Brussels Griffon Dog Breed Profile

by Dr. Chris

AKC Group: Toy Group

The Brussels Griffon is a small intelligent breed that can be taught many tricks. It makes for a great companion dog, and is not your typical "toy dog."

History

The Brussels Griffon had been since the 1800's. There were depictions of dog in art of a Flemish Artist known as Van Eyck. Their main purpose was to run after and purge farmhouses or mice and rats. The breed's ancestor, the Griffons d'Ecurie were crossed with Affenpinschers, the King Charles spaniel and Pugs as is obvious in the coat's appearance.

Afterwards Queen Marie Henritte started to be a promoter and breeder of the dog and created two Griffon Bruxellois clubs in America and England, leading the breed to global popularity.

Physical Features

The Brussels Griffon is small dog but is quite a bit heavier and built tougher than it appears. Called "Monkey face", the breed features a flat face having a black nose. The bottom jaw sticks out which provides them a cheerful look. The entire body is small and squarish, but the chest is strong. Legs are well muscled and straight with small lightweight feet. Normally the tail is docked to around to 1 third its size.

There are 2 kinds of coats: a shiny and smooth one, and the dense, wiry haired one. Pigmentation is as follows: beige, black and tan, plain black and reddish brown. Mature or older breeds could have white hair on the beards, a trade symbol of a well cut Griffon. The breed grows to between 7 to 8 inches tall and weighs about between 6 to 12 pounds.

Personality

The Brussels griffon is an extremely loving breed and demonstrates it freely to its family members. These dogs are certainly playful. They're typically friendly with other people after the proper socializing has been done. They're of average dominance that could be bad if not correctly reared at a young age.

Common Health Problems

Patella Luxation, hip dysplasia and eyes troubles are issues to be careful of on this dog.

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