ORIGIN : Belgium.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 25.03.2003.
UTILIZATION : Small guardian and companion dog.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 9 Companions and Toy Dogs.
Section 3 Small Belgian Dogs.
Without working trial.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The three breeds (Griffon Bruxellois, Griffon Belge and Petit Brabançon) all descend from a small rough-coated dog called a “Smousje”, which for centuries has been found in the Brussels area. In the 19th century, bringing in blood-lines from the Ruby King Charles Spaniel and the Pug produced the short black coat and fixed the current breed type. These little dogs are very alert and were bred to guard carriages and keep stables free from rodents. In 1883 the first Griffon Bruxellois were registered at L.O.S.H. (The St.Hubert stud book). They were Topsy (L.O.S.H. nr.163) and Foxine (L.O.S.H. nr.164). By about 1900 they had become very popular, together with other breeds, thanks to the royal interest shown in them by Queen Marie-Henriette of Belgium. Many specimens were exported abroad and helped the spread and popularity of the breed.