The Brussels Griffon is a company dog from the Belgian city of Brussels. This elegant little dog can become a faithful companion for its owner and a joyful and faithful friend for the child, and he cannot be called a decorative pet exclusively for women.
This small dog has a dapper posture, an inflated fur, a lush beard with a mustache. This dog looks hooligan and sometimes behaves in the same way.
Brussels Griffon photos
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Physical characteristics
Griffons are medium -sized dogs. Despite their small size, they have a strong and strong physique, but light bones.
The representatives of this breed have a strongly developed mustache, as well as a beard and eyebrows. All this gives a characteristic facial expression to dogs.
The weight of adults is 3-6 kg., Height is about 22-25 cm. The height at the withers should not exceed 25 cm.
Distinctive features
- Head: the head is proportionally larger than the body. The muzzle is flat.
- Jaws: snack type bite. The teeth are small, the jaw is wide.
- Eyes: eyes are tall, round, brown.
- Ears: the ears are tied high and small. They are triangular, suspended. They are often watched.
- Frame: The body is strong. The tourniquet is slightly raised and the kidney is muscular. The chest is deepened and the belly is folded, the ribs are slightly flattened.
- Members: The legs are placed in parallel. The front legs are slightly shorter than the hind legs. The legs of the legs are black, the toes are tight.
- Pelage: the coat of breed representatives is unequal, wavy, long and hard. The color is red, sandy.
Character and behavior
The Brussels griffon is a cute, active dog, but at the same time capricious. Representatives of this breed need constant contact with the owner and other family members, because these dogs endure quite difficult solitude.
If the griffins receive little attention, they start to behave in a strange and provocative way. Dogs like to walk, run, play, do physical activity, so people who support an active lifestyle must start them.
Health
The Brussels Griffon breed, like all dogs, is subject to certain diseases, even if in general these animals have good health and good immunity:
- Hip dysplasia;
- Dislocation of the patella;
- Eye problems – The eyes of the Brussels griffin are subject to scratches and irritation;
- Skin allergies – They are often subject to allergies. If you notice itching or excessive licking of the legs, contact your veterinarian.
Life expectancy
The average life expectancy of a Brussels griffon is 12-15 years.
Care
A Brussels griffon can be kept in an apartment or in a house; a decorative dog is not suitable for life on the outside. But this does not mean that the pet cannot leave the house around the clock every day.
- The coat must be combed 3 to 4 times a week, with a special brush in short and thick teeth.
- The animal mustache and beard must be combed every day so that the coat is clear and beautiful.
- You have to bathe your dog when they get dirty, but not more than 2 to 3 times a month. For bathing, it is best to use a special shampoo. Before this procedure, it must be diluted with water in a report of 1: 3.
- The animal’s ears should be checked regularly. Once every 2-3 weeks, it is necessary to open your ears well to remove the hair. The sulfur of the atria must be removed 1 to 2 times a week, with cotton pads.
- Dog eyes should be examined daily for discharge. It is also necessary to regularly cut the hairs around the animal’s eyes.
- The teeth of the representatives of this breed are cleaned with toothpaste or authorized to chew cords to clean the oral cavity.
Fun facts
- The Brussels griffon is remarkable for its cleanliness. Some dogs take a napkin and bring it to the owner, so that he wiped his face.
- Griffon is the mascot of Belgian drivers.
- The owner of the dog spends 66% more time in movement than the person who does not have such a pet.
- Belgian Griffon is considered a favorite of women’s companies.
- The first images of the Brussels griffon appeared on the paintings of the fifteenth century.
- The features of the Ewok race (Star Wars) are copied from the griffon.
History of the breed
The birthplace of the Brussels griffon is Belgium. The time of appearance is 1800. As a separate breed, Griffon Belge is registered in the first half of the twentieth century. Refers to decorative species. The standard was approved in 1904.
At all times, this breed was popular. Miniature dogs with a “human” expression on their faces were appreciated for their loyalty, intelligence and quick wit.
The original purpose of the Brussels griffon was to catch small rodents. Mostly representatives of the breed lived in the homes of aristocrats, and riches.
During the world wars, the Brussels griffon population has declined dramatically. After the war with fascist Germany, these dogs were on the verge of complete extinction. Through the efforts of Belgian breeders, the breed was restored. But today, the Brussels griffon is still a small and rare species.