THE GRIFFON BRUXELLOIS

(Breed Standard)

Partha Sekhar Chatterjee

International All Breeds Dog Show Judge

General Appearance

 Well balanced, square little dog, giving appearance of measuring the same from withers to tail root as from withers to ground.

Characteristics

 Smart little dog with disposition of a terrier. Two varieties, rough coated, Griffon Bruxellois, and smooth-coated Petit Brabancon. Both with pert, monkey-like expression, heavy for size.

Temperament

 Lively and alert.

 Head and Skull

 Head large in comparison to body, rounded but in no way domed, wide between the ears. Hair on skull, in roughs rather coarse. Nose always black, as possible with large open nostrils, high set slopping back to skull with deep stop between nose and skull. Wide muzzle, neat lips, with good turn-up. Chin prominent, in roughs furnished with beard.

Eyes

 Black – rimmed, very dark, large, round, clear and alert.

 Ears

 Semi- erect, high-set, the smaller the better.  

Mouth

 Slightly undershot with even teeth, not showing teeth or tongue. 

Neck

 Medium length, slightly arched, springing from well laid back shoulders.  

Forequarters

 Chest rather wide and deep, legs straight of medium length and bone.

  Body

 Short back, level from withers to tail root, neither roaching nor dipping; deep; well sprung ribs; short, strong loin.

Hindquarters

 Well muscled thighs of good length, hocks low to ground, turning neither in nor out, stifles well bent. 

Feet

 Small, thick, cat – like with black toenails.  

Tail

 Tall customarily docked short, carried high, emerging at right angles from level topline.

Gait/Movement

Free with good drive from rear. Moving true coming and going. High stepping front movement undesirable.

Coat

 Coat roughs: harsh, wiry, free from curl, preferably with undercoat. Smooth, short and tight.

 Colour

 Clear red, black and rich tan without white and ears desirable. Ideally each hair should be an even red from tip to root. Frosting on muzzles of mature smooths should not be penalised.  

Size

 Size from 2.2 – 4.9 kgs (5 – 11 – lbs); most desirable 2.7 – 4.5 kgs (6 – 10 – lbs).

Faults:  The any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note: The male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Pert, with a monkey face, this enchanting Toy dog, whose origins is in Belgium, is a constant source of amusement and delight to those fortunate enough to be owned by him. There are two varieties- rough and smooth, the latter known as Petit Brabancon. His terrier- like qualities make him happy to indulge in plenty of plenty of exercise. He is fearless, not yappy but a good house-dog, and a devoted companion who suits either town or country.

The rough- coated variety do require stripping once or twice a year, a but regular grooming with a hound glove will keep the smooth- dogs in shining condition.

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