Griffon Belge

The Griffon Belge is an energetic, kind, and outgoing dog. It is a family pet devoted to its owner. He needs a lot of attention, loves to play, loneliness is poorly tolerated. It treats children well, but it is important to convey how to behave with a dog properly. With other animals, the pet gets along great, easily finds a common language with them.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The Griffon Belge-like dogs were depicted on the canvases of famous artists 600 years ago. However, a separate breed was formed only in 1880. At the same time, the first exhibition with the dog. In 1904, the first official standard for the griffon was published.

During World War I, the population was reduced to a minimum. In 1928, dog breeders actively restored the breed, which is still considered quite rare today. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale adopted the modern griffon standard in 2003.

Appearance

The Griffon Belge is a petite, compact, well-built dog with a square body. The back is broad and muscular. The chest is deep, wide. The neck is of medium length. It bears a moderately large head with a massive forehead. The pet’s eyes are large, spaced out, dark brown. The ears are pointed, standing, and can be cropped.

The limbs of the dog are strong, with a solid backbone. The griffon’s tail is high pitched, raised, and can be shortened by a third of its length. The coat is stiff and thick, of medium length. Color black or black and tan.

Character

The Griffon Belge is an energetic, kind, and outgoing dog. It is a family pet devoted to its owner. He needs a lot of attention, loves to play, loneliness is poorly tolerated. It treats children well, but it is important to convey how to behave with a dog properly. With other animals, the pet gets along great, easily finds a common language with them. Griffons treat strangers with distrust.

Care

Like any ornamental dog, the Griffon Belge is finicky about living conditions. The pet needs a comfortable, warm home. Therefore, it is a good idea to equip the dog with a cot or basket. After all, the griffon does not need long and frequent walks, most of the time he spends at home.

A dog’s tough coat should be combed out periodically. You should give your pet a trimming procedure several times a year, as the hair does not shed on its own. Once a month, trim your pet’s claws. You should brush your dog’s teeth every week.

Training

The Griffon Belge is considered a brilliant and obedient dog that catches everything on the fly. Therefore, there should be no problems with its training. It is worth remembering about the pet’s vulnerable nature, so never raise your voice or show him rudeness. Instead of yelling, treat the griffon with treats for doing the right thing. Dogs of this breed are playful and energetic. Therefore, it is not bad if the training will be held playfully. This way, the pet will not be bored, and it will be easier for him to learn everything.

Common Diseases

Griffons Belges are not known for their perfect health. They are delicate dogs that require constant care. Representatives of the breed are prone to the following diseases:

• breathing problems;
• cataract;
• retinal atrophy;
• prolapse of the eyeball;
• dental calculus;
• periodontal disease;
• hydrocephalus;
• difficult labor in bitches.

The eyes and teeth are the weak points of a pet. The former needs constant cleaning and vet supervision. Brush your dog’s teeth with a special toothpaste to prevent tartar.

Nutrition

You should be careful when it comes to feeding your dog. Never overfeed to avoid gastrointestinal problems and vomiting. A dog needs a balanced and proper diet. The basis of the diet should be lean meat food. Beef, chicken, or turkey will do. The dog’s body needs carbohydrates in the form of cereals for growth. Sometimes dairy products and fish can also help. Give your pet vegetables, fruits, and herbs. From these, the pet will get all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Foods such as sweets, smoked meats, sausages, legumes, milk, small bones, ice cream are not suitable for consumption. As food for the griffon also fit a premium dry food with a protein composition no more than 20-25 percent. Puppies should be fed up to five times a day; four-legged dogs from one year of age need two meals a day.