APPEARANCE There are 3 varieties of Griffon:-
1 -
2 -
Tan or a mix of Red and Black.
3 -
of Red and Black.
The types of coat and colours are interbred, with some experts saying that by using
a smooth in their breeding with roughs enhances the colour and texture of the
rough coat.
In the UK all 3 varieties are classified and shown as Griffon Bruxellois, whereas in
Europe and the USA under FCA rules they are classified and shown as 3 separate
Varieties.
The Griffon Bruxellois is a small cobby dog, weighing 8 to 11lbs. It has a large wide
head, with large prominent dark eyes and a very short nose which slopes back to
the skull. It has a very prominent chin and an undershot mouth. For the breed
Standard go to the Links page and click on Griffon Breeders
The rough coats should have harsh coats and full beards. These are probably the
ones that most people picture when thinking of a Griffon Bruxellois and they tend
to be the ones most illustrated in books.
The smooths have a short tight coat and do not have beards. They should have a
wide deep chest, medium legs and a short level back. The tail was customarily
docked but this is now forbidden.
CHARACTER
Their character is very important. They should have a spunky terrier temperament,
lively and alert, full of their importance, very friendly and outgoing. They always act
as if nobody has told them they are small dogs, they are definitely big dogs in a
small package.
They are a very intelligent breed and take readily to obedience or agility training
and just love to please.
MAINTENANCE
The smooths take little grooming, a brush used regularly or a nice grooming glove
will keep them looking very smart. If you have a show rough, then you will need
to hand strip the coat to keep it harsh. If you do roughly an Hour or two’s work a
week the coat should be ready for shows.
Most people with roughs as pets tend to get them clipped 2 or 3 times a year.
The beards need combing regularly and hairs between the eyes trimmed.
A Griffon Bruxellois can manage on less exercise than many other breeds and will
be content with short walks if that is all you can manage. However, they are very
sturdy little dogs and will cope with as much as you like, will happily walk all day
and still be ready for more.
IS A GRIFFON FOR YOU
If you want an intelligent, friendly, outgoing little character to share your life with
then a griffon might be for you. However getting hold of one may be difficult.
Numerically it is a small breed with very few pups born each year and most
breeders have far more enquiries than pups. Many people have to wait a while to
find a Griffon. If you are lucky enough to find one, then you will not be sorry, they
are totally lovable and steal your heart with character all of their own. One warning
almost everyone starts with one and ends up with more.