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Explore key updates in Brussels Griffon breeding: unacceptable colors, health concerns, and breed standard changes, including undocked tails.
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As with other breeds, the Brussels Griffon is being exploited by irresponsible breeders who are breeding dilute and other unacceptable colors. Dilute colors include blue, brown, beige, and blue and beige. Other unacceptable colors include, but are not limited to, merle, brindle, and white. The dilute colors are produced by a dilute gene which can also produce health issues. These mis-colored pups are advertised, mostly on social media, as “unique” Brussels Griffons, available for purchase at very hefty prices. Dilute-colored Griffs are often plagued by skin issues, including allergies, alopecia, itching, and flaking as well as other more serious systemic conditions. The parent club has issued a resolution opposing the intentional breeding of these colors. Members who inadvertently produce a dilute-colored pup are urged to place it as a pet with limited registration, and honestly disclose health issues to the buyers.
Acceptable colors for the Brussels Griffon are red, black, belge, and black and tan. Judges may occasionally encounter other colors in the ring. These other colors are not a disqualification. Judges are urged, minimally, to withhold ribbons, and ideally, to excuse for lack of merit. HOWEVER, many of these dogs, due to lack of proper pigmentation, also sport butterfly or dudley noses. These ARE a disqualification, so look carefully.
On a positive note, the parent club has revised the Brussels Griffon Breed Standard to allow for undocked tails. The undocked tail “is carried upwards with the tip towards the back without ever reaching the back or being curled. This is a gracefully held saber-type tail.” This language was adopted from the Standard of Belgium, the Brussels Griffon’s country of origin.
For decades, breeders have been breeding dogs with tails that were docked when they were a few days old, so most of us have no idea whether the parents of a litter had proper tails or faulty ones.
Consequently, a very promising pup may have a tail that is too curly, falls to the side, or touches the back—all faults. The tails should still be judged according to the Standard while breeders work to improve them.
A reminder concerning the mouth examination: the Brussels Griffon has been designated as a “thumb breed.” That is, the judge is to use his/her thumb to skim the lower lip and jaw to determine that the mouth is properly undershot. If there is any question after the thumb exam, the judge should ask the handler to show the bite. Asymmetry of the face can be an indication of a wry mouth; a major fault. Observing this asymmetry, the judge will also ask the handler to show the bite.
The New Hampshire legislature will consider a bill to ban the breeding of brachycephalic breeds. The ABGA has sent a letter of opposition along with video testimony of Brussels Griffons participating successfully in all forms of dog sport. I urge other breed clubs to denounce the proposed ban—even if you’re not a brachycephalic breed. Who knows what they’ll target next? Short legs? Giant breeds? Curly coats? Yes, a little ridiculous, but so is banning brachycephalics in the name of animal cruelty.
Be in the know: The nickname of the breed is Griffon, or Griff—NEVER Brussels. To call a Griff a Brussels is akin to calling a German Shepherd a German.
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