Griffon Bruxellois

The Griffon Bruxellois is the bearded Belgian toy dog whose almost human expression made it a favourite of the Brussels bourgeoisie.

History

It began as the Smousje, a scruffy Brussels stable terrier kept to kill rats around cabs and coach houses, and was refined in the nineteenth century with Pug and King Charles Spaniel until it became a fashionable companion. Queen Marie Henriette's enthusiasm carried it into society. Both a rough and a smooth coat occur, and Belgian registries treat the colours as separate breeds where others do not.

Temperament

The breed is known for being bold, sensitive and intensely attached to one person, comic in manner and easily hurt by a sharp word — a big personality in a very small dog.

Care and training

Exercise needs are small. The rough coat needs hand-stripping, the smooth almost nothing. Training works through encouragement; the breed sulks under pressure.

Health

The shortened muzzle brings brachycephalic breathing problems and heat intolerance; the prominent eyes are vulnerable to injury, and small litters and whelping difficulty are documented. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for a breeder and a vet; the measured facts are in the panel.