Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is, all dog in a sturdy, thick-set body. He isn’t a handsome dog, as dog beauty is rated, nor is he a pampered pet even though his stature and background put him among the Toy breeds. The kind most usually seen in the United States have dense, wiry reddish brown hair, large domed heads with bushy hair about the eyes and whiskers about the chin. 

There are two other varieties. One, the Belgian Griffon, differs only in coloring. The other, the Brabancon, is different in that it has a smooth coat like that of a Boston Terrier or a Bulldog. The influence of the Pug is seen in the Brabancon, which has not gained widespread vogue in this country. Whatever the color or the coat the Brussels Griffon wears, he is an intelligent, good-natured dog who continues to win friends year after year.

You can read about "English Toy Spaniel" here

Crossing of the old German Affenpinscher and another old breed popularly called "Griffons D'Ecurie," stable Griffons, may have produced the Brussels Griffon. Later crossing with the Ruby Spaniel is said to have produced the flat-faced, snub-nosed characteristic that, whatever its charm for canine fanciers, definitely detracted from the breed's early utilitarian vocation—that of rat fighter.

Instead of being reddish brown, the Belgian variety may be black and reddish brown mixed, black, or black included with reddish brown markings. 

The breed gained wide popularity in Belgium the decade 1870-80, entered Great Britain sometime between then and the 1890s and began a making an impression in the United States about 1900.

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