 |
Rattle Griffon |
|
He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
U.S.A. <> Belgium -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Rattle Griffon |
| The Rattle Griffon is a hybrid of the feisty Brussels Griffon and the alert Rat Terrier. A small dog, the Rattle Griffon generally weighs less than 6.5 kilos. Hybrid dogs are generally loving and outgoing, with a good amount of energy. The Rattle Griffon is generally easy to train and will do well with children. Because of its high energy level, the Rattle Griffon will need plenty of exercise and will enjoy long walks or runs with its humans. An excellent watchdog, the Rattle Griffon barks at the sign of an intruder. |
History of the Rattle Griffon |
| The Rattle Griffon is a relatively new hybrid, although the two breeds that make up the hybrid have a long history. |
A little of the Rat Terrier |
||
| In the 1800s, the Rat Terrier was bred in the USA by crossing Fox and European Terriers that were popular at the time. Whippets, Beagles and Greyhounds were also crossed with these dogs, resulting in a small dog with great spark and even temperament. The breed became popular on farms because it was able to hunt both above and below ground, and by the 1900s, the Rat Terrier was one of the most popular working dogs on a farm. Due to the breed's ability, temperament and intelligence, interest in the breed grew. However, as farm work became less common, the demand for dogs diminished. Ultimately, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013. | ||
 |
||
| Presentation of the Rat Terrier |
A little of the Brussels Griffon |
| The Brussels Griffon originated in the Belgian city of Brussels over 200 years ago. The rough-coated Griffon d'Ecurie worked as a stable dog and soon became popular with cab drivers, farmers and peasants for stopping would-be thieves and keeping vermin at bay. In the 1800s, dogs were bred with the Pug, then the Affenpinscher, the English Toy Spaniel and perhaps the Yorkshire Terrier, leading to its compact but robust build. Over the years, the breed's skills as a ratter have developed, although it displays courage, bravery and loyalty, making it an excellent companion. The breed has three varieties: Brussels Griffon, Belgian Griffon and Petit Brabancon, although only the Brussels Griffon is recognized by the American Kennel Club in the smooth and rough coat forms. |
 |
| Standard of the Brussels Griffon |
Appearance of the Rattle Griffon |
| The Rattle Griffon will inherit traits from both its parent breeds; as with all mixed breeds, you can anticipate that it may inherit more of the physical characteristics of the Rat Terrier or Brussels Griffon, or that it may inherit an equal mixture of the two breeds. The hybrid will be a small dog weighing on average less than 6.5 kilos and reaching a height at the withers of generally less than 33 centimeters. Both the Rat Terrier and the Brussels Griffon have robust, compact bodies with strong, arched necks and sturdy legs designed for digging, which can also be anticipated in the resulting hybrid. Their fur is generally fine, and can be rough or smooth. Round eyes may be dark or blue, but bright, and its ears will be upright. |
Temperament of the Rattle Griffon |
| The Rattle Griffon will inherit its behavioral traits from its parent breeds, the Rat Terrier and the Brussels Griffon. Each offspring will inherit different traits from its parent breeds. The hybrid will generally be very energetic, sociable and loving. Usually easy to train, the Brussels Griffon does well with children and barks at anyone unfamiliar, alerting its owner to the presence of a stranger. A hybrid dog will be loyal to its humans and like its parent breed the Brussels Griffon, may seek the opportunity to be the center of attention. As with the Rat Terrier, the Rattle Griffon prefers to keep busy, and is keen to please its humans. While the hybrid will inherit high energy levels from its parent breeds, it will also enjoy lounging with its humans and relaxing. |
Needs and activities of the Rattle Griffon |
| You can expect your Rattle Griffon to have plenty of energy and require a fair amount of exercise. This can include long walks or runs with his human, as well as outdoor play and outings to the dog park. The Rattle Griffon's parent breed, the Rat Terrier, will excel at obedience and agility activities, helping to keep him busy and mentally stimulated. Depending on the traits your Rattle Griffon inherits, these activities may also be enjoyable for him. Because of the breed's small size, he doesn't need a large fenced outdoor area and can get a good deal of his activity while spending time indoors with his humans. |
Maintenance of the Rattle Griffon |
| The care of your Rattle Griffon will depend on the coat it inherits. If your Rattle inherits a coat like that of the Rat Terrier, it will be easy to brush and you can expect moderate, continuous shedding. Daily brushing will help keep your furniture and home clean. Your Rattle Griffon can inherit a rough or smooth coat from its Brussels Griffon parent. The rough coat can be maintained by brushing your dog three times a week and stripping every three months. Smooth coats require weekly brushing. Whatever the coat, your dog should only be bathed when necessary. As with all dogs, you'll want to brush your Rattle Griffon's teeth several times a week, as many small breeds are more prone to developing gum disease, and tooth brushing is an important step in maintaining your dog's long-term dental health. |
English (United Kingdom) 
Comments