Griffon Bruxellois
Toy

Group:

Toy

Size:

small (2.5kg-5.5kg)

Lifespan:

12-15 years

Exercise:

moderatel

Grooming:

moderate

Trainability:

moderate

Watchdog ability:

very high

Protection ability:

very low

Area of Origin:

Belgium

Date of Origin:

1800’s

Other Names:

Brussels Griffon, Belgian Griffon

Original Function:

small vermin hunting, companion

History

The Griffon Bruxellois was bred in Belgium for ratting and owes its existence to a number of breeds, including the Affenpinscher, Pug, Ruby King Charles Spaniel and Yorkshire Terrier. Around the 18th Century, the Griffon became popular with royalty and a breed club was formed in England, which is still active today. “Griffon” means rough coated, “Bruxellois or Brussels” is where they came from. The smooth variety was given the name “Petite Brabacon”, little smooth coat. Once kept by cab drivers of 17th-century Brussels to rid their stables of vermin, the Griffon Bruxellois became a companion breed by virtue of its appealing character.

Temperament

This charming and clever dog makes an excellent companion. A smart, cobby little dog who can be lively and alert, with the disposition of a terrier. They are robust, intelligent and easy to train, but can be determined. You need to earn their respect and work as a partnership, rather than trying to dominate them (or allowing them to dominate you). He has lots of personality, and attracts attention wherever he goes. He is very loyal to his owner.

Upkeep

The Griffon Bruxellois is an active breed, always on the lookout for action. He will enjoy a good walk, keeping up with you all the way. Some enjoy the challenge of agility training. He is a house dog, and enjoys snuggling up on the couch next to you. The rough coat needs combing 2/3 times a week, plus shaping by stripping, and a complete strip out twice a year, although pets can be clipped. Grooming for the smooth coat is minimal, consisting only of occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Toenails should be trimmed regularly.

Official Breed Standard

General Appearance:
A cobby, well-balanced, square little dog, giving appearance of measuring the same from withers to tail root as from withers to ground.

Characteristics:
Smart little dog with disposition of a terrier. Two varieties, rough coated, Griffon Bruxellois and smooth coated, Petit Braban‡on. Both with pert, monkey-like expression, heavy for size.

Temperament:
Lively and alert.

Head and Skull:
Head large in comparison to body, rounded but in no way domed, wide between the ears. Hair on skull, in roughs rather coarse. Nose always black, as short as possible with large open nostrils, high set sloping back to skull with deep stop between nose and skull. Wide muzzle, neat lips, with good turn-up. Chin prominent, in roughs furnished with beard.

Eyes:
Black-rimmed, very dark, large, round, clear and alert.

Ears:
Semi-erect, high-set, the smaller the better.

Mouth:
Slightly undershot with even teeth, not showing teeth or tongue.

Neck:
Medium length, slightly arched, springing from well laid back shoulders.

Forequarters:
Chest rather wide and deep, legs straight of medium length and bone.

Body:
Short back, level from withers to tail root, neither roaching nor dipping; deep; well-sprung ribs; short, strong loin.

Hindquarters:
Well muscled thighs of good length, hocks low to ground, turning neither in nor out, stifles well bent.

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

Tail:
Customarily docked

Docked:
Docked short, high set, emerging at right angles from level topline.

Undocked:
High set, emerging at right angles from level topline. Of moderate length, curved gently over back when moving.

Gait/Movement:
Free with good drive from rear. Moving true coming and going. High stepping front movement undesirable.

Coat:
Roughs: harsh, wiry, free from curl, preferably with undercoat. Smooths: short and tight.

Colour:
Clear red, black or black and rich tan without white markings. In clear red, a darker shade on mask and ears desirable. Ideally each hair should be an even red from tip to root. Frosting on muzzles of mature smooths should not be penalised.

Size:
From 2.3-5 kgs (5-11 lbs); most desirable 2.7-4.5 kgs (6-10 lbs).

Faults:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.