www.dogs-world-wide.com

Airedale peeping thru curtains
 
Home

Personal

Dog Breeds

Cat breeds

Horse breeds

Pets' names

Breeders & Pet services - list yourself free!

Health & illness

Jokes

Articles

Scams

Blog

Links

Contact

 

Griffon Bruxellois

Brussels Griffons and Belgian Griffons

Griffons were bred to hunt for rats amongst the straw in stables in the days when horses and carriages were the main form of transport.

The griffon originates in Belgium  -  Bruxellois meaning from the town of Brussels. There is also a Griffon Belge - Belge meaning Belgian. The color of the griffon Belge is black, black-and-tan, and black-and-red.

The endearing, affectionate little griffons were often rewarded with rides in the carriages, and by the 19th century had become pets and lap dogs.

It is thought that the Affenpinscher is the forerunner of the griffon. Other breeds that have contributed to the final product are Barbet, pug, and later, King Charles spaniel. In 1898, a specialist griffon club was formed, and the standard is now in writing.

Read more about the origins of dog breeds.

A griffon has a square shape, with a short docked, stumpy tail.  They have small, cheeky, monkey-like faces, with big, alert eyes. The face has a bright, quizzical expression. They have whiskers and a short beard.

The griffon Bruxellois has a harsh coat, which should be hand-stripped to maintain the rough, wiry feel.

The smooth, or Petit Brabancon is difficult to breed, as the smooth gene is recessive, with rough being more dominant. The Brabanacon has a tighter coat.

A griffon will adapt well to life in a home with a small garden. They are playful and make merry companions.

Griffons have appeared in "As Good as it Gets" and "Sweet November" movies.

Griffon is a rare breed, as they have small litters, two or three puppies. 

Color: The Standard Brussels griffon is red with black mask, black, or black and tan. 
Red is the most popular color, but is recessive and the more dominant black is more common.

Coat: There are two coat types - short and shiny, or wire haired which is slightly longer. The wire hair needs hand stripping and regular brushing. The hair is longest on the eyebrows & beard.

Weight usually 8 to 10 pounds, and should not exceed 12 pounds.

Class: Griffons are like terriers, but are classified in the Toy group because they are small.

Smooth coat Brussells Griffons

Short coat griffon with petit black face & snub nose.

2 smooth coated Brussells Griffons with short, shiny black coats

Rough coat Brussells Griffons

Rough coat griffon on wall

Little black dog with long hair over eyes, sticking his tongue out

 

Griffons are merry pets! "A happy heart makes the face cheerful," seems to be their favorite proverb. (Proverbs chapter 15 verse 13.) Look for "Proverbs" in the index of a Bible. There's some wise sayings!

top of page        other breeds of dogs

* * *