Belgian Griffon - Characteristics, History and Care of these dogs

If you are thinking of adopting a new pet and looking for a little friend, adorable and intelligent, the dog's breed Belgian tap It can be the ideal option for you. It is one of the most fun, balanced and, without a doubt, dynamic species that exists within the canine world. If you like outdoor activities and you are one of those who prefer to be in constant movement, this race will adapt to your needs and will also be an excellent companion. But before making the final decision, we invite you to deepen everything related to this pet. We will inform you about the origin, physical characteristics, care and behavior of the Belgian tap. After reading this article, surely you will not stop thinking about adopting one and turning it into your best friend.

• Size: Little.
• Weight: Between 3 and 6kg.
• Hair type: Long, dense and smooth.
• Character: Sociable, faithful and active
• Health: Healthy
• Life expectancy: Between 14 and 16 years.

Belgian Griffon History

As his name points out, it is a race from Belgium and Europe. Its beginnings are related to a dog with similarities to the Terrier race, recognized as "Smousje". The latter, considered an expert in rats hunting. Its popularity in countries of origin was such that the breeding and possession of this race was related to royalty. However, social political conflicts endangered their lives, reaching the point of an almost imminent extinction. It was avoided thanks to the English population, who recovered the race and allowed its expansion, although not with the same boom as from the beginning. Despite this, the dogs of this breed still count as the favorites for some people, who consider them company dogs, for their lovely behavior, and great agility to perform outdoor activities.

Physical description of the Belgian Griffon

In general, the Belgian Griffon is usually confused with the Brussels Tap and Petit Brubançon. This is because their physical characteristics share several similarities. In fact, the only aspect of their appearance that differentiates them is the fur. Next, we will detail the Innate physical characteristics of the Belgian Griffon, so that your distinction is not so difficult.

Body

Like the other two races mentioned, they have a robust body, where his chest highlights significantly because he reaches approximately to the elbows of the animal. Although it is a small and low weight race. Its size does not exceed 20 centimeters. While its weight is usually 3 to 6 kilograms, indefinitely of its sex.

Head

It has a prominent head, although well provided for its size and contexture. This is considered one of the most notable characteristics of these animals. His forehead is outstanding, dark, large and rounded eyes. In addition, his nose is small, black. For their part, the ears are separated and are in the form of a small triangle.

Line

Denoting in most cases a state of permanent alert or joy, The Belgian Griffon Tail It is of fine contexture and is always raised.

Fur

We have reached the point of difference between the three varieties of dogs (Belgian Griffon, Brussels Griff Short but very thick, which allows you to stay warm in cold seasons. Sometimes it presents slight waves. The colors of the fur are usually mostly, black and Fire color. However, combinations of these two colors and a third combination of Red-Pardo.

Behavior

It is a race that, usually, has a very positive character. Friendly, loyal, attentive, dynamic, intelligent and very active at practically all times are some of the main characteristics surrounding the Belgian Griffon Behavior. However, these characteristics will depend largely on the training that the dog receives. If not to educate yourself properly, you can adopt aggressive behaviors in inappropriate times. In some cases, these dogs may present nervousness, although it is uncommon. Socialization with other animals is not so simple for our friend because they can feel invaded and wrong, attack who creates their adversary, because despite their small size, they have great courage. If there is something of your character that must be taken care of is that there are risks of developing destructive behaviors or anxiety to feel alone or rejected. Therefore, strengthening your personality giving it company is very useful. If you observe that a dog of this race begins to bark frequently, it has negative behaviors or acts of rebellion such as damage, it can be a symptom associated with loneliness. Therefore It is important that you feel accompanied. In general, these types of dogs are ideal as pets of young or adult people, who enjoy outdoor activities and have enough time to dedicate care and attention. These types of dogs can adapt to small spaces, however, adequate training is ideal so that within these areas does not adopt inappropriate behaviors.

Belgian Griffon Training

As mentioned above, the Belgian Griffon Education It is elementary for the development of adequate behavior in any context. It is a race of corajuda dog, so it is easy to generate rebel behaviors not to be properly trained. Within education, the issue of socialization with other people or animals is elementary. In general, these dogs usually follow one person, but to adequately educate at least the individuals closest to their owner. Otherwise, It is a canine breed of great intelligence and attention, as long as training is adopted, where shouts or punishments are completely eliminated. In this way, it is very likely that the education process will be widely satisfactory for those involved. It should be remembered that, the importance of positive reinforcement, recognizing the good actions that these dogs perform at the time of training, will make you feel motivated and improve your good behaviors until they are permanent.

Belgian Griffon Health

A point in favor of the Belgian Griffon is the good health of which they generally enjoy. That's right, both this breed and its sister races, the Brussels tap and the Petit Brubançon, are characterized by being very healthy. However, there are some pathologies that can sometimes affect them whose early prevention is possible. Among them, ocular diseases stand out due to the prominent size of their eyes (cataracts, eye injuries, differentiasis ...) The average life of these canines can be around Until 16 years, so you will enjoy your mischief a lot of time. If you offer adequate care and keep your good health, your furry friend will be by your side for many years.

Belgian Griffon Care

As in other canine breeds, the care of the Belgian Griffon will determine not only the quality of life of the dog, but also their life expectancy. If we adopt a dog of this race and want to keep it in optimal conditions for a long time, it is important to consider the following elementary care.

Feeding

We must remember that it is a small dog, so ration feeding In the appropriate amounts with a I think of high quality for this type of races is ideal. Saturating it from food can cause a stomach problem although, as stated above, they have an optimal state of health, it is true that diseases of this type could appear.

Attention and affection

If you want to prevent the dog from suffering from depression or rebellion because of loneliness, a lot of affection must be given and especially company. These are conditions that cannot be missing. An important detail is that, although it is an animal that loves outdoor activities, we must ensure that it does not feel excluded from the family nucleus. As? letting him live inside the home. For this, training is essential if you want to maintain order.

Bathroom and hygiene

He bathroom It will be done once a month or when the dog is really dirty. This will be enough. However, maintaining your fur goes further. And is that the brushing It should be done at least three times a week, so that the hair free of dryness is kept. In addition, for having a thick fur, the dead hair must be removed from your body.

Activity and exercise

Another important topic in our friend's life is Physical activity. You cannot miss. Recall that it is a very active and dynamic race, so it needs to be exercised to prevent anxiety or rebellion. A daily walk or some game time during the day will be well received by this canine.

Take care of very high temperatures

Although it has a thick fur, it runs the risk of irritating its snout at cold temperatures or due to excess exercise. This commonly happens in short or small mouth dogs. Therefore it is recommended Avoid exercising it excessively and in cold seasons, so that it remains healthy in this aspect.

Medical visits

Medical controls, compliance with the vaccination scheme and deworming, cannot be lacking and They are indispensable in the good health of any pet. In addition, it is worth mentioning that it is important to pay due attention to the dog's eyes on each visit, adopting preventive behavior in the face of the possible appearance of associated diseases in the sense.

Conclusion

Although the Belgian Griffon is not as known today as in its beginnings, it continues to be one of the most favorable options for those who enjoy outdoor activities and enjoy valuable time to dedicate it to their pet. We remember that the company and signs of affection is a very important factor in the care of this race, because of not providing the necessary time and dedication, they can generate negative behaviors, anxiety and nervousness. It's really a dog intelligent, dynamic and Easy to train. But also very strong and brave, despite his tiny size and weight, so we must not underestimate him. On the contrary, he does not fear his opponents and can even erroneously attack whether he feels invaded or threatened. Therefore, adequate training will serve to adopt an adequate character and be more sociable with your relatives. In this way, adapting it to a home with children is a matter of time, patience and constancy. Positive reinforcement will help facilitate the process. It is undoubtedly an ideal pet, with a remarkable state of health and much energy and love for its owners.