Griffon Bruxellois  

Pert, with a monkey face, this enchanting Toy dog, whose origins are 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 exercise. He is fearless, not yappy but a very 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, but regular grooming with a hound glove will keep the smooth coated dogs in shining condition.

   General Appearance  

A toy dog, Intelligent, alert, sturdy, with a thickset, short body, a smart carriage and set up, atracting attention by an almost human expression. There are two distinct types of coat, rough or smooth. Except for coat, there is no difference between the two.

   Size,    Proportion,    Substance  

Size - Weight usually 8 to 10 pounds, and should not exceed 12 pounds. Type and quality are of greater importance than weight, and a smaller dag that is study and well proportioned should not be penalized. Proportion - Square, as measured from point of shoulder to rearmost projection of upper thigh and from withers to ground. Substance - Thicked, compact with a good balance. And well boned.

   Head  

A very important feature. An almost human expression. Eys set well apart, very large, black, prominent, and well open. The eyelashes long and black. Eyelids edged with black. Ears small and set rather high on the head. May be shown cropped or natural. If natural they are carried semi-erect. Skull large and round, with a domed forehead. The stop deep. Nose very black, extremely short, its tip being set back deeply between the eyes so as to form a lay - back. The nostrils large. Disqualifications - Dudley or butterfly nose. Lips edge with black, not pendulous but well brought together, giving a clean finish to the mouth. Jaws must be undershot. The incisors of the lower jaw should protrude over the upper incisors. The lower jaw is prominent, rather broad with an upward sweep. Neither teeth nor tongue should show when the mouth is closed. A wry mouth is a serious fault. Disqualifications - Bite overshot. Hanging tongue.

   Neck,  Topline,   Body  

Neck medium length, gracefully arched. Topline-back level and short. Body - A thickset, short body. Brisket should be broad and deep, ribs well sprung. Short-coupled. Tail - set and held high, docked to about one - third.

   Forequarters  

Forelegs medium length,straight in bone, well muscled, set moderately wide apart and straight from the point of the shoulders as viewed from the front. Pasterns short and strong. Feet round, small, and compact, turned neither in nor out. Toes well arched. Black pads and toenails preferred.

   Hindquarters ,  Coat  

Hind legs set true, thinghs strong and well muscled, stifles bent, hocks well let down, turning neither in nor out. Coat Well the rough coat is wiry and dense, the harder and more wiry the better. On no account should the dog look or feel woolly, and there should be no silky hair anywhere. The coat should not be so long as to give a shaggy appearance, but should be distinctly different all over from the snooth coat. The head should be covered with wiry hair, slightly longer around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and chin, thus forming a fringe.  The rough coat is hand-stripped and should never appear unkempt. Body coat of sufficient length to determine texture. The coat may be tidled for neatness of appearance, but coats prepared with scissors and or clippers should be severly penalized. The smooth coat is straight, short,tight and glossy, with no trace of wiry hair.

   Color,   Gait,    

Either1 ) Red: reddish brown with a little black at the whiskers and chin allowable; 2) Belge: black and reddish brown mixed, usually with back mask and whiskers; 3) Black and tan: black with uniform reddish brown markings,appearing under the chin, on the legs, above each eye, around the edges of the ears and oround the vent; or 4) black solid black. Any whitr hairs are a serious fault, except for "frost"on the muzzle of nature dog, which is natural. Disqualification - White spot or blaze any where on coat. Gait Movement is a straightforeward, purposeful trot, showing moderate reach and drive, and maintaining a steady topline.

   Temperament  and   Note 

Intelligent, alert and sensitive, Full of self - importance. Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully decended into the scrotum.

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