Where did he come from?
Some cynologists believe that the ancestor of this breed was affen pinscher. Others do not agree with this, claiming that, on the contrary, the ancestors of the German affen-pinscher were Brussels griffins. However, both are similar in opinion that the ancestors of the modern Griffon appeared in Europe around 1430. In the London National Gallery there is a picture of the Flemish painter Jean Van Eyck "The Chef Arnolfini", dating from 1434, which depicts the ancestor of the Brussels griffin.
For the first time this breed was represented in Brussels at the dog show in 1880. The modern name "Brussels Griffin" was not yet approved, the dog was presented under the name "a small Belgian terrier with a hard coat". Even then the Brussels Griffon had its own form and appearance different from other breeds. It was due to a fairly long period of purebred breeding, development of the breed in conditions of incomplete reproductive isolation. It is evident already at that time that the griffon differed sharply from its closest relatives, the affine-pinchers, the first description of the standard which has been known since 1876. Rapid development of the breed began with the transition to purebred breeding. To improve the breed sign of griffon, Belgian dog handlers carried out targeted interbreeding. The infusion of the blood of the Yorkshire terrier, pug and English dwarf spaniel was used. By 1904, the Brussels Griffon breed had become a national breed in Belgium and gained an official standard.
On the nature and its features
Description of the breed I want to start with its main advantage. It is impossible not to note the unusual cleanliness of the griffons. This dog will bring you a napkin itself, so that you wipe his beard after eating. Due to its density, the tough hair of the griffin is practically not spoiled and does not get wet. Care for the dog's coat of the Griffon breed is pretty simple: just brush it once a week and brush it. During molting, twice a year the wool of griffons is renewed, removing old strands. This simple procedure will take no more than 1-2 hours, but the owner for six months is guaranteed the absence of wool in the house.
All Griffon owners agree that their favorites are characterized by an ardent temperament and extraordinary contact. One has only to look into their huge dark eyes with a completely human gaze, as one involuntarily comes up with the idea that the griffon only pretends to be a dog. Griffons are inquisitive, very intelligent and vigilant. They are always in a good mood, not capricious, not grumbling and do not like to bark. They are very fond of learning and are eager to understand the owner. Griffons are extremely observant, quickly assimilate the rules of the house, they are able to be quiet and do not bother with their presence. With this baby it is easy to live, he is close and devoted to his masters. The Brussels Griffon is athletic, hardy and dynamic, loves long walks through the forest or park. He will be happy even to accompany his mistress to the store, if only there was something new, interesting around. Uses any opportunity to play, chat, run, look and show himself more.
Griffons like to sometimes luxuriate on a pillow or on the hands of the owners, and sometimes, like any dog, he needs to be alone in a place where no one will bother him. Griffins do not have health problems, they are extremely cheerful. These exquisite dogs quickly become favorites of the whole family. No one will be indifferent to their tranquil pranks. For moms, griffon is an elegant dog, for dads - a carefree buddy on walks, for a child - a devoted and affectionate friend, and for grandparents - all understanding pet.
Griffon education
The content of griffins, as a rule, does not cause great difficulties. But we must understand that even a small dog is still a dog. Often the small size of the pet "picks up" the master for excessive lisping and awakens in him the desire to protect his pet from everyone and everything. The dog as a result becomes unnecessarily protected and grows shy, sometimes even aggressive towards others. That in principle is not peculiar to the real griffon.
It is impossible to show such a dog its weakness and uncertainty - it will take advantage of this instantly. Griffons will not slow down to take advantage of the weakness of the owner, in order to avoid any unpleasant procedures. The dog will notice that the more she pulls the paws and breaks out, the less clipped her claws. Shaking her head, she avoids combing her beard and examining her ears. And so a small cunning person will easily avoid all these procedures, absolutely painless and necessary for him.
In fact, it is very easy to accustom to these griffon procedures. The main thing here is to re-strain the dog. The more it escapes, the more patient you will need to keep it, and the shouting here will not help. It is important for a dog to understand that you are patient and can always over-reinforce it and achieve it (even if you spend it more than one hour). If you at a very early age accustom a puppy to these procedures, then you will not have trouble throughout life.
Griffon puppies are very smart. Their intellectual development passes very quickly. The puppy already fully understands what is required of him in two months. 30-day-old puppies already know the "fu", "me" and "place" commands quite well. Often you can hear how the owners of 3-6-month-old puppies exclaim: "The impression is that this is an adult dog - so she listens and understands everything on the street! "And this is given to the dog by nature, the owner does not have to apply any special efforts to this.