The Griffon Bruxellois
intelligent and active

THE Brussels Griffon is a toy breed originally used for hunting rats and mice, but today they are pets and companions. They do not require a large amount of feeding - just some common sense nutrition without too many treats and plenty of fresh clean water and they will be healthy.

However, they are susceptible to eye, mouth and general health problems. The average puppy price is about £500-800, and they usually live for 12-14 years, but if you decide to breed them, litters are usually small - between one and three pups, with two the average.

The Griffon can not be called a pretty dog, but they are pretty cute! There are two versions of the breed - the Griffon Bruxellois, (or Belgian or Brussels Griffon) which has a rough and wiry coat, while the Petit Brabancon is smooth coated. The Griffon has a pug-like face with a short and turned-up nose, and an undershot jaw, rather like a boxer. The eyes are large and prominent.

Ideally the bitch is 18-20cm high and weighs about 2-5kg. The dog is the same average height and weight. Health concerns for all small breeds including the Griffon are subluxating patellas (slipping kneecaps) and collapsing tracheas. Some have especially bad problems with the trachea and in many cases congestive heart failure can develop. Extra small Griffons can develop hydrocephalus, so breeding mini-sized Griffons should not be contemplated.

Because of their facial features Griffons often have an elongated soft palate, which can inhibit breathing, or narrowed nostrils. Both of these conditions can be corrected by the vet, and can be diagnosed fairly early in their life. Eye popping (where the eye protrudes from the socket) may also occur in this breed so it is wise to take all care from a puppy age and walk these dogs only in a gentle harness and NEVER shake their head, such as jerking a choke chain around their neck. Occasionally these dogs are born with webbed feet, but it does not cause any problems, so best to leave that condition alone unless there is good reason to have it corrected surgically.

Other common ailments are degenerative disk disease, hare lip and uterine inertia. Griffons are often sensitive to the leptospirosis vaccine, so unless your dog is on a farm or exposed to farm animals, best to leave that one out, or go the homoeopathic way.

The Griffon Bruxellois was created by crossing Pugs, Affenpinschers and Belgian stable dogs. Taxi drivers used them to guard their cabs and kill vermin. Later the English toy spaniel was added to the breed and by the end of the 19th century the breed was established and was exported to Britain and America.

Griffons are stubborn but clever and do very well in dog sports. The pups need to be socialized early, as they can be shy of strangers. Also the owner needs to familiarize it with nail clipping, teeth cleaning, coat clipping and bathing very early on to avoid problems later.

The Griffon should have some exercise for about an hour a day - they are quite active and love a run in the park but are just as happy living in an apartment. They do not, however, adapt well to being alone for long - they can become distressed and neurotic.

Intelligent and loving to have fun, the Griffon can be trained only with positive reinforcement methods. Negative methods would cause the dog to become wary and shy. Because of that characteristic the Griffon is not a good companion for children as their play may frighten him and make him unpredictable. They like to be close to their owners and can destroy furniture if left alone for long.

The rough coats should be plucked three times a year, except for the facial hair that should be trimmed with scissors. This should always be done by a professional. Facial hair should be combed regularly as articles of food sometimes stick in it. Smooth coats shed constantly so a grooming mitt should be used often to remove the dead hairs. Both varieties need the folds at their stop cleaned often to prevent a smelly face.

Information researched from various Kennel Club and Griffon Club websites.