According to mythical tradition, griffon - a creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion, symbolizing the rule over the two spheres of existence: the earth and air. His image is often found in the fine arts of ancient Greece and Rome, and very typical of the era. In one of the myths, telling about the gold of the Scythians, treasure it guards the Griffon.
But, fortunately, our Griffons you have nothing in common with these mythical monsters. It's just a charming little dog, covered with harsh hair with surprisingly expressive face and dark, intelligent eyes, very similar to the little monkeys. The name they were not because they like the legendary monsters, everything is much simpler: «Griffon» in French means «wire-haired».
Griffons - mischievous and funny dog with a wonderful character, very sociable. They are extremely rich, expressive gestures and big dark eyes with a meaningful human eye. Griffons very well feel the mood of the owner. Griffons optimistic and always stride through life with your head held high and the charming «smile». They are very intelligent and inquisitive, like to learn and always try to please their masters, who endlessly betrayed.
Despite the small size, Griffons durable and strong, they love long walks in the woods, and capable enough to overcome great distances. Your little one will be very happy if you allow him to accompany you everywhere.
How they get there?
History does not give a clear answer to this question. The roots of origin of this breed are lost in centuries. How often happened in ancient times, historical facts are rarely recorded, and came to us through folklore, where the information is in most cases took the form of symbolic images. And this leads to ambiguity, and sometimes to contradictory. Nevertheless, some facts deserve attention.
Jan van Eyck. Couple Arnolfini
The first picture of the ancestor of the Brussels griffon has appeared on the painting of the Flemish painter Jean Van Eyck «Couple Arnolfini», which dates from the 1434 year. Another image, confirming the origin of ancient rocks - a portrait of Henry III with the dog, written by Jacob de Empoli (1554-1640). This tiny little dog - a symbol of elegance - a complement to the brilliant toilets aristocratic times Countess de Monsoreau.
It is believed that the ancestors were griffon «Belgian street dog» and affenpinchers. In the XVIII century Griffon gained fame as a brave Pied Piper. It is believed that if the owners of these dogs were Belgian groom. Then, these dogs, and called - «Griffons D'Ecurie», or «Stable Griffons». They lived in the stables and enjoy the fame skilled rat-catchers. According to sources, these dogs often traveled in carriages, and, thanks to its charming muzzles, pets reputed ladies and a cab ...! Pioneers of Griffon and rat warehouses European ports.
Since ancient times, Griffons inherited speed, strength, and especially by small jaws. They were very lively, curious, alert, unpretentious dog, capable of destroying rodents, guard house and just keep the company. In those days Griffons were larger than modern. In the folk songs and tales, often referred to «Owl dog», because She lived in almost every house.
In Yorkshire and the Midlands «Hard as the type of wool, and to the liking of red dog» were favorites of miners. They accompanied their owners to work and hid in a coat pocket, waiting for the lunch hour, when they fetched from there and they have shared with the owner of the meal, and sometimes, if lucky, baby could eat and run through a rat!
Later, in the middle of the XIX century, these dogs were kept in the coach house of the Belgian monarch. Not surprisingly, dog toys and liked by the Belgian monarch. In the second half of the XIX century, a great admirer and guardian of the breed has become the queen of Belgium - Henrietta Maria.
Also remarkable the fact that Queen Draga Serbian, who lived in the years 1867-1903. Was very fond of one of its small Griffon, and he also saved her life. Queen, suspect that the people wish to poison him, gave a taste all their pet food. Her suspicions were confirmed when the dog died.
For the first time this breed was represented at the Dog Show in Brussels in 1880. This red-haired dog with a rigid semi-longhair was like some police sergeant. And since the breed was not yet his name and the title of «small Belgian terrier wire-haired» did not enjoy a special affection, she received the name «dog-cop». «Police dog» admired, has been awarded, and one of the visitors, an Englishman, bought it.
Affenpincher
The main influence on the formation of the breed has certainly affenpincher. With a view to shortening of the muzzle was used by King Charles Spaniel already in XIX century. Due to this, he received appearance characteristic of the modern Griffon, and also lost the ability to deal with rodents. Later griffon pug crossed with a breed that is already entrenched in neighboring Holland. It appeared Griffon XX century.
The military disasters of the twentieth century affected the sad fate of the Griffon in Europe. After World War II, the Brussels Griffon became at home even more rare than in Switzerland, Italy and France. In 1993, the French stud book appeared only 25 records of newborn babies, Griffon. More or less successfully breed continued to grow only in Britain and the United States.
Now, interest in the breed these little dogs is experiencing a new surge, which, however, does not contribute to the preservation of its cleanliness.
Source: Griffons
Breed History
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