Let's get to know the Brussels Griffon, a small Belgian breed that is not entirely unknown to Italian pet owners. We'll explore its physical and behavioural traits, its history, and all the fascinating facts about this breed.
History of the breed
Just like the Belgian Griffon, the Brussels Griffon descends from the Barbet, small rat-hunting dogs from the stables that once populated Belgium, northern France and the Netherlands. It appears that both griffons, as well as the little Brabançon, are the result of crossbreeding between the Barbet and the Pug. This, however, is only the original version, which attributes the breed's origins to Belgium; in all fairness, other countries have their own theories and claim their own parentage.
Germany, for example, firmly asserts that the Brussels Griffon descends from the Affenpinscher, while Great Britain considers it the result of a cross between the Pug and the Yorkshire Terrier. The dispute is still very much alive, but for the time being Belgium is recognised as the country of origin. The Brussels Griffon was once widely found in its home country and across much of Europe; today it has a limited presence in Italy, the USA, the Netherlands and France, as well as in Belgium of course, and is entirely absent from other countries.
Breed standard
The Brussels Griffon is a small dog — distinguished and charming, unique in its appearance and virtually identical to the Belgian Griffon, with the exception of coat colour. Small but compact, it does not appear to be a delicate dog despite its modest size. An adult male can reach a maximum height of 18–20 cm at the withers, with a weight ranging between 2.5 and 5 kg. The chest is relatively broad and deep, with well-sprung, close-set ribs; the body is short, straight and muscular, rectangular in shape. The loins are firm and rounded, the croup only slightly sloping. The neck is proportionate in size to both head and body, well set and highly mobile.
Characteristics of the Brussels Griffon
The head is round and fairly large, defined by a domed skull that is broad between the ears; the stop is pronounced and the muzzle short and compact — what immediately catches the eye is the protruding chin. The skull is covered with rough, wiry hair, while the muzzle must be completely covered with bristly beard and whiskers. The nose is black and broad, with a very distinct vertical cut. The eyes are large and round, set wide apart and prominent, giving a slightly startled expression; they are black in colour. The overall appearance of the muzzle has something remarkably human about it.
The ears are set high on the skull, shaped like a pointed triangle and carried erect, always alert. The limbs are of the right length, perfectly perpendicular to the ground. The bone structure is strong and round, the muscles taut and well developed. The tail is set high and carried pointing upward, often docked to 2/3 of its natural length. The coat is of medium length and very dense, noticeably harsh to the touch and decidedly rough in appearance. The only colour permitted by the breed standard is reddish, with black shading on the chin and whiskers being tolerated.
Caring for the Brussels Griffon: nutrition
The Brussels Griffon's health is very robust, and it requires nothing more than the usual routine check-ups. Its diet should be simple and balanced, both in terms of portion sizes and nutritional intake. The coat should be kept glossy through high-quality food, and brushed frequently to keep its naturally tousled appearance in check.
Temperament of the Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is, at heart, a companion dog — deeply devoted to its owner and with a highly self-centred attitude. Its charm, however, far outshines these small tendencies, as well as its lack of aptitude for specific disciplines or sporting activities. Those who own one maintain that its training must be firm and consistent, so that it is made clear from the outset who is in charge at home and to prevent the dog's exuberance from taking over.
A well-trained Brussels Griffon is a sociable and delightful dog, not overly fond of noise but still tolerant with children; its proverbial courage makes it a good watchdog, and its bold way of facing strangers without a trace of fear makes it clear that it would not hesitate for a second to put its own life at risk to protect its beloved owner.
Breeders and price
The Brussels Griffon is a distinctive dog that, in Italy, is not unknown but is not widely found either. The ENCI recognises at least ten breeding establishments specialising in this breed across the country, which is not a small number considering the limited number of specimens in circulation.
The breed's limited popularity is also likely due to the fact that a puppy costs no less than €1,500, which for some may well be a barrier. We remind readers of the importance of purchasing dogs with a proper pedigree and up-to-date health records, always from recognised breeders, to avoid falling victim to scams.
