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Broodle Griffon |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Belgium <> France -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen | |
This breed is also known as |
Brus-a-poo
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A brief presentation of the Broodle Griffon |
| The Broodle Griffon is a small hybrid dog breed produced by crossing a Brussels Griffon with a Poodle. The result is a dog more robust than its parents in health and temperament. Broodle Griffons are cheerful, fun-loving, intelligent and loyal dogs. They're ideal as companion dogs who'll love nothing better than to curl up on your lap and drink up all the attention. Because of this close contact with their human family, they don't like to be left alone for long periods. They can be slightly sensitive, which may be a trait passed on from their Brussels Griffon parent. These sturdy but small dogs have a lot of character and need to know that you're the pack leader, otherwise they'll take over and become a handful to manage. Fair but firm instructions and commands in a friendly voice work best when training. Combine this with lots of praise when they do what they're told to do, and you'll find that this little dog will be eager to please you. |
History of the Broodle Griffon |
| The Broodle Griffon has a mixed history inherited from parent breeds. Some Broodle Griffons will look more like the Brussels Griffon, while others will lean towards their Poodle heritage. To get an idea of the new hybrid's inherited history, here's a quick look at the parent's past. |
A little of the Brussels Griffon |
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| The Brussels Griffon was originally used to hunt and kill vermin in city stables. It was created from several breeds, including the Pug, English Toy Spaniel and Affenpinscher. They have an almost human face combined with small size, making them a popular pet for noblemen and workers. In 1883, Belgian breeders created a standard for the breed. Marie Henriette, who was the Belgian queen, fell in love with the little dog and began breeding and promoting them in Europe and abroad. The smart, arrogant little dog found its way to America in 1898, and a year later, the first Brussels Griffons registered with the American Kennel Club. The number of these adorable little dogs declined during the First and Second World Wars due to hardship, as they were a luxury few could afford. By the end of the Second World War, Brussels Griffons were almost extinct in Belgium, but they hung on in England thanks to the efforts of English breeders. They remained a rare breed, although they became popular in the late 1950s and again in the 1990s after a film entitled "As Good As It Gets" starred Jack Nicolson, who was knocked down by a Brussels Griffon. So the Broodle Griffon has a lot of interesting history behind it, as well as a vibrant personality and pleasant nature that's sure to make it a favorite among family members. | ||
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| Standard of the Brussels Griffon | ||
A little of the Poodle |
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| The Poodle was bred to hunt waterfowl. Most historians agree that they originated in Germany and were developed in France. The smallest Poodle breeds came from breeding small Poodles to each other, it was not achieved by breeding Poodles to smaller dog breeds. The larger Standard Poodle was used for duck hunting, the medium-sized Miniature Poodle appeared in the 1400s to sniff out truffles in the woods, while the small Toy Poodle was intended as a companion for nobility and wealthy business owners. Gypsies and travelling entertainers used Poodles in the circus. The Kennel Club in England registered the Poodle in 1874, and the American Kennel Club registered its first Poodles in 1886. By the mid-1950s, the Poodle had become the most popular breed in the country, where it held that position for over 20 years. | ||
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| Standard of the Poodle |
Appearance of the Broodle Griffon |
| The Broodle Griffon is a small breed developed from a cross between the Brussels Griffon and the Poodle. Depending on the strongest characteristics, your Broodle Griffon's appearance may vary as a result. The body is well proportioned with short, sturdy legs. The tail can vary from long to short, with some breeders docking the tail. Their heads tend to resemble the Brussels Griffon more than the Poodle, with a longer muzzle. Their coats are generally wavy, smooth or curly. Like the parent breed, their eyes are bright, prominent and round, and they have short, floppy ears. The Broodle Griffon's teeth meet in an overbite, and their feet may be small and delicate, or they may be wider. |
Temperament of the Broodle Griffon |
| The Broodle Griffon is a happy, alert little dog that likes to be with its human family as much as possible. They can demand a lot of attention, but are loyal and intelligent dogs. These small dogs display a charming, good-humored nature. They get on well with children but need supervision during play to ensure that youngsters don't unintentionally hurt the small dog. They are excellent for training because of their thirst for attention and willingness to please. With these active dogs, a little friendly praise and a small treat go a long way towards successful training. They are friendly dogs but may have initial reservations about strangers, such as their Poodle parentage. But they'll warm up quickly once introduced. If your hybrid inherits the inquisitive nature of Brussels Griffons, it may be a little defensive around strangers, or other dogs, which is why it's important to socialize your Broodle Griffon while it's young. Some of these dogs have a tendency to bark, much like their Poodle ancestry, but their temperament is more relaxed. |
Needs and activities of the Broodle Griffon |
| The Broodle Griffon is an active little dog, but tends to get enough exercise to move around the house as a busy body or playing in the yard with the family. It's advisable to take them either for walks or to the dog park so they can socialize with other dogs and people, which will make them easier to handle as they grow. Because of their small size, they adapt well to warmer climates as long as the weather is not too hot. They love to take part in family games in the backyard and are known to wander off to explore, although they stress if separated from their family in an unfamiliar area. The Broodle Griffon is an attractive dog with a loving personality. |
Maintenance of the Broodle Griffon |
| The Broodle Griffon requires regular grooming, and in particular regular brushing. Brushing with a firm brush will keep its coat in good condition, preventing matting. The Broodle Griffon may need occasional trimming. Much depends on the texture and density of the coat they inherit. But it's safe to say they need frequent brushing every week, about every other day should be enough. Bathing should only be necessary, as this is a clean dog and rubbing with a soft, damp cloth is usually enough to keep its coat clean. Other maintenance issues include keeping the inside of the ears healthy, and to do this, wipe with a special dog solution from your vet and a soft cloth. The inside of the ears may need a quick clip to prevent them harboring parasites or debris. Another important issue is to keep your Broodle Griffon's teeth clean, checking the inside of the mouth for any inflammation or infection. If you get your young Broodle Griffon puppy used to all this attention, it will be easier to maintain his health as he grows. Then, just a quick clip of the toenails when they get too long and the maintenance procedures are over. |
English (United Kingdom)