Dogs are almost the oldest and most popular companions of man. Only cats can make them some kind of competition, but they say they joined people much later. In addition, cats have a very independent character and although they love the owners, but somehow in their own way. Anyone who wants to have a faithful friend who will always come to you, even if you are in a bad mood, will choose a dog.
Of course, people have to pay for this fidelity to dogs. A lazy person will never bring a dog into the house. No matter how slushy and cold it is outside, no matter how reluctant to crawl out for a walk, the dog has its own needs, which he needs to cope with at least twice a day. So we can say that loyalty, loyalty and a willingness to sacrifice one’s own interests are mutual: this is required both from the dog and from its owner.
Why do i need a dog
This is a paramount question, and every person who is going to get such a favorite should ask himself. After all, what animal you need to buy depends on the goals. So, if you have a huge country house and he needs protection - take Alabai or Dobermans; if you want to have protection on crowded streets - train a shepherd dog; if you are a member of a hunting club, choose a hound, a cop or a normal dog. It is worthwhile to carefully study the characteristics of any breed, because some dogs get along very badly with children or people with disabilities, while others definitely need long runs, without which they begin to languish.
But if you live in a city, and even in a small apartment, your choice may well be the griffin - a breed of dogs that is considered a family dog, and also very compact and clean.
Historical roots
From whom exactly these cute doggies originated, it is not known exactly. Many people think that by crossing one of the varieties of a spaniel with an affinpisher, we get a griffin. The breed of dogs, according to others, owes its origin to Irish and Yorkshire terriers. In any case, it is absolutely certain that Belgium is their homeland, although the British were the main breeders for a long time. However, it is believed that the ancestors of the dynasty, the British were taken out of this country. Moreover, the club of lovers of these dogs in Belgium has existed since 1880, and they are often called the Brussels griffin - the breed of dogs owes its popularity very much to the Belgian queen.
Maybe the Pied Piper
There are other countries that claim to be the founders of dogs described as griffin. The breed of dogs, the French say, began with their city of Roubaix, although there the exhibition was organized later than in Brussels for 9 years. In France, it is believed that these dogs came from, frankly, purebred dogs that were used to catch rats in stables. Yes, and the Belgians claim that the ancestors of the griffins were rat-catchers, and therefore were very welcomed by coachmen and horse breeders. In principle, there is reason to believe this: the size and physique of this breed are quite suitable for fighting rodents. However, their character does not quite correspond to this: they are too peaceful and not conflicting. And from a biological point of view, certain doubts arise - the structure of the mouth of these dogs is not quite suitable for hunting. On the other hand, they are undoubtedly bold and stubborn that it would obviously come in handy when catching cunning, aggressive and quick-witted rats.
In any case, over the century (or even more) that has passed since the Brussels griffin appeared, the breed of dogs could either acquire new pedigree traits or lose some hunting skills.
Character - like a lion!
Nevertheless, those who believe that terriers poured their blood into the breed of griffins are probably right. The same mobility and liveliness, indispensable vigilance, but at the same time calm disposition and self-confidence and self-reliance. The griffin breed of dogs, a photo of some episodes that demonstrates this fear, does not know at all, and despite their small size, they are always ready for battle.
They say that the Pekingese and Khins are “little lions,” because they don’t know the fear and forget about their size, rushing to a much larger dog. Griffins will give a huge head start to these breeds: they are smarter and never provoke anyone. But in which case they don’t give descent with all their friendliness. And at the same time they get along well with other types of animals.
In other respects, these doggies are gentle and loyal - you just need to look at photos of dogs with the name of the breed. With strangers, they can be shy and incredulous, but they take on their friends, comfort if the owner is upset, and amusingly protect him from the smallest danger.
Education is important for the dog.
However, given the "lion inclinations" of your pet, you must be very careful about his training. We are not talking about training - dogs of this breed are rarely trained for any service. It is about not letting your pet "sit on its head." And he can! Remember the strong character of the dogs of this breed! Otherwise, you can corrupt the animal to such an extent that it will be the command in the house.
From the first days the griffin lives in your house, show who is in charge. If there are small children, convince the dog that they are at least equal (but better - older, important people). In principle, this is the only thing you should achieve from a doggie.
Otherwise, play more with the dog, pick it up, talk with it, explain why you are doing something that your pet may not like. Become a friend to your dog, and she will become a friend to you.
Breed standards
Now griffin is a decorative breed of dog. It is understandable, the dogs are small and funny. However, they try to keep the breed clean. So, the weight of animals should be a minimum of three and a maximum of five kilograms, and the last indicator is permissible only for "ladies". The color of wool for purebred, exhibition individuals is possible red (from a fiery shade to a dark mahogany), pure black or black with a tan. No white or close marks are allowed. If the dog is red (of any tone), she should have a darker mask on the face and the same shade of ears.
Features of the coat in dogs of this breed
There are two subspecies of Brussels griffins - with a stiff and smooth coat. In the first variety, it is rough, sometimes even reminiscent of Fox hair. Often such a subspecies of griffins has a very abundant undercoat, and this is not considered a disadvantage, quite the contrary. The only thing is that the owners will have to master the art of trimming manually or regularly pay for the services of a dog hairdresser. But such dogs do not fade: the hairs grow to a certain length, die off, and new hairs grow from the bulbs. This affects the cost: if you choose a wire-haired breed of dog griffin - the price compared with the "smooth" will increase by at least a hundred dollars.
However, any variety of these dogs does not require special grooming. Dirt almost does not stick to it, the skin does not get wet. If you brush a doggie every day, then you don’t need to bathe it. The "Beard", of course, gets dirty during meals, but the dogs themselves often bring a dedicated towel to wipe their face.
Breeding problems
Many thoroughbred dogs are problematic in breeding. Griffins are also no exception: in bitches, estrus very often runs bloodless, and mating is not possible with the partner that is planned. In puppies, the first three to four weeks of life are considered a dangerous period - some do not survive. That’s why the cost of the Griffin dog breed is so high - the price of even a potentially non-show puppy “for the soul” starts at 25,000 rubles.
However, you should not be afraid to buy a sick, non-viable puppy. After the so-called critical period, the puppies are quite strong, vigorous and resistant to disease.
Did you like the griffin dog breed (photo)? Their price can range from 600 dollars to one and a half thousand or more. But keep in mind: the cost rises significantly on elite animals; If you are not going to exhibit a dog at international competitions, buy yourself a puppy that you just liked.