Belgian griffon

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog belgian griffon!

Here, you will find all the useful information about belgian griffon. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

The Belgian Griffon is, as its name indicates, originally from Belgium, a direct descendant of the "Smousie" like its close cousins the Griffon Bruxellois and the Petit Brabançon, a small, very old wire-haired breed selected in the Brussels region, used mainly as a pest hunter. Other breeds were introduced in the selection work of this small griffon such as the King Charles Spaniel, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Pug, which allowed to fix the current type, the dark mask and its intense black coat.

Depicted on several paintings by masters in the 16th century, its popularity increased at the end of the 19th century, when it was first registered in the Livre des Origines Saint-Hubert (LOSH), and was favoured by the Belgian royal court and the bourgeoisie, notably Marie-Henriette of Belgium. The International Cynological Federation recognised the breed definitively on 26 October 1954, and the official standard was published on 25 March 2003.

Don't be fooled by its small size, the Belgian Griffon is a robust and particularly resistant companion, it exudes a lot of presence and elegance thanks to its singular and recognizable look. His body is as long as it is high and therefore fits into a square, he has a harmonious, fine, balanced muscular structure overall, his topline is straight, short and ends in a broad, solidly built loins. His chest is ample, with a deep chest reaching to the elbows and a slightly tucked up belly.

The head is proportionately larger than the body, characterizing the breed with its distinctive type, combined with a domed forehead, short muzzle and pronounced stop, entirely covered with a shaggy coat. The coat is medium long, rough in texture and very glossy, with a thick undercoat. The standard colour of the breed is black or black and tan.

Belgian Griffons are remarkable everyday companions, renowned for their loyalty and great tenderness towards their owners. They have a cheerful and happy nature and will not miss an opportunity to make you laugh or show you their love with their many displays of affection. Lively and attentive to their environment, they will follow you everywhere and can sometimes be potty-mouthed. We advise you not to encourage this fusional character trait by monopolising them at the slightest opportunity, as this could turn into hyper-attachment, accompanied by chronic anxiety in adulthood and difficulties in coping with their owners' absence.

Playful and mischievous, the Belgian Griffon will greatly appreciate family activities, willingly sharing long walks outside and playful moments with its social group. Loyal and endearing, this little dog will make you fall in love with his charm and his permanent good mood.

Adult: The Belgian Griffon will weigh 6.6 to 11 lb and stand 8" to 11" tall at the withers.

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Origins

The Belgian Griffon is a breed of dog originating from Belgium, developed in the 19th century. Its ancestors include the Smousje, a small rough-haired dog from Brussels, as well as breeds like the King Charles Spaniel and the Pug. Initially created to hunt small rodents in stables, the Belgian Griffon quickly gained popularity as a companion dog thanks to its unique appearance and lively temperament. The breed was officially recognized in Belgium and other European countries in the early 20th century.

History

The history of the Belgian Griffon dates back to the 19th century when it was developed from various local and foreign breeds to create a versatile dog, capable of hunting pests and serving as a companion. It is related to the Brussels Griffon and the Petit Brabançon, sharing similar origins and characteristics. The breed was popularized by the Belgian nobility, notably Queen Marie-Henriette, who owned several of them. In 1904, the Belgian Griffon was officially recognized by the Belgian Kennel Club, solidifying its place in canine history.

Standard

The Belgian Griffon breed standard describes a small-sized dog, measuring between 18 and 20 cm at the withers for males and females. Its weight ranges from 3 to 5 kg. The body is compact and well-proportioned, with a sturdy bone structure. The head is wide and round with a short muzzle and prognathic jaw. The eyes are large and expressive, dark in color. The ears are small and erect. The coat is rough and tousled, usually black, black and tan, or black and red in color. The tail is carried high and cropped to mid-length in some countries.

Physical characteristics

The Belgian Griffon is a small dog, with a compact and well-proportioned body. Its coat is rough and tousled, adding to its distinctive appearance. The head is wide with a short muzzle and a prognathic jaw, giving it a "grimacing" look. The eyes are large, round, and dark, expressing vivacity and intelligence. The ears, small and erect, add to its alert appearance. The coat can be black, black and tan, or black and red, and requires regular maintenance to maintain its unique texture.

Character

The Belgian Griffon is known for its lively, intelligent, and affectionate nature. It is a curious and playful dog, always ready to explore its environment and participate in family activities. It is also very attached to its owners and can be protective despite its small size. Sociable, it gets along well with other animals and children, although it can sometimes be a little reserved with strangers. Its intelligence and desire to please make training relatively easy, but it requires early socialization to prevent any territorial behavior.

Life expectancy

The Belgian Griffon's life expectancy is generally between 12 and 15 years. To maximize its longevity and quality of life, it is essential to provide a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper veterinary care. Regular visits to the veterinarian help detect and treat potential health problems early. By maintaining a healthy weight and providing stimulating and secure living conditions, owners can contribute to a long and happy life for their Belgian Griffon.

Exercise and activity needs

The Belgian Griffon is an energetic dog that requires a moderate amount of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. One to two walks a day, combined with interactive play sessions, usually satisfy his physical needs. He also enjoys mental stimulation games, such as puzzles and occupation toys, to help him channel his energy and avoid boredom. Indoor activities, like ball games, can also be beneficial. Without enough exercise, he may become restless and develop destructive behaviors.

Recommended diet

The diet of the Belgian Griffon must be balanced and tailored to its small size and activity level. High-quality food, rich in proteins and healthy fats, is essential to maintain its muscle and energy levels. The portions should be adjusted based on its age, weight, and physical activity, ideally distributed in two meals per day to avoid digestive problems. It's also important to monitor its weight to prevent obesity, which can lead to additional health issues. Treats should be given in moderation.

Training and obedience

Training a Belgian Griffon requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. Intelligent and eager to please, they respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as rewards and praise. Starting training at a young age helps establish a solid foundation and prevent unwanted behaviors. Early socialization is crucial to make them comfortable with different situations, people, and animals. Training sessions should be short, stimulating, and varied to keep their interest. Consistent and gentle education is key to bringing out the best in this charming dog.

Behavior with children

The Belgian Griffon is generally very affectionate and patient with children, making it an excellent family companion. Its gentle and playful nature allows it to get along well with younger children, offering both protection and entertainment. It enjoys participating in family activities and is often very tolerant. However, due to its small size, it is important to supervise interactions with young children to prevent accidental injuries. Teaching children to interact respectfully with the dog is crucial for ensuring a harmonious coexistence.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Belgian Griffon generally gets along well with other pets, especially if socialized from a young age. Its sociable and friendly nature allows it to peacefully coexist with other dogs and even cats. However, it is important to monitor the initial interactions to ensure that it does not show territorial or aggressive behavior. With proper socialization and gradual introduction, it can live harmoniously with a variety of pets, making it an excellent choice for multi-pet households.

Grooming needs

The Belgian Griffon's grooming requires regular attention due to its rough and tousled coat. Weekly brushing is necessary to prevent knots and remove dead hairs. It is also recommended to regularly clean its face to prevent skin irritations around the mouth and eyes. The ears should be checked and cleaned to prevent infections, and the claws should be trimmed if they do not wear down naturally. Teeth should be brushed regularly to prevent dental problems. An occasional bath is enough to keep its coat clean.

Health

The Belgian Griffon is generally a robust breed, but it can be prone to certain health conditions such as respiratory problems due to its short muzzle, luxating patellas, and eye disorders. Regular veterinary follow-up is essential to detect and treat these problems early. A balanced diet, adequate exercise, and prevention of parasites also help maintain good health. Responsible breeders perform health tests on their breeding dogs to minimize the risks of hereditary diseases and ensure the quality of the puppies.

Average price

The average price of a Belgian Griffon puppy varies depending on the breeder, lineage, and geographical location. In Europe, the price of a puppy generally ranges between 1000 and 2000 euros. In the United States, the price can vary between 1200 and 2500 dollars. It is crucial to choose a reputable breeder who tests their dogs for hereditary diseases and raises their puppies in optimal conditions. Investing in a high-quality puppy can prevent many long-term health problems and ensure a healthy and well-balanced companion.

Expenses

The annual expenses for a Belgian Griffon include food, veterinary care, grooming products, and accessories. On average, owners can expect to spend between 800 and 1200 euros (or 1000 to 1500 dollars) per year. High-quality food costs about 300 to 500 euros per year. Routine veterinary care can cost 200 to 400 euros, and grooming as well as accessories add about 200 to 300 additional euros. These costs may vary depending on the health and specific needs of the dog.

Name ideas

For a Belgian Griffon, names like Max, Bella, Oscar, Lila, Toby, Luna, Gus, Daisy, Leo, and Zoe are appropriate.

Legislation and regulation

There is no specific legislation prohibiting the possession of Belgian Griffons. Like all dog breeds, owners must comply with local laws regarding dog ownership, including vaccine requirements, licenses, and animal control. In Belgium, this breed is not classified as dangerous and therefore does not require any particular restrictions. However, it is recommended to check local regulations before acquiring a dog to ensure compliance with current legal requirements.

Official recognition

The Belgian Griffon is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under the standard number 80. This recognition highlights the distinctive characteristics of the breed and provides guidelines for breeding. In Belgium, it is also recognized by the Société Royale Saint-Hubert, the reference organization for dog breeds in Belgium. This breed enjoys international recognition within cynological circles, thus ensuring its promotion and preservation through strict standards and controlled breeding programs.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees for Belgian Griffons can be obtained from the Royal Society Saint-Hubert in Belgium and other recognized cynological registers. These documents detail the dogs' lineages, ensuring their purity and conformance to breed standards. Pedigrees are essential for breeders and serious owners looking to maintain the genetic quality and health of the breed. They also allow for tracking each dog's history and ensuring the transmission of desirable traits to future generations, while minimizing the risk of hereditary diseases.

Destination and usage

The Belgian Griffon is mainly used as a companion dog because of its small size, affectionate temperament, and sociable nature. Although originally developed to hunt small rodents, it is now appreciated for its ability to adapt to apartment life and for being a loyal and joyful companion. It also excels in canine sports such as agility and obedience due to its intelligence and desire to please. Its versatility and playful character make it an ideal choice for families and individuals seeking an affectionate companion.

Prohibitions

There is currently no specific prohibition on owning Belgian Griffon in countries around the world. This breed is not classified among dangerous breeds and is generally accepted as a companion dog. However, it is always prudent to check local regulations regarding dog ownership, as some regions may have specific laws regarding owning dogs of certain sizes or breeds. Make sure to comply with local laws to avoid any legal issues and ensure a harmonious coexistence with your Belgian Griffon.

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