Also known as the Griffon Bruxellois, the Brussels Griffon is an affectionate breed that loves to cuddle. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
Throughout the 19th century, coach men and stable owners often kept small dogs in their stables to catch rats and other rodents, and sometimes brought these dogs along on long rides, serving as nice companions. The most popular of these dogs was the Griffons d’Ecurier, which was later crossed with the Pug, King Charles Spaniel, and the Ruby Spaniel, creating the Brussels Griffon.
The popularity of the Brussels Griffon spread steadily during the late 1800’s, introducing the breed to the United States and Canada.
The breed was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1910.
Today, the Brussels Griffon is a popular companion breed with an underground following.
Personality Traits
The Brussels Griffon is best known for its sweet personality and need to be near humans. This breed thrives of human relationships and is affectionate, loving, and trusting. These dogs are very sensitive emotionally and easily pick up on bad moods and emotions such as fear or anger. The Brussels Griffon can be somewhat overly confident at times, attempting to dominant animals much larger than him.
Train-ability
Due to its need to be near humans, the Brussels Griffon typically responds well to basic training and commands. This tiny breed is intelligent, and with the right trainer, can be taught to perform almost any task.
This breed is known for being emotionally sensitive and does not respond well to harsh training or strict discipline. The ideal approach for successfully training the Brussels Griffon is a dominant, trusting, and gentle yet stern attitude. Patience with repetitive tasks and learning is very important in training this breed.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Brussels Griffon. This breed relies heavily on human relationships and is sweet, loving, and affectionate, known to love cuddling and snuggling. When properly socialized from a young age, the Brussels Griffon gets along well with children and other pets. These dogs are intelligent and highly trainable with the right trainer. The Brussels Griffon make an excellent family pet and companion alike. This breed retains its instinct to hunt and kill rodents.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Brussels Griffon. Due to their history of hunting rodents, this breed will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, the Brussels Griffon can prove difficult to keep up with and may pose a threat to small animals and woodland creatures. This breed must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
The Brussels Griffon thrives on strong and dependable human relationships, often bonding more with one person than the rest of the family. These dogs require almost constant attention and are known to suffer from separation anxiety. Anyone wishing to purchase a Brussels Griffon how travels regularly, has full time work, or is away from the home on a daily basis is advised to begin researching another breed. During an attack of separation anxiety, the Brussels Griffon will act out of nervous destruction, and may destroy property, bark, whine, chew, and ignore housebreaking training.
Common Health Concerns
Sadly, the Brussels Griffon is known to suffer from a wide array of health problems, including: eye problems such as cataracts and lens luxation – slipping of the lens, sensitivity to heat often resulting in heat stroke, cleft palate or likeliness for offspring to be born with cleft palate, and various difficulties birthing – often resulting in veterinary intervention or caesarean section.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Brussels Griffon? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/brussels_griffon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/griffon_bruxellois
