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Many
people have never
been around a
Brussels and have
only seen them in
the movies.
For this reason, I
would like to share
with you a little
information about
them.
The Breed was introduced from Belgium, where they were known as the dogs of Hansom Cab Drivers. These little dogs were often found sitting on the front seat of the cab where their small size and street urchin look won over many hearts of the people. The Griffon has been popular from the beginning because of their smart appearance and sassy attitude. The Brussels Griffon were first shown in 1880.
The Griffon has quite a mixed background - the German Affenpinscher, Belgian Street Terriers, the Pug, the King Charles Spaniel and even the Yorkshire Terrier are believed to have made contributions to the little dogs we see today.
Verdell in the movie, "As Good As It Gets",
does not portray a natural version
of a Brussels Griffon look. It took more
than one dog to make the movie. As far
as I have been able to research the dogs
were naturally red with some black in their masks.
But Hollywood wanted a solid colored black mask so
they colored the dogs beards solid black. If you
research and look at websites that show
champion Brussels Griffon you will find that Verdell's coloring is not the norm. I
have yet to find a picture of a Show Dog or any other Brussel Griffon
that has the coloring just like Verdell as an adult.
Brussels have an
undeniable charm of
their own!
They are very
unique.
Griffon's flat face,
prominent chin and
large appealing
wide-set eyes remind
people of a small
monkey or elf.
His square body is
covered with either
a rough coat or a
smooth coat. A
Brussels coats come
in 4 different
colors:
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Red:
a wide range
of red
coloring
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Belge,
Black &
Reddish
Brown:
mixed color
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Black
& Tan:
black with
uniform
reddish
brown
markings,
appearing
under the
chin and
legs |
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Black:
solid black. |
The
rough coat is wiry
and dense, the
smooth coat is
straight, short,
tight and glossy
with no trace of
wiry hair.
These little guys
are very sensitive
and have a lively
spirit plus a HUGE
heart! They
have been bred to be
the ultimate
companion and be the
shadow of his
beloved master, the
Griffon is happy as
long as he can be
with YOU! He
is not for those who
have little time for
a dog.
Brussels
Griffons are very
intelligent, alert,
and sturdy.
Training should
start easy and needs
to be consistent and
precise. Because the Griffon's super intelligence, this causes them to be very sensitive also. does well with other
dogs. He will
let you know if he
hears something
strange outside but
he isn't rated high
as a guard dog.
They are obedient
and easily managed.
Their training
should begin early
in age. The
Brussels Griffons do
NOT do well in
extreme
temperatures!!!!. These dogs are
considered a house
pet.
No
matter how cute
these little dogs
turn out, it will be
their personality
that will make you
LOVE these dogs more
and more each minute
that you are around
them!! We LOVE
these dogs very
much! They
love attention and
are very loyal to
their masters.
We have found them
to be GREAT dogs.
They are very easy
to fall head over
heals in love with!
I know we certainly
have!
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