The Brussels Griffon has such a unique look. How was the breed developed?
The Brussels Griffon, like many dog breeds in existence today, was developed by combining other breeds to select for certain traits that long-ago breeders found desirable. There are several theories of breed development proposed by students of the breed, but most agree that the wire coated Belgian stable dog, known as Griffon d’Ecurie, was crossed and re-crossed with the black Pug, Affenpinscher, and Ruby Toy Spaniel sometime in the mid 1800’s. The Belgian stablemen that initiated these breedings apparently kept no records, but the present day Brussels Griffon was known in its’ present form sometime between 1870 and 1880. Each of the breeds used in the development of the Brussels Griffon provided unique traits that make the breed the delightful little companion he is today. The wire coated Affenpinscher and Griffon d’Ecurie provided the harsh coat seen in the rough coat of today, while the Pug, a favorite in Victorian England during the mid 1800’s contributed the black color and smooth
