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With this breed, you get a great personality in a package of 5 to 15 pounds. One looks into his big, human-like eyes, and you will smile. Griffes come in four colors – red, black and red-brown (called belg), black and tan, and black- and smooth coats (like pugs) or rough coats (like schnazers). His black muzzle and mustache gave him the nickname “”bearded dog”” in old folk songs. Griff’s large black eyes are described as “”almost human”” – covering his short snout with a thick beard and mustache, giving him the air of a worldly, French-speaking philosopher. Griff’s body is thicket and strong, and he walks in with a purposeful trot of a fellow who knows what he wants.
Griff is alert, sociable and easily trained. Although playful and energetic, their small size and sensitive nature make them a poor choice as a rough play for children. They have a low threshold for loneliness and will stay close to their special human, which will lead to love and laughter.
Griffon-type dogs were well known in Europe for centuries. In Van Eyck’s 1434 portrait of the “”Ornolfini couple””, we glimpse Griff’s distant ancestor. It is a shorter, griffon-type dog with a longer snout than today’s flattering, pouty-lipped version.
In the early 1800s, Griff’s story begins right in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. This was when Griff began his rise from rough-and-tumble rat dog to sophisticated laptop companion.
Brussels trainers usually kept small terrier type dogs in their stables to keep the rat population down. These were commonly known as Affenpinscher-like dogs as “”griffons d’ecurie”” or “”wire-coated dogs””. Hack drivers experimented with various crosses to improve their dogs.
There is no written record of these breedings, but dog people have found that the pug, the English Toy Spaniels, an old Belgian breed called Brabankone, and perhaps the Yorkshire Terrier were also part of the genetic mix, which Brussels Griffen Used to produce.
The turning point of griff history came in the 1870s, when dog lover Henarita Maria, the queen’s Belgian, liked the breed. With royal patronage, Griff’s future was assured. They became all the rage among the courtiers of the queen, and the kennel of the upper classes further refined the breed, making the body smaller and the face more humane.
The royal impetus to the breed aroused international interest and the Griffes were exported to England and America. AKC registered its first Griff in 1910. In the case of so many European breeds, two world wars reduced Griff’s population. The breed could not survive if not for the dedication of American and British enthusiasts.
Brussels Griffon won millions of new fans in 1997, when a spicy griff named Jill gave Jack Nicholson the hit movie “”As Good As It Gets.””
A toy dog, intelligent, alert, strong, with a small body, a smart car, and set-up, attracts attention almost by a human expression. Coats are of two types: rough or smooth. There is no difference between the two, except for the coat.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time.
There are two types of Brussels Griffons, with two types of coat: smooth and rough. With smooth-coated griffon, during weekly brushing-daily shedding season, which is usually a week or two in spring, and then again in the fall – and occasional bathing to remove dirt and loose hair And will help in seeing the dog. her best. Rough coated griffons are not shed. Many have their own hair – except for the typical beard – cut short by their owner or a professional groomer. As with all breeds, nails should be trimmed regularly, as long nails can be painful to the dog and cause problems with walking and walking.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended for all dogs and help ensure that Griffon grows into a well-adjusted, well-run companion. Griffes have a high level of intelligence and bond with their bosses, making them easy to train. With many toy breeds, however, housebreaking can take some extra time and effort. Griffons have a very sensitive nature, and do not respond to drastic improvements or training methods. A griffon wants to be with his family, often staying in the room with his person, and undesirable behavior can result if he is left alone for a long period of time on a regular basis.
Griffons require at least half an hour of moderate exercise a day to be healthy and happy. He loves to romance and play, and is most happy to do activities with his people. A game of ball chase is fun for both the dog and the owner. His intelligence and training ability meant that many Brussels Griffons excelled in canine events such as obedience, agility and tracking.
Brussels Griffon should perform well on high quality dog food, whether manufactured commercially or prepared with the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
Griffes are generally healthy dogs, and screen their stock for responsible breeders health conditions for heart problems, eye defects such as cataracts, and orthopedic problems such as patella laxation and hip dysplasia. Like all flat-flooded breeds, Brussels Griffons can experience breathing problems in sunny, hot, or humid climates, and usually snore. As with all breeds, a griffon’s ear should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and teeth should be brushed frequently, using toothpaste designed for dogs.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: