| Brussels Griffon |
Coat:
Origin:
Height:
Color:
Guard Ability:
Life Span:
Weight:
Learning rate:
Obedience:
Temperament:
Watch Ability:
Activity level:
7-8 inches
High
Low
8-10 Years
Rough and harsh or soft and smooth
Low
Belgium
Red, black, tan
High
Lively, obedient
6-12 pounds
High
The Griffon Bruxellois or Brussels Griffon is a
breed of toy dog, named for the city of their
origin, Brussels, Belgium.
breed of toy dog, named for the city of their
origin, Brussels, Belgium.
Appearance
The Griffon Bruxellois may refer to three different breeds, the Griffon Bruxellois, the
Griffon Belge and the Petit Brabançon. All three breeds are generally small, with a flat
face, prominent chin, and large wide-set eyes that give the Griffon an almost human
expression. A proper Griffon should be muscular, compact, and well-boned, and
should not seem delicate, racy, or overly cobby.
Temperament
The Griffon Bruxellois is known to have a huge heart, and a strong desire to snuggle
and be with his or her master. They display a visible air of self-importance. A Griffon
should not be shy or aggressive; however, they are very emotionally sensitive. Because
of this, they should be socialized carefully at a young age. Griffons should also be alert,
inquisitive and interested in their surroundings.
History
For centuries, rough coated, short nosed toy dog breeds have been found in Belgium,
but the true history of the Griffon Bruxellois started in the 1800s, not in royal palaces, but
in coach houses. To help keep rats away, Belgium coachmen used to keep small
terriers called Griffons d’Ecurie in their stables. These Affenpinscher-like dogs were
friendly and popular.
The Griffon Bruxellois may refer to three different breeds, the Griffon Bruxellois, the
Griffon Belge and the Petit Brabançon. All three breeds are generally small, with a flat
face, prominent chin, and large wide-set eyes that give the Griffon an almost human
expression. A proper Griffon should be muscular, compact, and well-boned, and
should not seem delicate, racy, or overly cobby.
Temperament
The Griffon Bruxellois is known to have a huge heart, and a strong desire to snuggle
and be with his or her master. They display a visible air of self-importance. A Griffon
should not be shy or aggressive; however, they are very emotionally sensitive. Because
of this, they should be socialized carefully at a young age. Griffons should also be alert,
inquisitive and interested in their surroundings.
History
For centuries, rough coated, short nosed toy dog breeds have been found in Belgium,
but the true history of the Griffon Bruxellois started in the 1800s, not in royal palaces, but
in coach houses. To help keep rats away, Belgium coachmen used to keep small
terriers called Griffons d’Ecurie in their stables. These Affenpinscher-like dogs were
friendly and popular.
