Brussels Griffon: There are three breeds. All three breeds are generally small, with a flat face, prominent chin, and large wide-set eyes that give the Griffon an almost human expression.
Weight standards, especially where the upper limit is that might disqualify the dog from the show ring, varies among the breed standards, but the ideal weight is 8 lb (3.63 kg) to 10 lb (4.54 kg) for both sexes.
There are three distinct color types recognized for the breed. The actual color of each dog can vary depending on how they are groomed. If the hair is cut or clippers are used the color of dog will be considerably lighter than is expected by breed standards. The three color types are as follows:
▪ Griffon Bruxellois: Red or reddish-brown; black allowed on muzzle.
▪ Griffon Belge: Black, Black and tan (a black and tan pattern with
emphasis on a rich red shade), Black and red (black mixed evenly with
reddish-brown hairs). Black and red may have a black face mask.
▪ Petit Brabançon: All colours allowed for the other standards. Until
recently, black short may have been a fault, but it is now allowed in all
standards. A black mask is expected on the red or reddish brown coat.
Grey hair from age is not penalized.
Temperament:
The Griffon Bruxellois is known to have a huge heart, and a strong desire to snuggle and be with his or her master. They display a visible air of self-importance. A Griffon should not be shy or aggressive; however, they are very emotionally sensitive, and because of this, should be socialized carefully at a young age. Griffons should also be alert, inquisitive and interested in their surroundings.
Griffons tend to bond with one human more than others. This, along with their small size, may make them unsuitable as a family pet, especially for a family with very small children. Griffons tend to get along well with other animals in the house, including cats, ferrets, and other dogs. However, they can get into trouble because they have no concept of their own relative size and may attempt to dominate dogs much larger than themselves.
Some say: "Having a Griffon means having a true constant companion. They need their favorite person all the time, and will be very unhappy if left outdoors or alone most of the day. A Griffon Bruxellois will want to follow you about the house, on your errands, and to bed."
Griffons have a handful of various health issues, including both physiological and genetic. It is thought that many of the issues have long existed in the breed, and only in recent years these issues have been identified and categorized. Despite many of these health concerns the typical life span of a Griffon is somewhere in the range of 12 to 15 years.
Breeding can be a difficult health issue for the Griffons. Because of the breed's size it is not uncommon for some complications to cause a caesarean section to be needed. The size of a litter is typically 1-3 puppies. The size of the litter often determines the extent of these complications. It is not unheard of for a litter to have six in it. When they are born, the puppies only weigh but a few ounces and are small enough to fit in the palm of an adult's hand.
Cleft palate
One issue that is typically fatal for the puppies is having a cleft palate. It results in the puppy not receiving nourishment from the mother and eventually starvation. It is uncommon but, depending on the size of the cleft it is possible for the puppy to survive where as it becomes older surgery can be done to close the hole.
Eyes
▪ Lacerations - Lacerations are a common issue amongst the breed. Because
the Griffons have such large eyes and a short snout, there is very little there
to protect their vision from foreign bodies. If a laceration is left untreated it
can result in blindness.
▪ Cataracts - As with most breeds, cataracts are a common problem as the
dog ages. For many breeders it is a disappointment that the cataracts
typically develop long after the dog has already been bred.
▪ Lens Luxations - Lens luxations can be fairly common in the breed and result
in secondary glaucoma
▪ Glaucoma - Glaucoma can also be a common issue amongst Griffons due to
the breeds facial features and eye size.
Heat Stroke
Due to the shortened snout that Griffons have, heat stroke is a major concern for the breed. To be left outside for any lengthy period of time is extremely devastating for a Griffon. The breed's smashed face may cause serious respiratory issues in extreme heat. Because of this danger Griffons are not favored for walking or living outside in warmer climates.
