About the breed
There are three small terries which are collectively known asthe Belgian Griffons.
They include the smooth coated red ,black or black and tan Petit
Brabancon, the Brussels Griffon which has a red rough coat and the
Belgium Griffon of rough black or black and tan coat.
The breed belongs to a small amount of people mostly exibitors and
breeders who have been captivated by the breed`s undeniable charm.
Their small , square and strong body - 3 to 6 kg- harbours a lively
spirit and big heart.
Originaly they were bred to keep vermin out of stables.
The Griffons are intelligent and alert with a cheerful nature.
Their flat face , prominent chin and large appealing wide eyes remind people of a small monkey.
They need and enjoy association with people.
They are loyal companion and shadow of their owner.
The Griffon Bruxellois originated from a small Belgian rough coated dog which descended from Affenpincher.
The Belgians first recognised the breed in 1880 as a rough coated Griffon, the smooth appeared later.
By the 1890`s the breed had become very popular in Belgium.
About this time they were crossed with a pug what gave them their big eyes and head, deep chest and cobby body.
This was how the smooth coated Griffon came along. Then the Griffons were crossed with the Toy Spaniel and that gave them deep red color.
The numbers of Griffons went to decline during World War I.
In Belgium Qeen Marie took a great liking to the breed and bred Griffons herself.
Quin Astrid the later Quin of Belgium also loved the breed and due to her personal interest and breeding programme Griffons survived in Belgium during World War I.
After the War the numbers of them increased again until World War II begun.
Thanks to Mrs.Eileen Street, Mrs.Parker-Rhodes, Mrs .Osbert Eyre and Mrs.Bridle who did as much breeding as possible to keep the breeding
and lines going the Griffons survived Wordl War II.
Today the breed is very popular in Belgium, USA, Greait Britain, Czech Republik.
They are not well known in Poland where we have only few breeders .