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Dog Articles
Past and Present: Brussels Griffon
The origin
of the Brussels Griffon is in doubt. Some authorities say that he
really came from Brussels; others say that he originated in the
coal mines of England. In any case, he is one of the funniest
looking dogs in the world, and has little to commend him to popular
taste but his entirely bizarre appearance. His weight is below nine
pounds, the best class having six pounds as a maximum.
The rather
oversized round head is carried with an alert cockiness, and the
perky expression is heightened by the bright, full, dark eyes. The
muzzle, is very short. The ears, if clipped, stand erect; if in
their natural form they lop a little, being held semi-erect.
The most
peculiar feature is perhaps the fringed beard, which gives the
Griffon a very human expression. The hair, red in color, is harsh
and wiry. He should be a rather stockily built little animal, with
straight, strong, though slender legs. He is a toy, pure and simple,
however, and these qualities are rather the aim than the achievement
of the breeders. In truth, he must, at present at least, be
considered rather a grotesque, spindly little creature.
There is a
smooth Griffon and a larger ‘Brabangon’, but they have never become
known in this country.
Source:
National Geographic 1919
Recommended Reading
Dog Training
Mastery - An Owners' Manual
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