Tuesday, April 6, 2010

What You Have to Know about Brussels Griffon


This little known breed, the Brussels Griffon, is intelligent, outgoing, affectionate and spunky. Wow, that's just about everything you could ever want in a dog. Or a date, for that matter. It can be quite a challenge to train one though, so you should start at an early age, either at home or in an obedience class.

The "Brussels" can be very friendly and outgoing or it can be timid. There is no way of knowing -- but early contact with many humans and other animals is encouraged. The breed is known to bark excessively -- so it is not always good for apartment living.

Appearance of the Brussels Griffon
The smooth-coated Griffon looks a bit like a bushier pug while the rough-coated Brussels Griffon -- with big, round eyes, a bushy "mustache" and long flowing "beard" -- resembles a character you would see in Lord of the Rings or perhaps at a Grateful Dead or Phish concert.

Their colors range from reddish brown to tan to black. Mixed colors are also common. Both varieties stand 8 to 10 inches tall and weigh 8 - 11 pounds. Life expectancy is 12 - 14 years.

Grooming and Exercise Needs of the Brussels Griffon
This cutie should be groomed a few times a week by brushing and combing. It will also need trimming about 4 times a year to stay healthy. Although this is a dog that love an active lifestyle, it can also do perfectly well with leisurely walks and a occasional game of fetch.

Origins
The Brussels Griffon originated in Brussels, oddly enough, in the 19th century. It is thought to have descended from the back-alley "rat dog" that was common throughout the city at that time. These dogs help control the rodent infestation and were welcome almost everywhere.

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