Black Smooth Brussels Griffon: A Breed with a Past

The Black Smooth Brussels Griffon has a rich history dating back to the 16th century in Belgium. They were originally bred as ratters in the coal mines of the country.

Their small size and agility made them perfect for navigating the narrow tunnels and getting into tight spaces to catch rodents. This breed was highly valued for their work in the mines.

The Black Smooth Brussels Griffon was also a popular companion dog among the aristocracy in 19th century England. They were often kept as lap dogs due to their affectionate nature.

Their short, smooth coats required minimal grooming, making them a practical choice for busy families.

The Black Smooth Brussels Griffon is a unique and lovable breed.

These small dogs originated in Belgium, specifically in the city of Brussels, where they were bred to hunt rats and other small vermin.

Their distinctive black coat is one of their most recognizable features.

The Black Smooth Brussels Griffon is a member of the Toy Group.

Brussels Griffons have large, round skulls with domed foreheads, big black eyes with prominent eyelashes, and small, high set ears.

Their big black eyes are truly striking, and their prominent eyelashes add to their charming expression.

Griffons typically have a height of 7 to 8 inches and a weight ranging from 7 to 12 pounds, although some may grow to be 20 pounds.

When it comes to size, Brussels Griffons are quite small. They typically have a height of 7 to 8 inches.

Their weight is usually around 7 to 12 pounds. On occasion, some Griffons may grow a bit larger, weighing up to 20 pounds.

The Brussels Griffon's coat is a unique aspect of their physical characteristics. They come in four colors: red, belge, black and tan, and solid black.

Rough-coated Brussels Griffons have a dense, wiry coat with slightly longer hair around the eyes, cheeks, and chin. This coat requires regular grooming to maintain its texture and prevent shedding.

Smooth-coated Griffons, on the other hand, have a short, glossy coat that lies close to their bodies. They require little grooming, just weekly brushing and an occasional bath if needed.

Regular grooming is essential for rough-coated Griffons, who need weekly brushing with a natural bristle brush or hound glove, followed by combing with a medium-tooth metal comb. This helps remove dead hair and prevent scratching.

Hand stripping is a specialized grooming technique that's beneficial for rough-coated Griffons, as it promotes new coat growth and reduces shedding. This is especially helpful for those with allergies.

Smooth-coated Griffons don't shed much hair, but they still need regular grooming, including brushing their teeth regularly to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.

Brussels Griffons have large, round skulls with domed foreheads.

Their big black eyes are truly striking, with prominent eyelashes that add to their endearing expression.

Small, high-set ears are a distinctive feature of this breed.

They move with a purposeful trot, giving them a sense of energy and alertness.

The Black Smooth Brussels Griffon requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. They need to be brushed several times a week with a pin brush or a slicker brush.

Their eyes are sensitive, so it's essential to clean them gently with a damp cloth to prevent tear stains and infections.

Their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort and health issues.

Feeding your Brussels Griffon is a crucial aspect of their care and maintenance.

Their recommended daily amount of high-quality dry food is one cup, divided into two meals. However, this amount can vary depending on factors like size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Highly active dogs will naturally need more food compared to their less active counterparts.

The quality of dog food you choose matters too - opting for better-quality food means it will provide more nourishment, requiring less quantity to meet your dog’s needs.

To maintain your Griffon’s good shape, measure his food and feed him twice a day instead of free-feeding.

Leaving food out all the time can lead to overeating and weight gain.

To determine if your Griffon is overweight, use the eye test and the hands-on test.

Look down at him and check for a visible waist.

When placing your hands on his back with thumbs along the spine and fingers spread downward, you should be able to feel but not see his ribs without applying pressure.

If you can’t, he may need less food and more exercise to stay in a healthy condition.

The Brussels Griffon is a moderately active breed that requires regular exercise. They love being active with their owners.

A daily walk or game of fetch in the backyard is a great way to get them moving. You can also consider activities like competitive obedience, rally, tracking, or agility.

These activities offer physical and mental stimulation, combining active play with opportunities to bond with your Griffs.

The Black Smooth Brussels Griffon is a rare breed, with only 1,000 registered in the United States between 2000 and 2019.

Their small size is one of their defining characteristics, with adults weighing between 8 and 12 pounds.

Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

Their calm and affectionate nature makes them a great companion for families with children.

Their intelligence and trainability make them relatively easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times.

Their lifespan is typically between 12 and 15 years, which is relatively short compared to other breeds.