The origin of Belgian griffons, like most thoroughbred dogs, has quite conflicting opinions. Some experts believe that the ancestors of griffins were affen-pinscher (so-called monkey pinscher), while the other part claims that, on the contrary, the Belgian griffons became the ancestors of affen-pinschers. However, both of them admit that griffins are a fairly old breed of dogs that appeared in Europe not later than the beginning of the 15th century. These little dogs were very popular both among high society and in the homes of ordinary people, which helped the breed "Belgian Griffon" to survive to this day.
Possessing remarkable courage, quirky intelligence and brave character, the Belgian griffons were bred for watchdog functions and catching rats in port warehouses and domestic stables. Little dogs successfully coped with these duties before they moved to the luxurious apartments of the European nobility.
Modern griffins are dogs with two types of wool cover - woolly and smooth-haired. Coarse dogs include Belgian and Brussels Griffons, to smooth-haired dogs - Brabant griffons or small Brabansons.
In many countries of the European continent, all three species of the breed are considered as independent. In the US and England, they are one breed, and therefore participate in competitions together.
Belgian griffons can be characterized by three varieties of color - black, black and tan, a mixture of red and black (the entire cover consists of a mixture of black and red hairs). Brussels Griffons can only be red.
Sometimes puppies of dogs of this breed are born with a rather dark color, and only after the first trimming it is possible to determine their permanent real color. This carries great difficulties, since the Belgian and Brussels Griffons differ only in color. Often breeders have to change the breed of dogs, turning them from Belgian griffons to Brussels, and vice versa.
All varieties of the breed "Belgian Griffon" for a long time were interbreeding with each other, therefore even now in the litter of the woolly dogs can appear smooth-haired puppies, but, depending on heredity, they will have a different color.
For the first time "Brussels Griffon", as the breed was exhibited at the Brussels exhibition in 1880. In connection with the growing popularity of griffons, as indoor and decorative dogs, crossings of griffons with Yorkshire terriers, Pekingese, Smuswands and barbes were made. The First World War caused serious damage to the breeding of these dogs.
Nowadays, almost all countries interested in dog breeding are engaged in the cultivation of griffons.
The character of Brussels Griffons
The nature of such a dog, as a red Brussels Griffon, is defined in one word - magnificent. These little dogs are very clever, and even tiny puppies know how to understand human speech. They are very easy to educate, just a few words, said in a strict tone, so that the griffon obeys. Also griffins can not be denied in cunning, so they can not be pampered. The dog will get used to concessions from the owner and will use them all the time.
People who did not know anything about the red-haired Brussels brunette griffon are surprised to learn that these dogs are wonderful pet favorites. Moreover, they are so attached to the owner that they try to share his habits in everything.
In connection with the fact that the breeding of griffons was intended for watchdog functions and the control of rodents, the modern Griffons retained their working qualities and are small defenders of their home. They are endurance and extreme cleanliness.
Standards of the Brussels Griffon breed
In the breed standard FCI No. 80, the following parameters of dogs of the Brussels Griffon breed are described:
- is a small lady's dog, sturdy, stocky, with a dapper appearance and posture, intelligent and lively; should attract attention almost human expression muzzle,
- head - covered with wire-like, very stiff hair, longer at the tip of the nose, eyes, chin and cheekbones,
- the skull is round and broad with a domed forehead,
- the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is well pronounced,
- muzzle - extremely short, with a wide convex, jaw-protruding chin and lips with a black edging,
- the nose is large, only black,
- eyes - black, round, large, with black long eyelashes, should be convex and widely spaced,
- ears - standing, necessarily sharply cropped,
- chest - deep, wide,
- tail - raised, docked up to 1/3 of the length,
- limbs - moderately long, straight, parallel to each other, vertical,
- wool - dense, rigid, wire-like, has an average length,
- color - only reddish-ginger (a small black coating on the mustache and beard is allowed).
Weight is divided into classes:
- for class A (small size) - not more than 3 kilograms
- for class B (weight over 3 kilograms) - for dogs not more than 4.5 kilograms, for bitches - not more than 5 kilograms.
Height at the withers should not exceed 20 centimeters.
Also, tolerance for both classes within 100 grams is possible.
All defects inherent in the Brussels brittle gryphon are regarded as flaws or defects and lead to disqualification.
Such defects are:
- pale or brown nose,
- hanging tongue,
- Scissor bite, in which the upper jaw protrudes above the lower jaw,
- dogs with complete blindness,
- deaf dogs,
- Dogs with a dislocated patella,
- lame dogs,
- the presence of light-colored claws in dogs,
- presence of marks and spots from white hair.
The breed standards in different countries can differ significantly from each other. So, for example, in the UK standards require compulsory copulation of the ears in dogs of this breed. In Australia, such a procedure is strictly prohibited.