Brussels Griffon: The Breed

           (AKC Toy Group)
The intelligent and cheerful Brussels Griffon has a terrier-like disposition and is known for his almost human expression. This affectionate breed comes in a variety of colors, including red, belge (black and reddish brown), black and tan, or black. This breed makes a good watchdog and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks. A Brussels Griffon was featured in 1997's hit, "As Good As It Gets", starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt.

Brussels Griffon AKC Breed Standards

General Appearance
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, Proportion, Substance
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.
Head
A very important feature. An almost human expression. Eyes set well apart, very large, black, prominent, and well open. The eyelashes long and black. Eyelids edged with black. Ears small and set rather high on the head. May be shown cropped or natural. If natural they are carried semi-erect. Skull large and round, with a domed forehead. The stop deep. Nose very black, extremely short, its tip being set back deeply between the eyes so as to form a lay-back. The nostrils large. Disqualifications - Dudley or butterfly nose. Lips edged with black, not pendulous but well brought together, giving a clean finish to the mouth. Jaws must be undershot. The incisors of the lower jaw should protrude over the upper incisors. The lower jaw is prominent, rather broad with an upward sweep. Neither teeth nor tongue should show when the mouth is closed. A wry mouth is a serious fault. Disqualifications - Bite overshot. Hanging tongue.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck medium length, gracefully arched. Topline - Back level and short. Body - A thickset, short body. Brisket should be broad and deep, ribs well sprung. Short-coupled. Tail - set and held high, docked to about one-third.
Forequarters
Forelegs medium length, straight in bone, well muscled, set moderately wide apart and straight from the point of the shoulders as viewed from the front. Pasterns short and strong. Feet round, small, and compact, turned neither in nor out. Toes well arched. Black pads and toenails preferred.
Hindquarters
Hind legs set true, thighs strong and well muscled, stifles bent, hocks well let down, turning neither in nor out.
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.
Color
Either 1) Red: reddish brown with a little black at the whiskers and chin allowable; 2) Belge: black and reddish brown mixed, usually with black mask and whiskers; 3) Black and Tan: black with uniform reddish brown markings, appearing under the chin, on the legs, above each eye, around the edges of the ears and around the vent; or 4) Black: solid black.
Any white hairs are a serious fault, except for "frost" on the muzzle of a mature dog, which is natural. Disqualification – White spot or blaze any where on coat.
Gait
Movement is a straightforward, purposeful trot, showing moderate reach and drive, and maintaining a steady topline.

Scale of Points

Head
Skull	5
Nose and stop	10
Eyes	5
Bite, chin and jaw	10
Ears	5	35
Coat
Color	12
Texture	13	25
Body and General Conformation
Body (brisket and rib)	15
Gait	10
Legs and feet	5
General appearance (neck,   topline and tail carriage)	10	40
Total		100

Disqualifications
Dudley or butterfly nose.
Bite overshot.
Hanging tongue.
White spot or blaze anywhere on coat.
Approved September 11, 1990
Effective October 30, 1990

Brussels Griffon Health Issues

A Griffon Pupp

Griffons have relatively few inherited health issues, but should still be testes for congenital defects, the most serious of which are Syringomyelia (SM) and Chiari-like malformation (CM).  The typical life span of a Griffon is somewhere in the range of 12 to 15 years, but many Griffons usually have no trouble whelping on their own, but sometimes complications can cause a Caesarean section to be needed. The size of a litter is typically 1-3 puppies. The size of the litter often determines the extent of these complications. Litters of six are not unheard of. When they are born, the puppies only weigh but a few ounces and are small enough to fit in the palm of an adult's hand. It can get leg and heart problems from an early age.

Cleft palate

One issue that is typically fatal for the puppies is having a cleft palate. It results in the puppy not receiving nourishment from the mother and eventually starvation. It is uncommon but, depending on the size of the cleft it is possible for the puppy to survive where as it becomes older surgery can be done to close the hole. Most have huge eyes that you have to watch out for and check regularly with your vet.

Eyes

• Lacerations - Lacerations are a common issue amongst the breed. Because the Griffons have such large eyes and a short snout, there is very little there to protect their vision from foreign bodies. If a laceration is left untreated it can result in blindness.
• Cataracts - As with most breeds, cataracts are a common problem as the dog ages. For many breeders it is a disappointment that the cataracts typically develop long after the dog has already been bred.
• Lens Luxations - Lens luxations can be fairly common in the breed and result in secondary glaucoma
• Glaucoma - Glaucoma can also be a common issue amongst Griffons due to the breeds facial features and eye size.

Heat Stroke

Although Griffons have a shortened snout, heat stroke is not a major concern for them as it is with other flat-faced breeds. The breed's shortened muzzle may cause respiratory issues in extreme heat but overall they tolerate both hot and cold weather well. As with any breed, owners must use common sense and not leave them outdoors without protection from the elements or subject them to rigorous exercise during extreme temperatures, so let them in your house for cool air and some water (ice-cold water is bad for dogs' stomachs).

Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia (SM) is a condition affecting the brain and spine, causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis. Syringomyelia is characterised by fluid filled cavities within the spinal cord. SM occurs secondary to obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) especially if that obstruction is at the foramen magnum. To date the condition has been also reported in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, King Charles Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese Terriers, Chihuahuas, Miniature Dachshunds, Miniature/Toy Poodles, Bichon Frisé, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, a Pekingese, a Miniature Pinscher, mixbreeds, and a couple of cats.
Not all dogs with SM have clinical signs. The presence of signs is correlated to the width of the syrinx and extent of spinal cord dorsal horn damage. Syrinxes can progressively expand and a dog which is asymptomatic in early life may eventually become painful.

Brussels Griffon Temperament

"Lincoln" the Brussels Griffon Won the Westminister's Toy Group

The Griffon Bruxellois is known to have a huge heart, and a strong desire to snuggle and be with his or her master. They display a visible air of self-importance. A Griffon should not be shy or aggressive; however, they are very emotionally sensitive, and because of this, should be socialized carefully at a young age. Griffons should also be alert, inquisitive and interested in their surroundings.
Griffons tend to bond with one human more than others. This, along with their small size, may make them unsuitable as a family pet, especially for a family with very small children. Griffons tend to get along well with other animals in the house, including cats, ferrets, and other dogs. However, they can get into trouble because they have no concept of their own relative size and may attempt to dominate dogs much larger than themselves.

Did You Know?

• 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.

Brussels Griffon 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.

Brussels Griffon Pics

 

 

AKC Registered Breeders

Brussels Griffon
Parent Club: American Brussels Griffon Association
Breeder Referral: Ms. Katherine Braukman, 727-789-9666
Breeder Directory: See Parent Club website - Breeder Referral

     

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