Griffon Bruxellois

BREED: Griffon Bruxellois (pronounced bruce-ell-waa)
TEMPERAMENT: Friendly & outgoing
COST: $1,000 - $1,500
LIFESPAN: 13 years
RECOMMENDED FOR: Families, older people
MAINTENANCE: Low-medium

Following this year's Academy Awards, the US movie industry has swept a relatively unknown dog breed into the spotlight. The success of "As Good As It Gets", starring Jack Nicholson and a small whiskery dog named Verdell, has ensured a higher profile for the Griffon Bruxellois.

Appearance

The Griffon is a small, sturdy dog standing 25-30cm (10-12") tall and weighing 2-5kg (5-11lb). There are two types of Griffon; a smooth and a rough. The smooth has a coat like that of a Boxer, while the rough has a coat like that of an Australian Silky Terrier. They come in red, black, and black and tan. While Europeans judge their Griffons separately, Australia puts them together under the Griffon Bruxellois heading.

Temperament

Longtime owners say the Griffon is an adaptable dog, willing to play rough and tumble with children or be a couch potato with a less mobile or older person. However, they can be stubborn and may resist lead training, for example. A dog used to a quiet, retired person's lifestyle may be intimidated by loud children.

Health & lifespan

Health problems and areas to watch include: luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps) which are known but not common; and
narrow jaws which need to be kept strong and exercised by chewing bones.

They can snuffle and snort if excited or agitated. A lifespan of 13-16 years is normal.

Feeding

Jack Nicholson's character kept Verdell the Griffon happy by keeping a store of bacon in his pocket, and a breeder we interviewed said Griffons would sell their soul for a piece of bacon! They should not be fussy eaters unless indulged.

Breeding & cost

Breeding Griffons is a challenge as single-pup litters are not uncommon and about 40% of births are by caesarean section. Expect to pay $400 for pets, more for show dogs.

Housepet potential

The Griffon is said to be an ideal house dog and most will happily spend their lives more or less indoors. They will shed their coat twice a year.

They are not an excitable breed such as a Terrier, but individuals can be disturbed by loud children if unused to them. Most are good with other family pets but unfamiliar cats could be teased.

Grooming

Smooth-coated Griffons need only a rub with a hound glove occasionally but the rough-coated dogs need to be clipped or stripped twice a year. Pet owners can do this themselves but should ask the breeder to demonstrate the correct technique. Rough-coated dogs should be brushed twice weekly at least and facial whiskers need to be kept clean.

Training

Owners say Griffons can resist accepting the leash but persistence and rewards should pay off.

Uses

Nowadays Griffons are primarily a companion dog. Griffons can make good watchdogs as they bark and will alert you.

History

According to breeders, the name Griffon Bruxellois simply means the rough-coated dog from Brussels. It is said to have been developed from the Yorkshire Terrier, King Charles Spaniel, Affenpinscher and Pug.

Last century it was a typical Belgium street dog, proving useful in stables when its rat catching abilities were recognised. They were popular with European royalty and with what passes as American royalty - Jack Nicholson - who also owns a Griffon.

While never a numerous breed in Australia (less than 100 pups are registered annually) breeders say there is always a waiting list of buyers.

Further information

VIC
The Griffon Bruxellois Club of Victoria
Secretary: Mrs Beth Canavan
Phone: (03) 5678 8420
Geoff Crossland
Phone: (03) 5987 1168

For other breeders try contacting the following canine council in your state.

ACT
Canberra Kennel Association
PO Box 815
Dickson 2602
Phone: (02) 6241 4404

NT
North Australian Canine Association
PO Box 375321
Winnellie 0821
Phone: (08) 8984 3570

QLD
The Canine Control Council (Qld)
PO Box 495
Fortitude Valley 4006
Phone: (07) 3252 2661

SA
South Australian Canine Association
PO Box 844
Prospect East 5082
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

TAS
Tasmanian Canine Association
PO Box 116
Glenorchy 7010
Phone: (03) 6272 9443

WA
The Canine Association of WA
PO Box 301
Gosnells 6110
Phone: (08) 9455 1188

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