Petit Brabançon
Smooth Brussels Griffon
The Petit Brabançon is a small companion breed that was originally developed from ratters working in the stables of Belgian carriage men. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognize them as one of three different breeds of griffon from Belgium, the other two being Belgian Griffon and Brussels Griffon. The American Kennel Club and Kennel Club recognize all varieties as a single breed.
The word “Griffon” comes from a French word meaning wiry dog, but the Petit Brabançon is a smooth coated dog. As such it does not have this description in its name and instead was named after the Belgian national anthem, La Brabonconne.
Although the FCI does not classify them as such, the Belgian griffons are likely part of the pinscher/schnauzer family of dogs. This family includes breeds such as the Affenpinscher, Schnauzers, and German and Austrian Pinschers.
Petit Brabançon Standards
- 7-8"
- 8-12 lbs
- small toy breed
- ears are small and semi erect when left natural, traditionally cropped where legal
- tail is carried upward, traditionally cropped where legal
- straight, short, smooth coat
- black
- black and tan
- red
History of the Petit Brabançon
The history of the Petit Brabançon coincides with that of the Brussels Griffon. Smooth-coated pups did not occur in Brussels litters until after crosses with other breeds in the late 1800s. It is thought that the Pug specifically caused this variant.
Today the Petit Brabançon and other griffons enjoy a quiet life as companions. While not a popular breed, their numbers remain stable and there are enough fanciers that its future appears secure.
Related Breeds: