Griffon is a breed of dog. Griffon dog breed - photo, price

Dogs are almost the oldest and most popular human companions. Only cats can compete with them, but, they say, they joined people much later. In addition, cats have a very independent character and although they love their owners, but somehow in their own way. Anyone who wants to have a devoted friend who will always come to you, even if you are in a bad mood, will choose a dog.

Of course, people have to pay for this loyalty of dogs. A lazy person will never bring a dog into the house. No matter how slushy and cold it was outside, no matter how unwillingness to crawl out for a walk overcame you, the dog has his own needs that he needs to celebrate at least twice a day. So we can say that loyalty, loyalty and willingness to sacrifice their own interests are mutual: this is required from both the dog and its owner.

Why do I need a dog

This is a primary question, and every person who is going to buy such a pet should ask himself. After all, what kind of animal you need to buy depends on the goals. So, if you have a huge country house and it needs protection, take an alabai or Dobermans; if you want to have protection on crowded streets, train a shepherd dog; if you are a member of a hunting club, choose a hound, a cop or a mink dog. It is worth diligently studying the characteristics of any breed, because some dogs get along extremely poorly with children or disabled people, and others necessarily need long runs, without which they begin to wither.

But if you live in the city, and even in a small apartment, your choice may well be a griffin – a breed of dog that is considered a family dog, and besides, it is very compact and clean.

Historical roots

From whom exactly these cute dogs originated, it is not known for sure. Many believe that crossing one of the spaniel varieties with an affenpinscher turned out to be a griffin. The breed of dogs, according to others, owes its origin to Irish and Yorkshire terriers. In any case, it is absolutely certain that their homeland is Belgium, although the main breeders for a long time were the British. However, it is believed that the ancestors of the dynasty were taken by the British from the mentioned country. At the same time, the club of lovers of these dogs in Belgium has existed since 1880, and they are often called the Brussels griffin - the dog breed owes its popularity very much to the Belgian queen.

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Maybe pied pipers

There are other countries that claim to be the ancestors of the dogs described as the griffin. The breed of dogs, according to the French, began with their city of Roubaix, although the exhibition was organized there later than in Brussels, for 9 years. In France, it is believed that these dogs originated from, frankly, mongrel dogs that were used to catch rats in stables. And the Belgians claim that the ancestors of griffins were rat catchers, in connection with which they were very welcomed by coachmen and horse breeders. In principle, there are reasons to believe this: the size and physique of this breed are quite suitable for fighting rodents. However, their character does not quite correspond to this: they are too peaceful and not conflicted. And from a biological point of view, there are certain doubts - the structure of the mouth of these dogs is not quite suitable for hunting. On the other hand, they are undoubtedly brave and persistent, which would obviously come in handy when catching cunning, aggressive and quick-witted rats.

In any case, over the century (or even more) that has passed since the Brussels griffin appeared, the dog breed could both acquire new breed characteristics and lose some hunting skills.

Character – like a lion!

Still, those who believe that terriers poured their blood into the griffin breed are probably right. The same mobility and vivacity, indispensable vigilance, but at the same time a calm disposition and self-confidence and self-confidence. The Griffin breed of dogs - the photo of some episodes clearly demonstrates this – does not know fear at all, and despite their small size, they are always ready for battle.

They say that Pekingese and chinas are "little lions", because they do not know fear and forget about their size, rushing at a much larger dog. Griffins will give a huge head start to these breeds: they are smarter and never provoke anyone. But in case of something, they don't let you down with all their friendliness. And at the same time they get along well with other species of animals.

In other respects, these dogs are gentle and loyal – you just have to look at the photos of dogs with the name of the breed. With outsiders, they can be shy and distrustful, but they fawn over their own, comfort if the owner is upset, and amusingly protect him from the smallest danger.

Parenting is also important for a dog

However, given the "lion tendencies" of your pet, you need to pay very close attention to his training. We are not talking about training - dogs of this breed are rarely trained for any service. It's about not letting your pet "sit on your head." And he can! We remember the strong character of dogs of this breed! Otherwise, you can corrupt the animal to such an extent that it will be the one who commands the house.

From the first days of the griffin's dwelling in your house, show who is in charge in it. If there are small children, convince the dog that they are at least equal (but better - older, important people). In principle, this is the only thing you have to achieve from the doggie.

For the rest - play more with the dog, take her in your arms, talk to her, explain why you are doing something that your pet may not like. Become a friend to your dog, and she will become a friend to you.

Breed standards

Now the griffin is a decorative dog breed. It's understandable, the dogs are small and funny. However, they try to maintain the purity of the breed. So, the weight of animals should be at least three and a maximum of five kilograms, and the latter indicator is acceptable only for "ladies". The coat color for purebred, exhibition individuals is possible red (from a fiery shade to dark mahogany), pure black or black with tan. No white or similar markings are allowed. If the dog is red (of any tone), it should have a darker mask on the muzzle and the same shade of ears.

Features of the coat of dogs of this breed

There are two subspecies of Brussels griffins – with a stiff and smooth coat. In the first variety, it is rough, sometimes even resembles fox fur. Often such a subspecies of griffins has a very abundant undercoat, and this is not considered a disadvantage, on the contrary. The only thing is that the owners will have to master the art of trimming manually or regularly pay for the services of a dog barber. But such dogs do not shed: the hairs grow to a certain length, die, and new hairs grow from the bulbs. This affects the cost: if you choose a stiff-haired breed of griffin dogs, the price will increase by at least a hundred dollars compared to the "smooth" ones.

However, any kind of these dogs does not require special grooming. Dirt almost does not stick to it, the skin does not get wet. If you brush the dog every day with a brush, then you don't need to bathe him. The "beard", of course, gets dirty while eating, but dogs often bring a dedicated towel themselves to wipe their muzzle.

Breeding problems

Many purebred dogs are problematic in breeding. Griffins are no exception either: bitches very often have a bloodless estrus, and it is possible to mating with a completely different partner than planned. In puppies, the first three to four weeks of life are considered a dangerous period – some do not survive. That's why the cost of the griffin dog breed is so high – the price of even a potentially non-exhibition puppy "for the soul" starts at $ 300.

However, you should not be afraid to buy a sick, non-viable puppy. After the so-called critical period, the puppies are quite strong, vigorous and resistant to diseases.

Did you like the breed of dogs "griffin" (photo)? Their price can range from $ 600 to one and a half thousand and more. But keep in mind: the cost increases significantly for elite animals; if you are not going to exhibit a dog at international competitions, buy yourself a puppy that you just liked.