Brussels Griffon

AKC Group: Toy

Club: American Brussels Griffon Association

Corresponding Secretary : Linda Vance
Address: American Brussels Griffon , Shirley, IL , 61772--001
Website: www.brussels-griffon.info/
Email: FistFaces@aol.com
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

A toy dog, intelligent, alert, sturdy, with a thickset, short body, a smart carriage and set-up, attracting attention by an almost human expression. There are two distinct types of coat: rough or smooth. Except for coat, there is no difference between the two.

Size:

Size - Weight usually 8 to 10 pounds, and should not exceed 12 pounds. Type and quality are of greater importance than weight, and a smaller dog that is sturdy and well proportioned should not be penalized. Proportion - Square, as measured from point of shoulder to rearmost projection of upper thigh and from withers to ground. Substance - Thickset, compact with good balance. Well boned.

Coat:

The rough coat is wiry and dense, the harder and more wiry the better. On no account should the dog look or feel woolly, and there should be no silky hair anywhere. The coat should not be so long as to give a shaggy appearance, but should be distinctly different all over from the smooth coat. The head should be covered with wiry hair, slightly longer around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and chin, thus forming a fringe. The rough coat is hand-stripped and should never appear unkempt. Body coat of sufficient length to determine texture. The coat may be tidied for neatness of appearance, but coats prepared with scissors and/or clippers should be severely penalized. The smooth coat is straight, short, tight and glossy, with no trace of wiry hair.

Temperament:

Intelligent, alert and sensitive. Full of self-importance.

History:

During the early 1800's, it was the custom for coachmen to keep small terrier types as ratters in the stables, and such dogs of that period in Belgium were Affenpinscher-like, known as Griffons d'Ecurier (wire-coated stable dogs). These dogs emanated from the German Affenpinscher and the Belgian street dog. When or why other breeds were introduced can only be conjecture as the stablemen were not detailed recordkeepers.

It is reasonably well documented that the Pug and the King Charles and the Ruby Spaniels were crossed with the original Belgian dog. From these crossings, two distinct types of coat emerge, the harsh-coated bewhiskered rough, and the smooth coated Brabancon. (Named in honor of the Belgian national anthem, La Brabonconne.) Distinctive colors are also attributed to these crosses - the rich red color; the black and tan color, and the solid black color. The spaniel cross is also largely responsible for the facial characteristics and impression, which is so much a part of our present-day Brussels Griffon.

The Brussels Griffon is a member of the Toy Group and was first recognized by the AKC in 1910. No longer finding much purpose as a stableworker, the Brussels Griffon is a hearty, intelligent and active companion.

Fun Facts:

• The Brussels Griffon originated from breeding of the Affenpinscher to the Belgian street dog (Griffons d'Ecurie, or Stable Griffons).
  
  
• Smooth-coated Brussels Griffons are termed "Brabancons".
  
  
• The Brussels Griffon is not typical of the "pampered pet" stereotype of toy breeds.
  
  
• The Brussels Griffon was featured in 1997's hit, "As Good As It Gets", starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt.
  
  
• The Brussels Griffon is super-intelligent and sensitive.
  
  
• The Brussels Griffon can be self-conscious around strangers.