CHAPTER LIX 

 THE GRIFFON BRUXELLOIS 



To Belgium the country that gave us the coal-black little Schipperke, 

 we are indebted for yet another variety of pet-dog in the Griffon 

 Bruxellois, and one that promises to out-distance in the race for 

 popularity several other breeds that have been much longer 

 naturalised here. The actual constituents from which it has been 

 made are not known, though Continental and English fanciers alike 

 have given their opinions upon the origin of the breed. Certain it 

 is that the Griffon Bruxellois approaches the Terriers, and, in the 

 writer's opinion, partakes somewhat of the Yorkshire Terrier, though 

 much smaller in the skull and shorter in the face than is associated 

 with that breed ; added to which he has a protruding chin, a very 

 harsh coat, and an altogether quaint expression. 



Though the breed, so far as this country is concerned, has not 

 been long with us, it has made rapid headway, and if the " faddists "" 

 will but keep it of a respectable size and not sacrifice all that is 

 typical to diminutiveness, we shall have in the breed one of the 

 most popular of all pet-dogs. Again, it will be a mistake to recognise 

 as Griffons either the smooth-coated or silky-coated specimens that 

 are found in litters. If the former, as is supposed, is necessary for 

 the production of the coats of the Griffon Bruxellois proper, then 

 for show a classification should be found for them under some 

 other name than " Griffon," irrespective of what is done in other 

 countries. As showing the rapid strides that the breed has made 

 here, it may be instanced that within three years of separate classes 

 being provided for it at shows, the Kennel Club authorities thought 

 fit to give it a place in their Stud Book. Two clubs have been formed 

 to watch over the interests of the breed ; while Mrs. Handley Spicer 

 has to all intents and purposes published a monograph thereon, 



From whatever constituents it was originally evolved, the variety 

 breeds fairly true to type, though in the same litter coats differ consider- 

 ably in texture and length. There is, however, one blotch upon its 

 escutcheon namely, the practice that now and again is resorted to 

 in order to give an unorthodox coat the orthodox colour, as was 



