BREED STANDARD

The Griffon hails from Belgium and is seen in two varieties – the rough coated and the less frequently seen smooth coat.

Portraits of the Old Masters from the 15th century feature dogs of Griffon type and one of his early roles was as watchdog in stables where he could also keep down rodents.

There are some similarities in head type with the Affenpinscher and it is thought that the two breeds share some common ancestry.

General appearance
A cobby, well-balanced, square little dog, giving appearance of measuring the same from withers to tail root as from withers to ground.

Characteristics
Smart little dog with disposition of a terrier. Two varieties, rough coated, Griffon Bruxellois and smooth coated, Petit Brabançon. Both with pert, monkey-like expression, heavy for size.

Temperament
Lively and alert.

Head and skull
Head fairly large in comparison to body, rounded but in no way domed, moderately wide between the ears. Hair on skull, in roughs rather coarse. Nose black, with large wide-open nostrils and definite stop between muzzle and skull. Relatively short, wide muzzle, neat lips, with good turn-up. Chin prominent, in roughs furnished with beard.

Eyes
Black-rimmed, very dark, round, clear and well spaced. Moderately large; size should be in proportion to size of skull. Alert expression.


Ears
Semi-erect, high-set, the smaller the better.


Mouth
Slightly undershot with even teeth, not showing teeth or tongue.


Neck
Medium length, slightly arched, springing from well-laid-back shoulders.


Forequarters
Chest rather wide and deep, legs straight of medium length and bone.


Body
Short back, level from withers to tail root, neither roaching nor dipping; deep; well-sprung ribs; short, strong loin.

Hindquarters
Well-muscled thighs of good length, hocks low to ground, turning neither in nor out, stifles well bent.

Feet
Small, thick, cat-like with black toenails.

Tail
Previously customarily docked.

Docked: Docked short, high set, emerging at right angles from level topline.

Undocked: High set, emerging at right angles from level topline. Of moderate length, curved gently over back when moving.

Gait/movement
Free with good drive from rear. Moving true coming and going. High stepping front movement undesirable.

Coat
Roughs: harsh, wiry, free from curl, preferably with undercoat.

Smooths: short and tight.

Colour

Clear red, black or black and rich tan without white markings. In clear red, a darker shade on mask and ears desirable.
Ideally each hair should be an even red from tip to root. Frosting on muzzles of mature smooths should not be penalised.

Size
3.2-5 kgs (7-11 lbs); most desirable 3.6-4.5 kgs (8-10 lbs).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Breed standard last updated January 2025