Brussels Griffons Top-Winning Griffons in Finland
1997 * 1998 * 1999 * 2000 * 2001 * 2002
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The Brussels Griffons are divided into three varieties: the rough Griffon Belge and Griffon Bruxellois, and the smooth Petit Brabancon. The rough varieties are defined by their color: the Belge is either black, black and tan or black mixed with reddish hair, while the Bruxellois is reddish brown. In the smooths, the acceptable colors under the current FCI standard are reddish brown, black or black and tan.All three varieties are lively and intelligent dogs with a study and compact construction. The breed standard does not define the maximum height at withers; instead, it sets the weight limit of 3.5 kilos to 6 kilos. The rough Griffons have a wiry, harsh and dense coat that requires regular trimming. The smooth should have a short. hard coat.
The Brussels Griffon is a very old breed which was originally used at stables to catch rats. It became a companion dog in the late 19th century. The breed became almost extinct during the first World War but was revived in the 1920's.
The first Griffons came to Finland in the 1920's, only to disappear later. Breeding began again in the late 1950's. Today, annual registrations are a few dozen for each variety. The annual registrations have been in decline in the last few years, partly due to the docking ban that came into force in mid-1997. Many Finnish-bred and owned Griffons have distinguished themselves in show rings in Finland as well as elsewhere in Europe.
The Finnish Griffon fanciers have their own club which is affiliated with the Finnish Toy Dog Association.
For more information on the Griffons in Finland, please visit the Finnish Griffon Club's homepage
