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| Category : Brussels Griffon |
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| Description |
What's the temperament of this breed?
Generally the Griffon is a happy, affectionate, adaptable companion who loves his caretaker best. It is not unusual for a BG to be shy with strangers or new situations, and hang with his owner until he warms to what's new. He barks when someone comes to the door or when appropriate. He doesn't care for aggressive behavior, and if he can't escape, he'll defend himself. It is possible to find some Griffons who are hyperactive, and on the other end of the scale, some who are very mellow even shy. It's best to visit the breeder and observe puppy and parent behavior. Male or female makes little difference in temperament. If you aren't the leader, he can develop bad habits.
Does a Griffon make a good family dog?
The decision to have a dog has to be a "whole family" commitment not an experiment to teach children responsibility. Purchasing a Griffon is like having a baby that never grows up, but remains dependent for 12-15 years. A Griffon will bond with his caregiver. If he's to be a family dog, everyone must help in care and training. The breed isn't recommended for families with kids under 5 years.
Are Brussels Griffons easy to train? "
Brussels Griffons have a high degree of intelligence coupled with a sensitive nature. As a result, force does not work well with them in training; when forced they will decide they want no part of the training session. They will, however, respond well to guidance given with kindness, consistency and love. For example, catching a Griffon to crate them before leaving for work can result in a game of "catch me if you can" that can lead to frustration on the part of the owner. Enticing the Griffon into his crate with a treat elicits the desired behavior for you and a reward for the dog - a training win-win strategy that should be utilized consistently.
Griffons will bond easily to their trainer when gentle training methods are used. Their intelligence and desire to please makes them wonderful participants in obedience, agility, conformation and tracking events. Leash training should begin by 6-8 weeks of age - Griffons can sometimes exhibit a stubborn streak when they first encounter a leash. Because of the Griffon's small size and sensitive nature, they are not recommended as pets for small children that might be unwittingly rough or even tease the dog. They do make excellent pets for families with older children, singles, empty nesters or grandparents, in fact anyone with the commitment to the health and well being of their Griffon.
The innate wish for the Griffon to please you should be employed when housetraining your pet. Toy breeds can be difficult to housetrain - and the Brussels Griffon is no exception. If you would be heartbroken by a puddle on your oriental carpets, you may wish to consider another breed. Housetraining can be accomplished - however, it will not be as easy as with other breeds. Remember, consistency and kindness should always be employed, as well as keeping the Griffon on a regular schedule of "bathroom breaks". By keeping your Griffon on a regular schedule, and taking him outside immediately after waking up and after eating, your chances for successful housetraining will be improved.
What is it like to live with a Brussels Griffon?"
The Griffon is a true "velcro dog" - he loves to be with you at all times. He will jump on your lap when you sit down, follow you into the bathroom, and even sit on your foot as you stand at the sink doing dishes! Because of their attachment to their family, Brussels Griffons are strictly house dogs. If relegated to a garage or kennel, the Griffon will pine away without love and personal attention, no matter how well their other needs are met. They should always have the opportunity to socialize with their people, otherwise they will become unhappy and withdraw into their shell. Griffons are happiest when they can sleep in your bed, follow you throughout your daily activities, and be an integral part of the family.
Griffons get along well with other pets, and enjoy the companionship of their human and animal family members. A word of caution - due to their innate sense of self importance, they are not aware of their small stature. As a result, they will often try to dominate dogs many times their size and could be hurt by a larger pet. Griffons love to romp and play, and will often amuse you by tearing through the house and running in circles for the sheer joy of it. When playtime is through, they will curl up next to you for a nap, again showing that they are true velcro dogs.
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