The Griffon Bruxellois is a very distinctive dwarf Griffon from Belgium.
The origin of the Brussels Griffon
There are three Belgian dwarf Griffon dogs that are very similar. In fact, the Griffon Bruxellois, Griffon Belge and Petit Brabançon all share the same ancestor. For centuries, a small breed of dog called the "Smousje" lived around the Belgian capital. The main task of the Smousje was to keep the horse stables free of rats and mice and to guard the carriages.
In the 19th century, Affenpinscher, King Charles Spaniels and Pugs were crossed in, eventually giving the dog the appearance it has today. Queen Marie-Henriette of Belgium was considered a particular lover of the breed. Many emulated the noblewoman and wanted to have a Griffon Bruxellois.
The royal cynologists opened the first pedigree and stud book for the Brussels Griffon in 1883.
The breed characteristics of the Brussels Griffon
The trademark of this small dog is the shortening of the skull known as brachycephaly. In the Brussels Griffon it is deliberate and has become standard through breeding selection.
Most of the dogs get along with it. However, animals are also born with jaw malpositions and breathing problems. The problems within the breed are so far within limits that the brachycephaly is not considered as torture breeding at the moment.
The FCI lists the Brussels Griffon under Standard No. 80, Group 9 and Section 3: Small Belgian Dog Breed.
- first rat catcher, then noble society dog
- favourite dog of Queen Marie-Henriette of Belgium
- with prominent shortening of the skull