Griffon Bruxellois
A toy breed from Brussels with three coat varieties.
via Wikipedia: Griffon Bruxellois · see source
The Griffon Bruxellois, also called the Brussels Griffon, is a toy breed originating in Brussels, Belgium. The name may refer to three distinct breeds—the Griffon Bruxellois, the Griffon Belge, and the Petit Brabançon—which differ only in coat and color and are sometimes considered varieties of a single breed, much like Belgian Shepherd Dogs.
Quick Facts
- Country
- Belgium
- Nickname
- Griffon
- Griff
- Bruss
Facts from the source article.
History
All three variations descend from a rough-coated, terrier-like dog called a Smousje, kept in stables for rodent control. A small coarse-haired dog in Jan van Eyck's painting The Arnolfini Marriage is thought to represent an early form. In 19th-century Belgium, coachmen bred their Griffons d'Ecurie with imported toy dogs, including the Pug and King Charles Spaniel, which introduced the short black coat that became the Petit Brabançon and the red and black-and-tan colors of the other varieties.
The breed gained popularity in the late 1800s among workers and nobles. The first Griffon Bruxellois was registered in 1883 in Belgium's kennel club studbook. Queen Marie Henriette, a dog enthusiast who regularly attended Belgian dog shows, became a breeder and promoter, giving the breed international fame. Clubs formed in England in 1897 and in the United States in 1945.
The breed has never been numerous, though it saw a brief vogue in the late 1950s and a recent increase in U.S. interest after appearing in the film As Good as It Gets.
Description
The Griffon Bruxellois is a small, sturdy dog standing 9–11 inches and weighing 8–10 pounds. It has a domed head, short nose, and underbite; its human-like facial features inspired the Ewok. Two coat types exist: wiry/rough and smooth. Colors include red, black and tan, and black and reddish.
The smooth coat requires little grooming, while the wiry coat needs weekly attention. Tail docking and ear cropping are still practiced in some places but are illegal in most of Europe and increasingly discouraged in the United States. The breed is described as well-balanced, proud, alert, not timid nor aggressive, and very attached to its owner. Griffons have a low threshold for loneliness and a sensitive nature that responds poorly to harsh training.
They are curious, have good memory, and are clean. They tend to bond with one person, are good with children if not teased, enjoy play, and get along with other pets, though they may try to dominate larger dogs.
Health
Griffons should be tested for congenital defects, most seriously Syringomyelia (SM) and Chiari-like malformation (CM). A 2024 UK study reported a life expectancy of 13.3 years, above the average of 12.7 for purebreds and 12 for crossbreeds. Whelping is usually uncomplicated, but Caesarean sections may be needed; litter size ranges from 1 to 10 puppies, averaging 4–5, and puppies weigh about 100 grams at birth. Cleft palate is uncommon but often fatal without surgery.
Large eyes require veterinary rechecks and are prone to lacerations from foreign bodies, which can cause blindness if untreated. Cataracts are common in older dogs, often developing after breeding age. Lens luxations can occur and may lead to secondary glaucoma. Glaucoma is also common due to the breed's facial features and eye size.
Syringomyelia involves fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord, causing symptoms from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis; not all affected dogs show signs, and syrinxes may expand over time. Chiari-like malformation predisposes to SM, with 61.7% of Griffons with SM also having CM.
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