Shake Paws With The Griffon Bruxellois ....

Red Rough Griffon Bruxellois (photo non Sherway copyright)

Red Rough

(picture non-Sherway copyright)

The Griffon Bruxellois is a small dog with a giant personality. Although a resident of the toy group, the Griffon is very much a terrier in temperament! They come in two coats - rough and smooth (Petit BrabanÇon); and in three colours - black & tan, red and black. All colours and both coats can come from the same litter, but when a certain colour and/or coat is specialised in, that will define the predominant colour/coat of the litter. The occasional chocolate & tan or blue & tan has been known to creep into black & tan breeding programs, but neither are eligible for the show ring, charming as they are!

The Griffon Bruxellois is known in the USA as the Belgian or Brussels Griffon.

Griffon Bruxellois vary in weight from the miniatures at about 7lbs or less to about 15lbs depending upon the confirmation of the dog! Somewhere in the middle is the most acceptable. Irrespective of an individual's size, they should be sturdy, stocky little "people"!

To view a typical international Griffon Bruxellois Breed Standard, click here

UK Kennel Club Griffon Bruxellois Breed Standard, click here

The Griffon Bruxellois is a flat nosed breed and this might be a factor to determine whether you like or dislike a breed of dog. If you aren't keen on flat noses(!) - don't prejudge the Griff until you've had a look at their character ! This more than outweighs any physical characteristic, and is likely to overcome any opinion you may have formed of the breed at first glance. Besides which, if you prefer the flat nosed breeds you'll fall in love with a Griff at first sight!

Their appealing small faces, with their big & round, dark eyes; turned up chins, short noses and tiny up-and-over ears remind one of a visit to the monkey house at the zoo - especially at feeding times with numerous pairs of eyes fixed unblinkingly at the dinner lady!

With these monkey-like faces the roughs are usually thought to resemble "Gismo" from the film '"Gremlins"! However, a Griffon's endearing, angelic expression sometimes conceals the real 'little devil' which lurks within !! Don't get the wrong idea, there are many occasions when they can be just like angels (when it best suits them) ! They are highly intelligent, strong-willed, nosy, cunning, companionable, alert, loyal and loving . . . . the list goes on ! The Griffon Bruxellois is the dog with the HUGE (often human) personality. They might be small, but they certainly think big ... and be advised, a Griffon can often come to grief through it's own 'plot planning'!

Here's an example:

Red Smooth

(Petit BrabanÇon)

Maybe a Griff is passionate about cheese - like our own Taz, Paws (pictured, right) and Ebby. Let's say the Griff knows it's right there in the fridge and even where in the fridge. Whilst the owner is elsewhere in the house the Griff works out exactly how to get in to the fridge and to the cheese, but in the process knocks over a milk bottle which smashes. By the time the owner runs in to investigate the noise, the Griff will be sitting right away from the situation, with a look of, "Well, it was nothing to do with me!!!"

They really have a great character, and they have very expressive eyes from which you can tell their mood - even some of their thoughts, maybe! Griffons Bruxellois are very sociable and great with children, too. Their memories are also very good; if something happens which is important to them, they'll still remember it when they are old, even if they had been a puppy at the time of the memory. This also means the Griffon Bruxellois is a good learner (but remember their strong wills - they'll learn only if they want to, usually when there's something in it for them)!

If you are thinking of buying a Griffon and you have no previous experience, as with all breeds, it is ESSENTIAL that you find out more about them first. Contact one of the clubs for the Griffons Bruxellois that can put you in touch with a reputable breeder who will help and advise you. You're also very welcome to e-mail ourselves here at Sherway for general breed information.

Please note that we are unable to advise on the availability of Griffon Bruxellois and Petit BrabanÇon puppies. If you would like to purchase a Griffon Bruxellois (Brussels Griffon) we recommend you contact a British Griffon Bruxellois Club.

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