Human orientation
High score: the breed is very attached to its owner. Actual behavior depends on socialization.
THE PAW CATALOG
Belgian griffon
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History of the Belgian Griffon breed
Origin: Belgium
The breed originated in Belgium, where it kept rodents under control in stables and houses, and this legacy has left a compact, sturdy build. Over time, the griffon became a popular household companion. There are varieties with hard and smooth wool.
The Belgian Griffon is a small Belgian companion with a shaggy face and expressive eyes. Very attached to people, sensitive and alert. Requires intelligent handling, care of wool and protection from heat.
SizeMiniature
OriginBelgium
Life is nearby
Suitable for apartment living and people who spend a lot of time at home. This is a "Velcro dog": very attached, does not tolerate loneliness well. He can be wary of strangers and barks at a knock on the door.
Walks
About 30 minutes of moderate activity is enough for a healthy adult dog: walks, games at home. The load of puppies and elderly dogs is adjusted with the veterinarian. The dog does not tolerate heat well.
Training
Smart but sensitive. Short affectionate sessions with treats work. Early socialization helps, and you should not yell at the dog. Toilet training can be slow.
Care
Hard hair is combed weekly and trimmed once every 4-8 weeks, smooth hair is combed from daily to weekly. The folds on the face are wiped and dried about once a week. They regularly brush their teeth and ears, trim their nails.
Children
Due to its fragile structure, it is better suited to a family with older children who know how to handle the dog carefully. An adult monitors every contact.
Other animals
Acquaintance with other dogs and animals is carried out gradually, under supervision. Large dogs can accidentally injure a small one.
Peculiarities of the breed
Estimates help compare breeds. For zooaggression, 5/5 means less tendency to aggression towards dogs. The behavior and health of a particular dog depend on many factors.
Training
The average score is given due to the lack of comparative data on the Belgian Griffon breed. The character of an individual dog is determined by socialization and experience.
Zooaggression
Average score: contact with other dogs requires assessment and caution due to size.
Health and reproductive risks
The British cohort does not provide a comparable survival estimate for the Belgian Griffon breed. The absence of the mentioned risks does not prove the absence of hereditary diseases, and parents should be checked in any case.
Ease of care
Medium-high rating: wool needs weekly care and periodic trimming, folds are cleaned regularly.
Health
Breed screening
Breed Screening: For small brachycephalic breeds, hip dysplasia, patella dislocation, and eye disease are described. Ask the breeder for documentary results of examinations of both parents.
Locomotor apparatus
Musculoskeletal system: dislocation of the patella is manifested by periodic limping or "jumping" on the hind leg. Growth and exercise should be appropriate for age, and pain should be examined by a veterinarian.
Eyes and heart
A preventive examination includes an assessment of the eyes (cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, injuries), teeth and breathing. Due to the short muzzle, the breed easily overheats, so the load is reduced in the heat.
Photo of the breed
