Meet the Brussels Griffon
A TOY DOG FULL OF SELF-IMPORTANCE
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Small in size but brimming with attitude, the Brussels Griffon is a (frequently) bearded little dog with an almost human expression. This Belgian native was bred for rodent control and companionship, and today they’re known for their sensitivity and loyalty. They are alert and curious, with a hint of self-importance. Whether smooth or rough-coated, they are comical, affectionate, and happiest when they’re glued to your side.
Historically speaking, the Griffon is not an ancient breed. While owners of some breeds will argue that their breed is the one that Noah chose to board the Ark, Griffon fanciers generally take pride that their breed is completely man-made and highly caricaturized.
Though the term “griffon” has been widely used among canine enthusiasts since the 1500s, we do not find Brussels Griffon, or more correctly, Griffon Bruxellois, brought into descriptive terminology until the late 1870s in Europe. Some Dutch breeders have been working at recreating the Smoushund since the 1990s by using street dogs and farm dogs that have a terrier look about them. These recent breedings have failed to produce a consistency in size and color that the old photographs show.
The Pug breed also figures into the mix of the creation of the Brussels Griffon. The first recorded cross with the Pug came about in 1884 and was a pedigreed black bitch named Mep. Several other recorded Pug crosses occurred between the mid-1880s and 1926, and were registered with the Societe Royale de St. Hubert in Belgium. Many of these progenitor stock dogs are listed as Griffon de Ecurie on their pedigrees, but upon recognition of the breed by kennel club authorities, they became known as Griffon Bruxellois, Griffon Belge, or Petit Brabancon.
“History of the Brussels Griffon” by Jeffrey Bazell SHOWSIGHT December 2017
Please visit showsightmagazine.com to learn more about the Brussels Griffon.