Belgian Griffon Breed Origins and Caracteristics

The group of Belgian Griffons is very interesting. This breed has participated in the creation of the Dutch and German Schnauzer, French Griffons and the Pug. Regarding silhouette this type is homogenous; it was divided in three varieties that are different in color and hair. After 1905, when the standards for the three were established none of the types could settle, so nowadays, we can find different puppies in a same litter. The short-haired Brabantino, which owes the Pug a lot, will be studied later. The Belgian Griffon and the Brussels Griffon are two breeds which hair is rough, bristly, longer on the chin, the cheeks, the snout and around the eyes. The hair forms a beard in the chin and the eyebrows are very hairy. The two breeds are different only in color. The tail and the ears must be cut.

The Griffons' temperament is lively, but not nervous, vigilant and they are good guardians. They have an extraordinary resistance for their size, they like to accompany their masters even long distances.

It is very difficult to breed them. The bitches tend to have problems during labor and the births are numerically few: one or two puppies are born, no more. Very often, there are defects in the hair quality and color and only an experienced breeder will have success. The shape of the head and the characteristic fur are developed relatively late, when they are a year and half old, which the breeder's work gets complicated.

Belgian Griffon. Size: 21-28 cm. Weight: 3-5 kg. Colors: black (1) or black with reddish patches.

Brussels Griffon. Size: 21-28 cm. Weight: 3-5 kg. Colors: red or reddish (2) if possible with a black mask.

It is not advisable to wash the griffons frequently so that the hair keeps its texture. They should be combed and groomed with regularity; the beard can be washed. For the two breeds, a black nose is a must; the eyelashes and the snout are black as well. The eyes are open, big, round as dark as possible and bulging. The soles and nails of the feet must be black.

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