Origin:
It's believed the ancestor of the Brussels Griffon was a breed known as the German Rat Dog, which was crossed with a variety of Toy breeds in the early 19th century. The breed has a rags-to-riches story, starting out as a ratter in the stables where the hansom cabs and horses were kept. It wasn't long before the gamin-faced sprite charmed his way up to a spot beside the coachman as they drove around the town. From that vantage point, the snub-nosed imp caught the eyes of the public and soon became a fashionable pet in Belgium. After being exhibited for the first time at a show in 1886, his popularity really took off, spreading to Britain and then to North America.
Temperament:
The breed is delightfully curious and remarkably intelligent. Despite his diminutive size, the Brussels Griffon makes an alert watchdog.
Activity Level:
The breed requires little space and gets most of his exercise jumping on and off laps.
Height/Weight:
The Brussels Griffon should weigh under 12 lb (5.5 kg).
Coat:
There are two coat types in the breed - one harsh and wiry, the other smooth and tight.
Colour:
Both coat varieties come in reddish brown, black and reddish brown, black with red-brown markings or solid black.
Grooming:
The rough-coated variety needs some hand-stripping to maintain a neat appearance. The smooth coat takes minimal grooming care.
