Petit Brabançon

The Petit Brabançon loves to travel and share a bed with its owners. They quickly get used to new surroundings and lifestyles. Representatives of the breed are open and affectionate. For them, attention plays an important role. Their playful nature made them a social attribute of ladies and a favorite of children. Emotions of the Petit Brabançon can be counted on the face.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The history of the distant relatives of the Petit Brabançon began in Europe in the XV century. And the breed itself was bred in Belgium in the 19th century. The ancestors of the Petit Brabançon are considered German Affenpinscher and mongrels. The modern representative has inherited the qualities of several breeds. Thus, the face, on which the entire range of emotions can be read, was inherited from the German stiff-haired Affenpinscher. And the color scheme comes from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

With their unique appearance, dogs quickly gained popularity among aristocrats. At that time, people could not boast a wide range of entertainment. Therefore, Brabançon Griffons became their outlet. The little natives of Brabançon Griffon slept on silk linen and rode with their owners in carriages. They entertained the royals during the day and kept them warm in their beds at night. Often the dogs even had their servants. Petit Brabançons were very popular with single women. Ladies, who had experienced bitter love, found solace in an animal. Besides, smooth-haired ones did not leave traces on the luxurious dresses of the aristocratic era. Soon representatives of the breed were surprised with a new ability to catch rats and mice. From that moment on, the presence of the Brabançon Griffon in the august courts was justified.

In 1880, the Brabançon Griffons were first seen at the Brussels Dog Show. They became the favorites not only of the public but also of the judges. But the increased popularity harmed the breed. Large-scale breeding of Brabançon Griffons, as it often happens, deteriorated their quality. Duchess Henrietta Maria Charlotte Antoinette (Henrietta of Belgium) played a big role in the breed’s history. The lady was busy rehabilitating the purity of the breed. In 1883, through her efforts, the Brabançon Griffons were entered in the St. Hubert’s Breed Book.

Soon Belgium began exporting Brabançon Griffons. But World War II made its adjustments. The elite breed was on the verge of extinction, as were many miniature breeds. Fortunately, some of the nobles lived in the United States and England, saving the Brabançon Griffons from extinction. After the war, because of breeders, the breed was slightly modified. And in this form, we are familiar with the modern representatives. The standard of the Petit Brabançon was adopted in 1963 and then in 2003.

Appearance

Lady dogs, as smooth-haired griffons are fondly called, are small in size. Their weight ranges from three to six kilograms. But this does not mean that they are weak and defenseless. Dogs are endowed with a strong build. The appearance of Brabançon Griffons is quite original. The characteristic head most of all distinguishes the Petit Brabançons from other breeds. Against the background of the body’s different parts, the head looks large, the skull – a wide, rounded shape. The muzzle is upturned, as a rule, not more than one and a half centimeters. The teeth and tongue of the breed are not visible due to the closed jaw.

What stands out in Brabançon Griffons are their eyes. They are round, large, and wide-set and have a dark brown hue. The small ears, set high, can be cropped. The wide nose is at eye level. The tail is set high and looks up.

On average, the hair of a Brabançon Griffon reaches 2 cm. It is even shorter on the back, face, and legs. At the same time, it is quite stiff and dense. As for color, the breed has no strong restrictions. There are black, black with the addition of reddish or reddish, reddish, and fawn representatives. And on their muzzle as if they have a dark mask.

Character

The Petit Brabançon loves to travel and share a bed with its owners. They quickly get used to new surroundings and lifestyles. Representatives of the breed are open and affectionate. For them, attention plays an important role. Their playful nature made them a social attribute of ladies and a favorite of children. Emotions of the Petit Brabançon can be counted on the face. Cute dogs are similar to people: irritability, joy, playfulness – you can see everything.

The breed boasts of swiftness and is unlikely to slip through the gaze. Brabançon Griffons are neither vindictive nor aggressive. If the house’s situation is unfavorable and sad, the pet will quickly understand and will not interfere with petting.

Care

Dogs are lovers of apartments and homes. Therefore, life outside and/or in a yard aviary is not suitable for them. Petit Brabançons are endowed with the cat’s ability to go to the toilet in a tray. But this does not cancel the daily walks in nature. Because of their innate sociability, meetings with other pets are vital for them.

Apart from the daily combing, there are no obligatory points of care for Brabançon Griffons. They are undemanding, and their skin is always shiny. Washing with grooming products is only necessary when the dirt is visible. In winter, it is better to refuse frequent bathing procedures. Hair drying with a hairdryer. It is recommended to clean the ears once a week with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

Training

Representatives of the breed are pretty intelligent. The main thing is to allocate time to the pet and practice regular training. They love the clear formulation of commands. Especially vital actions. So, the command “Come to me” can save a smooth-haired dog from the car and accidentally went out from the corner. In this way, the bobtail will get used to the fact that every command must end with a certain action.

Common Diseases

The breed is endowed with good health and longevity. Comprehensive vaccinations can help take even more care of your dog. The first one should be given at two months of age. The most common diseases are the following:

• eye and dental pathologies;
• obesity;
• narrowing of the nostrils;
• viral infection;
• skin and fungal problems.

Nutrition

While there are no difficulties in caring for Petit Brabançons, they are finicky when it comes to food. We recommend getting an adjustable bowl. As your pet gets older, change the height of the bracket to avoid endangering his posture. Smooth-haired griffons like to eat on a schedule. Up to six months of age, fractional meals are recommended, then five meals a day, gradually reducing two meals a day. Favorite foods include:

• turkey, veal, fish;
• fruits and vegetables;
• porridge: buckwheat, rice, oatmeal;
• fermented dairy products;
• eggs.

Often, Petit Brabançons are fed premium or holistic food. But if your pet’s diet is natural, don’t forget vitamins and minerals. Especially during the cold season.