Brussels Griffon Characteristics: The observant and good-natured Brussels Griffon is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1910). The Brussels Griffon, is characterized by its small, robust appearance with a large head and watchful expression. Other characteristics include large, dark brown, black rimmed eyes; a thick set body and a purposeful gait. The temperament of the Brussels Griffon can be described as Inquisitive, Companionable, Alert. There are two types of Brussels Griffon. The smooth-haired variety is known as the "Petit Brabancon" and a rough-haired variety with its distinctive beard is known as the Brussels Griffon. he coat type of the Brussels Griffon is therefore described as varied: a coarse or smooth coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Brussels Griffon demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Stable Dog and is known by its nick name the "Hansom Cab Stable Dog". The origin of the Brussels Griffon dog breed was in Belgium where it was developed in the 1800's. Fast Facts about the Brussels Griffon: The following facts provide fast information about the Brussels Griffon breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1910) *** Nick name: "Hansom Cab Stable Dog" *** Origin: Belgium *** Male Height: 7 - 8 inches (18 - 20 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 6 - 12 pounds (2.5 - 5.5 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: varied: coarse or smooth coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 1-3 puppies *** Brussels Health Problems: Patellar Luxation *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Brussels Griffon Breed Group and Dog Type - Toy Dog Group (AKC:1910): The Brussels Griffon is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1910). Other names for the Brussels Griffon: The Brussels Griffon is known by the nickname of the "Hansom Cab Stable Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Griff, Bruss, Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, Belgian Griffon, Petit Brabancon, The Brussels and Monkey Face. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Brussels Griffon" derives from its place of origin in Brussels, Belgium. Origin of the name "Griffon": The word "griffon" generally is defined as wire-haired, but this is not a direct translation. The word "Griffon" was used to describe several terrier-like breeds that originating in Belgium and France. A griffin or griffon was a mythical creature and used as a a powerful symbol of vigilance on the walls, sculptures, floors, and rooftops of Medieval cathedrals and castles. It is possible that the word "griffon" was applied to this dog in reference to his protective instincts. Brussels Griffon History and Origin: The country of origin of the Brussels Griffon breed was in Belgium during the 1800's. The Brussels Griffon is believed to be related to the Affenpinscher, with whom its shares its monkey-like face, and also to the Pug and the Ruby English Toy Spaniel that is probably responsible for producing the reddish or black and tan coloring. The Brussels Griffon was extensively used by cab drivers of 1800's Brussels to rid their stables of rats and mice and this role gave it the nickname of the "Hansom Cab Stable Dog" or the Griffons d'Ecurie meaning wire-coated stable dogs. The Hansom Cab was a fast, light, horse-drawn carriage that was developed in 1834 that could be pulled by a single horse which made the journey much cheaper than travelling in the previous larger four-wheel coaches. The immediate rise in popularity of the Hansom Cab led to the building of new stables in Brussels and the need to keep them free of vermin. The Brussels Griffon needed to be robust, agile and alert to avoid being trod upon by the horses. The look of the Brussels Griffon took the fancy of Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium (1836 - 1902), the wife King Leopold II of Belgium (1835 - 1909) and began a fashion in the court and of socialites to also own Brussels Griffon dogs. The noted Belgium painter Charles Van Den Eycken (1859 - 1923) painted several pictures for Queen Marie-Henriette of Belgium, most notably of her Brussels Griffon dogs. In 1880 the little street dogs, known as rough or long coated terriers, were officially given the name of the Griffons Bruxellois, meaning the Brussels Griffon. In 1883 Belgian breeders published a standard for the breed and by the 1890's the Brussels Griffon was introduced to Europe and the United States. The Brussels Griffon was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1910. Following WW2 (1939 - 1945) a new breed standard was published and in 1959, a new standard was created consisting of a two-part standard that covered both the Griffon Bruxellois and Griffon Brabancon. Brussels Griffon Modern History - As Good as it Gets: The modern history of the Brussels Griffon moved on and the bold and confident Brussels Griffon is now enjoyed as a popular and affectionate companion. A Brussels Griffon dog that featured in the 1997 movie "As Good as it Gets" in which "Jill" the Brussels Griffon dog portrayed "Verdell". Brussels Griffon Height: The Brussels Griffon breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 7 - 8 inches (18 - 20 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Brussels Griffon Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male dog is 6 - 12 pounds (2.5 - 5.5 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Brussels Griffon Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type of the Brussels is described as varied: coarse (wiry) or smooth coat. Brussels Griffon Coat Colors: The colors of the Brussels dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Blue, Brown, Beige, Red, Black & Tan. N.B. The word "Blue" is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. Brussels Griffon Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Brussels Griffon is not extensive and therefore categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy coat, reducing the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Brussels Griffon is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the Brussels on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears. Brussels Griffon Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 1-3 puppies. Brussels Griffon puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Brussels Griffon puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Brussels Griffon Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Observant, Inquisitive, Companionable, Alert and Good-natured. Brussels Griffon Exercise Requirements - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is low. The Brussels Griffon requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes to one hourevery day. This small dog has a steady, purposeful gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace. Brussels Griffon Diet: A fully grown Brussels Griffon should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Brussels Griffon Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Brussels Griffon breed include Patellar Luxation . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Brussels Griffon dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Brussels Griffon Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Brussels Griffon breed is 12-15 years. Brussels Griffon Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Brussels Griffon breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Brussels Griffon names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Bonbon *** Pumpkin *** Lafayette *** Paris *** Pascal *** Quennel *** Lamar *** Goober *** Max *** Buddy. Brussels Griffon Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Brussels Griffon girl dog. Our top choice of good female Brussels Griffon names are Rina *** Kissy *** Richelle *** Suzette *** Therese *** Missy *** Brandy *** Minnie *** Babykins *** Ladybug. Fast Facts about the Brussels Griffon: The following facts provide fast information about the Brussels Griffon breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1910) *** Brussels Griffon Size: Small *** Place of Origin: Brussels, Belgium *** History / Date: 1800's *** Male Brussels Griffon Height: 7 - 8 inches (18 - 20 cm) *** Male Brussels Griffon Weight: 6 - 12 pounds (2.5 - 5.5 kg) *** Brussels Coat Type: varied: coarse or smooth coat *** Brussels Griffon Litter Size: 1-3 puppies *** Brussels Griffon Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Brussels Griffon Lifespan: 12-15 years *** | 