Other Names
Griffon Bruxellois, Petit Brabancon, Brussels Griffon, Griffon Belge

Origin
Belgain, 1800s.
We do not know much about the origin of that breed and you will find different theories and speculations about which breeds were added to the original Stable Griffon to get such an incomparable result. There is no doubts about pugs having influenced the breed. They were added to make them look more fashionable as the pugs were absolutely en vogue in the 19th century. The original Stable Griffon got more and more popular at that point of time after having originally been used to hunt rats and mice in the stables. By adding the pugs, smooth Griffs showed up for the first time. They were called Little Brabancons. Later the Ruby King Charles Spaniel was added and gave the red color to the breed. Yorkshire terrier are said to have been added, too. Finally the outcome was the companion dog we know today. By changing the look of the breed the hunting instinct the dogs once were famous for was lost as well. The original Stable Griffon is said to have been known since the 15th century. In 1883 the breed was established in Belgium and shortly after exported to America and England. There and in the Scandinavian countries they are more popular than in their home country and in Germany. In Germany there is only one kennel that is registered and controlled.

Description
There are three variations of Griffs ,they have different hair structures and colors, but FCI considers them three different breeds: 80,81 and 82. Brussels, Brabancons and Belge Griffs.

Referring to the FCI standard all three breeds are dogs of a square shape. They are said not to be too fragile but to have a robust body. The head which is big compared to the whole body must have a well cambered forehead. Forehead, nose and chin are to form a line if you look at it from the side. The nose must not be longer than 1,5 cm. Ears are to be kept erect and their tips are to topple over. The weight is to be from 3,5 to 6 kilos. In reality hardly any Griff fulfills this standard. It is obvious that often old genes will come through and the pups grow bigger and heavier than the standard allows. (BTW there is no standard for size, just for weight!) Since the size and the way the ears are held is hardly ever optimal, until cropping was forbidden here or in countries that lack laws forbidding cropping (esp. USA), ears were cut off to hide XL size (ears).

Use
Companion

Life Expectancy
This breed can live as long as 12-14 years of age

Weight & Height
6-12lbs pounds & 7-8 inches tall

Known Health Problems
Griffies usually don't show inherited illnesses. Like all toy breeds they tend to have patella luxation, but the occurrence of that illness can also be suppressed by responsible breeding.

Temperment
FCI standard calls the little ones intelligent and balanced, attentive, proud, very devoted and robust. Griffs want to be as near to their humans as possible. Yes, indeed a Griff dislikes any distance from its owner and wants to be around no matter what his human does or where he is. Griffs use to be a one person dog and in a family they will choose "their" human and always be there for him. You quickly get the feeling that a Griff does not see itself as a dog among humans but as an equal. The neat look and the great ability to adapt makes people neglect the training of a young Griff. And despite all vividness and self confidence a Griff pup shows you should never to forget they are a very sensitive breed! Despite the standard calling them robust it doesn't refer to their emotions. Training a Griff pup is anything but easy as you need a lot of tolerance combined with consequence. A Griff can go along very well with other dogs no matter what breed if you enable it to get into contact from the beginning. Even if you have a pack of Griffs you will always be the most important being for each of them. If a Griff meets another dog and is well socialized it will show pride and self confidence but not aggressions. To make a long story short: Griffs are lovable little dogs who will accompany you whatever you do and who you can take wherever you go. But you have to consider that they will attract attention and sometimes people will ask you strange questions about them.

Training
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Living Conditions
Will do ok in apartment, But the dog does need stimulation and exercise daily

Grooming
The Rough-haired Griffs do need most coat care.. The are usually hand plucked regulary except for the beard and mustache.. The beard and mustache should be kept brushed and tangle free.

Exercise
Fans of the breed especially appreciate this intelligence, but at the same time they know about the Griffs' need for stimulation. This doesn't mean to take them out three times a day and to throw some balls for them: a Griff wants to experience something new and interesting together with his human! This can mean to take a Griff for long walks and include some obedience, but you can also train them in dog dancing, agility or take them to obedience classes.

Coat
You find the rough version (Brussels and Belge Griffs) on the one hand and on the other hand the smooth fur which is shorter and softer. A Brussels Griff is red and rough, a Belge is black and rough or black and tan and rough. The smooth fur is found in the varieties red, black and black and tan. Mantled red fur is called red as well.

Besides the colors that are allowed by the standard you will find colors which are unwanted and which you can not show. One of them is brown and brown/tan which results in a black and steel blue. The brown Griffs will be born when you have black parents carrying the brown gene. There are many different brown colors, the eyes have got an amber color, and the nose looks liver brown. You won’t find any black spots on the whole body. The brownies are as healthy as any Griffs of accepted colors. This is different with the so called blue Griffs some dubious breeders offensively offer. Their fur is thin and you should know all hair might fall out at the 6th month and onward. Many pups of that color are born dead. It is obvious that the blue color is a defect gene, and responsible breeders will take dames and/or sires producing such pups out of the breeding process.

Puppies
1-3 pups per litter are born per litter . Like alot of small dogs, Mom may need a c-section to deliver pups..

Recognition
Recognition
Brussels Griffon--Fédération Cynologique Internationale, Canadian Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, Continental Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, American Pet Registry
National Kennel Club
Griffon Belge--Continental Kennel Club, Fédération Cynologique Internationale
National Kennel Club, American Pet Registry
Petit Brabancon--Continental Kennel Club, Fédération Cynologique Internationale
National Kennel Club, American Pet Registry

A huge Thank you to Angelika of Griffyfans for helping us with most of the information and some photos provided. She has been of great help.