Griffon Bruxellois Breed Standard
Last updated: 16 Feb 2010
A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
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Group:
Group 1 (Toys)
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History:
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General Appearance:
A cobby well balanced, square little dog, giving appearance of measuring the same from withers to tail root as from withers to ground.
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Characteristics:
Smart little dog with disposition of a terrier. Two varieties rough coated, Griffon Bruxellois and smooth coated, Petit Brabancon. Both with pert, monkey-like expression, heavy for size.
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Temperament:
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Head And Skull:
Head fairly large in comparison to body, rounded but in no way domed, moderately wide between the ears. Hair on skull in roughs rather coarse. Nose always black, with large, open nostrils and definite stop between muzzle and skull. Relatively short, wide muzzle, neat lips, with good turn-up. Chin prominent, in roughs furnished with a beard.
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Eyes:
Black rimmed, very dark, round, clear, alert and not too large.
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Ears:
Semi-erect, high set, the smaller the better.
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Mouth:
Slightly undershot with even teeth, not showing teeth or tongue.
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Neck:
Medium length, slightly arched, springing from well laid back shoulders.
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Forequarters:
Chest rather wide and deep, legs straight of medium length and bone.
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Body:
Short back, level from withers to tail root, neither roaching nor dipping; deep; well-sprung ribs; short, strong loin.
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Hindquarters:
Well muscled thighs of good length, hocks low to ground, turning neither in nor out, stifles well bent.
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Feet:
Small, thick, cat-like with black toenails.
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Tail:
Docked: Docked short, high set, emerging at right angles from the level topline.
Undocked: High set, emerging at right angles from the level topline. Of moderate length, curved gently over back when moving.
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Gait/Movement:
Free with good drive from rear. Moving true coming and going. High stepping front movement undesirable.
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Coat:
Roughs, harsh, wiry, free from curl, preferably with undercoat. Smooths, short and tight.
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Colour:
Clear red, black or black and rich tan without white markings. In clear red, a darker shade on mask and ears desirable. Ideally each hair should be an even red from tip to root. Frosting on muzzles of mature smooths should not be penalised.
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Sizes:
Weight: from 3.2-5kgs (7-11 lbs)
most desirable 3.6-4.5kgs (8-10lbs)
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Faults:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
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Notes:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.