail of the Griffon Bruxellois is typically docked in countries where this is permitted, adding to the breed’s pert and alert appearance. However, attitudes toward tail docking are changing, and in many places, undocked tails are becoming more common, showcasing the breed in its natural form.
The Griffon Bruxellois' movement is often described as purposeful and proud. Despite its diminutive size, the breed has a surprisingly substantial and almost prancing stride, adding to its charming personality. This breed's unique look, coupled with its confident demeanor, unquestionably makes it a standout in the toy group, captivating enthusiasts and pet owners alike with its almost magical blend of characteristics.
History
The Griffon Bruxellois, also known as the Brussels Griffon, is a breed with a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century in Belgium. Originally bred from a mixture of English Toy Spaniels and pug types, these dogs were initially kept by cab drivers and farmers in Brussels to keep rats away from their stables. As these small dogs began to gain popularity among the working class, their distinct appearance also caught the attention of the nobility. The turning point in the history of the Griffon Bruxellois came when Queen Marie Henriette, a dog enthusiast, took a particular liking to the breed during a dog show in 1880. This royal endorsement quickly elevated their status and widened their appeal across European aristocrats.
In the early 20th century, the breed was standardized and split into three variations based largely on their coats and color: the Griffon Bruxellois, the Griffon Belge, and the Petit Brabançon. Each variant, while similar in physique and temperament, showcases different physical qualities through its coat type; the Griffon Bruxellois with a rough, red coat, the Griffon Belge in other colors like black, and the Petit Brabançon, which features a smooth coat.
This breed's journey to the United States occurred around the turn of the century, where they were embraced by American breeders and quickly became popular in the show ring and as companion animals. The American Kennel Club recognized the Brussels Griffon in 1910. However, the World Wars took a heavy toll on the breed in Europe, nearly leading to its extinction. Thanks to dedicated breeding programs post-World War II, the Griffon Bruxellois saw a slow but steady resurgence in numbers and popularity.
Today, the Griffon Bruxellois is cherished not only for its historical significance but also for its distinct personality and appearance. Known for their expressive faces and big hearts, these dogs form strong bonds with their families. While they maintain some of their ratter instincts, they are predominantly companion dogs today, valued for their loyalty, affection, and intelligence. They remain a fairly rare breed, but have a committed following among dog lovers and enthusiasts around the world.