Griffons and Petit Brabancons in the World of Dogs
Have you noticed? World of Dogs magazine in its January issue devoted the Breed Portrait to Griffons and Petit Brabancons. It's great that the general public was able to learn about or be reminded of our favorite breeds. After all, our little charges deserve it. The three stories of three breeders in the magazine showcase their sweet natures, their devotion, their easy handling and their playfulness. We who know them know that they are happy, small but sturdy dogs. They are curious, intelligent and teachable, so they are suitable for beginners. With Griffons and Petit Brabancons you can also engage in dog sports such as agility, obedience, canister therapy, etc.
I had the opportunity to contribute my experience to the article. And believe me, in my life I have known several breeds from hunting, working and companion. But Griffons and Petit Brabancon are just original, unmistakable. I appreciate their easy handling, unpretentiousness, loyalty. They love every second they can be with you and share your activity or laziness.
In short, they are healthy and playful and they can transfer that to you!
Eyes only for you
22 years ago I lost my Rottweiler who had passed six performance tests, including IPO3. It was a great pain and I knew I couldn't be without my dog. At the time I had young children, a demanding job. My wife and I addressed the fact that a big dog was not the right solution at this time. We set a few criteria for our choice, a small stocky short haired easy to handle breed for outings and for pleasure. How many do you know?
Probably few people in 2002 knew a Petit Brabancon or Belgian and Brussels Griffons. I am very grateful for such knowledge to Mrs. Alena Buriánková, with whom I have been friends for many years, and who introduced me to this breed. I was lucky the second time, in Hradec Kralove the kennel Silvano had puppies of Petit Brabancons, and even in black and tan colour. When the little puppy yawned, half of his head opened, he was a little Rottweiler. My life became one with the Petit Brabancons and later with the Griffons.
Those who know Griffons and Petit Brabancons will never trade them for another breed. Their round, forward-set eyes give these breeds an almost human expression. Their hearts will fall in love with a single owner with whom they are willing to run a "marathon", walk over mountains, sleep in a sleeping bag, watch the toilet to make sure you come back, sit by the bathtub to keep from drowning, as well as lounge on the couch, watch football or be pampered and dressed in different coats. These are all Griffons and Petit Brabancons.
Do you have a problem with stubbornness and training your dog? You don't have such problems with Griffons and Petit Brabancons. They are naturally intelligent breeds and by living with you they will learn everything they need to know. I have never had to teach them to retrieve, I don't need to teach them sit, lay down or stay. They are so small that you can take them everywhere with you or they will naturally learn on their own. Our dogs only know one command - HOP, then they jump on the couch 😊. The biggest surprise for me was that they naturally accompany you everywhere, they don't run away anywhere, they have no need to chase game, and yet they remain playful.
I learned that the basis of smooth coexistence with the environment is proper socialization. Familiarity with the street, with large breeds of dogs, etc.
Our breeds are healthy and do not suffer from diseases. Despite the fact that they are breeds with a short nose and a large round head, they breathe well. In breeding we take care to keep the nostrils large and open enough. And their physiques are more like athletes than wrestlers. For healthy movement we observe, as with other small breeds, luxation of the patella. Today, the vast majority of bred individuals have negative patellae (0/0).
Those who opt for the coarse coated variants must take into account regular coat maintenance by trimming. Otherwise, a beautiful bear will turn into a scruffy little beard.