| Griffon Bruxellois | |||||||||||||
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 A Griffon Bruxellois | |||||||||||||
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| Origin | Belgium | ||||||||||||
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TheGriffon Bruxellois orBrussels Griffon is abreed oftoy dog, named for their city of origin ofBrussels,Belgium. The Griffon Bruxellois may refer to three different breeds, theGriffon Bruxellois, theGriffon Belge and thePetit Brabançon.[1] Identical in standard except for coat and colour differences, in some standards they are considered varieties of the same breed, much likeBelgian Shepherd Dogs.
The three variations of the Griffon Bruxellois, theBrussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois), theBelgian Griffon (Griffon Belge), and thePetit Brabançon, all descend from dog called aSmousje, a rough coated, small terrier-like dog kept in stables to eliminate rodents,[1] similar to theDutch Smoushond. The little coarse-haired dog in the foreground of theJan van Eyck paintingThe Arnolfini Marriage is thought to be an early form of this breed. InBelgium, coachmen were fond of their alert littleGriffons d'Ecurie (wiry coated stable dogs) and in the 19th century, they bred their Griffons with imported toy dogs. Breeding with thePug andKing Charles Spaniel brought about the currentbreed type, but also brought the short black coat that led to the Petits Brabançon, which was originally a fault in the breed. The spaniels also brought the rich red and black and tan colour of the modern Griffon Bruxellois and Griffon Belge.[2]
The Griffon Bruxellois grew in popularity in the late 19th century with both workers and noblemen in Belgium. The first Griffon Bruxellois was registered in 1883 in the first volume Belgium's kennel club studbook, theLivre des Origines Saint-Hubert (LOSH).[1] The popularity of the breed was increased by the interest ofQueen Marie Henriette, a dog enthusiast who visited the annual dog shows in Belgium religiously, often with her daughter, and became a breeder and booster of Griffon Bruxellois, giving them international fame and popularity. Many dogs were exported to other countries, leading to Griffon Bruxellois clubs in England (1897)[3] and Brussels Griffon clubs in the United States (1945).[4]
TheFirst World War andSecond World War proved to be a disastrous time for the breed. The recovering numbers of the breed after the First World War were set back by increased vigilance in breeding away from faults such as webbed toes. By the end of the Second World War, Belgium had almost no native Griffon Bruxellois left, and it was only through the vigilance of dedicated breeders (in the UK particularly) that the breed survived at all.[citation needed]
The breed has never been numerous or popular, but had a brief vogue in the late 1950s, and now is generally an uncommon breed. There has been a recent increase in interest in theUnited States due to the appearance of a Griffon in the movieAs Good as It Gets,[citation needed] and also because of a general increase in interest intoy dogs.[citation needed]
The Griffon Bruxellois is typically a small breed with a sturdy frame. The average adult Griffon stands from 9–11 inches (230–280 mm) tall, and weighs 8–10 pounds (4–5 kg).[5] They have domed heads, short noses, and an underbite. Their human-like facial features were the inspiration for theEwok.[6]
The Griffon comes in two coat variants, wiry/rough and smooth coat. Their fur can be red, black and tan, or black and reddish in color. The short hair Griffon requires little grooming while the wiry/rough coat Griffon requires weekly grooming attention.[6]
Generally, breeders will dock tails and crop ears on puppies for sale. This practice is illegal in most of Europe and increasingly frowned on in the United States, but still practiced in some places.[citation needed]
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The Griffon Bruxellois is known to display a visible air of self-importance.[citation needed] A Griffon should not be shy or aggressive, but they are very emotionally sensitive, and because of this, should be socialized carefully at a young age.[7] Griffons should also be alert, inquisitive and interested in their surroundings.
Griffons tend to bond with one human more than others, and are very good with children provided they are not teased. They are not very patient but love to play. Griffons tend to get along well with other animals in the house, including cats, ferrets, and other dogs. However, they have no concept of their own relative size and may attempt to dominate dogs much larger than themselves.[8]
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Griffons should be tested for congenital defects, the most serious of which areSyringomyelia (SM) andChiari-like malformation (CM).[9][10] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.3 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 forcrossbreeds.[11]
Griffons usually have no trouble whelping on their own, but sometimes complications can necessitate aCaesarean section. The size of a litter is anything from 1–10 puppies (average around 4–5). The size of the litter often determines the extent of these complications. When they are born, the puppies weigh only a few ounces (about 100 grams (3.5 oz)) and are small enough to fit in the palm of an adult's hand.[citation needed]
One issue that is typically fatal for the puppies is having acleft palate. It results in the puppy not receiving nourishment from the mother and eventually starvation. It is uncommon but, depending on the size of thecleft, it is possible for the puppy to survive. When it becomes older, surgery can be done to close the hole.[citation needed]
Most have large eyes that may require rechecks from a veterinarian.[citation needed]
Syringomyelia (SM) is a condition affecting the brain and spine, causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis. Syringomyelia is characterised by fluid filled cavities within the spinal cord. SM occurs secondary to obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) especially if that obstruction is at the foramen magnum.[citation needed]
Not all dogs with SM have clinical signs. The presence of signs is correlated to the width of the syrinx and extent of spinal cord dorsal horn damage. Syrinxes can progressively expand and a dog which is asymptomatic in early life may eventually experience pain.[citation needed]
Chiari-like malformation (CM) may occur as a predisposing factor to SM. According to a study, 61.7% of Griffons with SM had CM.[13]
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Dogs originating inBelgium | ||
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| Extant |  | |
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