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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.
They do 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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