Dogs
Brussels Griffon
Other names: Brussels Griffon, Belgium Griffon, Petit Brabançonm Griffon Bruxellois, Grifo de Bruxelas, \r\n
Watchdog and performing tricks.
- Origin
- Belgium
- Size
- Toy
- Height · Male
- 27–30 cm
- Height · Female
- 25–27 cm
- Weight · Male
- 4–6 kg
- Weight · Female
- 3–5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–15 years
- FCI
- FCI group 9 · 9 · n.º 80
- AKC
- Toy Group
Traits
Activity
Social
At home
Training
This text is only available in Portuguese for now.
History
The three breeds (Griffon Bruxellois, Griffon Belge and Petit Brabançon) all descend from a small rough-coated dog called a ?Smousje?, which for centuries has been found in the Brussels area.
In the 19th century, bringing in blood-lines from the Ruby King Charles Spaniel and the Pug produced the short black coat and fixed the current breed type. These little dogs are very alert and were bred to guard carriages and keep stables free from rodents.
In 1883 the first Griffon Bruxellois were registered at L.O.S.H. (The St.Hubert stud book). They were Topsy (L.O.S.H. nr.163) and Foxine (L.O.S.H. nr.164). By about 1900 they had become very popular, together with other breeds, thanks to the royal interest shown in them by Queen Marie-Henriette of Belgium. Many specimens were exported abroad and helped the spread and popularity of the breed.
Fun facts
Difficult to breed. Dams often require Caesarean section for whelping. May be a gluttonous or picky eater. Can be difficult to housebreak. Some bloodlines are prone to slipped stifle, eye, and respiratory problems.