Brussels Griffon: the agile Belgian who is always one step ahead of his owner

Originally bred to hunt rats, the former Belgian street dog is a distinctive and unusual breed. Although the Brussels Griffon is small, it is hardly a pampered dog. It is affectionate and lively, and its intelligence, sense of humour and self-awareness help it to stay one step ahead of its owner.

Brussels Griffon originates from Belgium and comes in two varieties. The coarse, longer-haired individuals called bruxellois and the less commonly seen, smooth, short-haired dogs are called brabançon. Belgian Griffon is closely related to the Brussels Griffon and also has a coarse coat, which cannot be anything but a shade of red. Paintings from the 15th century depict griffon-type dogs, whose early job was to catch rodents in the stables. There is some similarity in head type to the monkey puss, and it is thought that the two breeds share a common ancestor, possibly the Brussels griffon evolved from this breed.

History of the Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon originated in Belgium, where its hunting skills were used to keep stables free of rats and mice, but often sat next to the coachman on a horse. From the 19th century onwards, the breed became increasingly popular, and over time it was not only hunted for its hunting abilities, but also as a pet.

The Brussels Griffon, as we know it today, was created from several breeds, including the monkey chinch, the pug and the King Charles Spaniel. Some have suggested that the Miniature Schnauzer, Irish Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier may also have played a part in its development. The monkey mushroom contributed to the size and texture of the wire coat, while the King Charles Spaniel’s influence can be seen in the large, expressive eyes, rounded head and upturned lower jaw. In the short-haired version of the Brussels Griffon (brabançon), the Pug influence is evident.

Griffons became very popular

These crosses have resulted in a small dog with great rat-hunting skills and an almost human-like face. Over time, these caracan puppies became popular as pets among nobles and workers alike. By 1883, Belgian breeders had established a standard for the breed and began showing it at dog shows. Marie Henriette, Queen of Belgium, fell in love with the little griffon bruxellois and began to breed and promote it in Europe and abroad. In 1889, the Club du Griffon Bruxellois was founded in Brussels and the smooth-coated variety was named the griffon brabançon. Queen Astrid of Belgium was also a fan of the breed. Before the First World War, the Brussels griffon was exceptionally popular.

But the number of griffons declined during the First and Second World Wars, when breeding dogs – or even keeping them as pets – was a luxury few could afford. By the end of the Second World War, the Brussels Griffon was almost extinct in its country of origin, Belgium, but thanks to the efforts of English breeders, it persisted in England. The Brussels Griffon remained a fairly rare breed, although it became fashionable again in the late 1950s and again in the late 1990s after a griffon starred with Jack Nicholson in the film As Good As It Gets.

Breed standard

Bruxellois

The Brussels Griffon is a small dog is a small dog with a stocky build, yet elegant movement. The head is broad and round with a well-arched forehead. His dark brown eyes are wide apart, large and round. The edges of the eyes are black. Nose also black, with a prominent, broad cheekbone. Jaws set forward, short at the tip. Chest deep, broad. Muzzle short, straight. Limbs vertical, parallel, paws small, rounded. Tail set on high. The hairs form an ornament around the head. Tough, bristly and dense, rusty red in colour, with small black patches on the chin and moustache. Body weight 3,5-6 kg. Expected lifetime 13-15 years. The brabançon, or short-haired variety, differs from the bruxellois only in that its coat is short and smooth and can only be rusty, tabby or black.

Character

The face of the Brussels Griffon is often compared to that of a monkey. Yet the small, hardy dog has an intelligent and lively appearance that gives it an almost human expression. The breed has grown in popularity as a pet over time, and this happy, curious and affectionate dog has become a great companion – for the right person. Sensitive, sometimes moody and quite an attention-seeking puppy.

The griffon’s flat face, prominent chin and large, wide-open eyes have led to many comparisons with the Ewoks of Star Wars fame. Despite its small size and cuddly appearance, this self-conscious dog is surprisingly heavy and athletic.
Many griffons compete in agility, obedience and other performance sports.

Ideal environment

Griffons are well adapted to living in an apartment, but neighbours may not appreciate this tiny guard dog’s tendency to signal often when he feels like it. The breed has a lot of energy for its size, and likes to run around the garden or romp around. For those who want a lap dog, he is not the best choice. The Brussels Griffon is not a typical bag dog, more like a terrier in character. He generally gets along well with other dogs and pets. This dog is very affectionate and tends to bond closely with one person in the family. He especially likes to snuggle up with this person on the couch.

But this particular variety is not for everyone. It needs an owner who will often give it attention and occasionally cuddle it, but is aware that it likes to run wild in the garden. While some Brussels Griffons get on well with children, others are less tolerant of them, so their relationship with them is individual. However, if they are used to smaller ones from puppyhood, they should have no problems later on.

Care

Owners of this breed may choose to smooth or coarse coat neither of which sheds significantly. The coarse coat is fibrous and dense and never has a woolly or silky feel. Smooth coat is straight, short and shiny. Latter are easier to groom, requiring only weekly brushing to keep the coat clean and shiny. Coarser coats should be brushed every three to four months trim every three to three months to maintain the right hard, wiry texture. A trim the claws from time to time necessary. A cleanliness of eyes and ears should always be kept in mind.

Common health problems

For the Brussels Griffon the patellofemoral is the most common health problem. Also, because of their short noses, they have to be very careful not to overheat in the heat. They can also develop various spinal problems and tracheal constriction. Sometimes, when a litter is born a caesarean section is necessary. Sometimes the breed eye problems.

(Literature: János Szinák – István Veress: A világ kutyái I., David Alderton: Kutyák, Sarah Whitehead – Beverly Cuddy: Dogs, Joan Palmer: A Practical Guide to Selecting a Small Dog; Dr. Sárkány Pál: Nemzetközi Kutya-enciklopédia.)