I am certainly
not an expert on the breed. I just love the breed! I now have three Brussels
Griffons of my own and they are my babies! The first, we call her "Brat" as
she was called when we got her. Of course that is not her registered name,
just her call name. Then there is Nelly our second griff. She is a sweetheart.
And now we have another baby - Little Duke. Duke is our "pet store rescue" and
he is certainly not little anymore. He is the biggest griffon I have ever seen
and by far exceeds the breed standard in size. I suppose he is a good example
of a pet store quality griffon and what to expect when you buy from a pet
store, but I don't recommend anyone buy from pet stores. I discourage it in
fact because I believe it supports the indiscriminate breeding of poor quality
dogs.
If you are thinking about owning a Brussels Griffon, I recommend that you
check out some of the links that are posted below and get
to know what the experts say. Brussels Griffons are not the choice pet for for
everyone! You should read some of the stories on the National Brussels Griffon
Rescue, Inc site and consider adopting a rescued griffon.
Owning a griffon is a wonderful experience if you want a constant
companion. I mean constant! But there are definitely things to consider
before you invest in the life of any animal! Most pet owners know what it
requires, but if you have never owned a pet, I recommend that you think and
think twice about how your life will change!
Being Mom to our fur kids is a wonderful experience, but it does have its
realities. If you are thinking about a new pet:
Consider vacations and what will you do with your new furry child? It
can be hard to find motels that will accept pets and I have learned that
grandmothers take far more vacations than I do and therefore can't always be
available to baby-sit.
Consider the costs of owning a pet. You will have to feed them. You will
have to take them to the vet when they are sick and when they are not for
routine shots and check-ups. If you live in the south, think fleas! It can
cost a small fortune for flea control! Pets like toys and treats too!
Consider the time you will need to spend with them. They need love and
especially Brussels Griffons, they really are a companion animal. Brat is
almost always with me. If I go, she goes. When I have to leave her at home,
she is heartbroken and so am I.
Consider hygiene. As much as I love our girl, I must admit she can
stink! You will have to bathe your dog or pay someone else to do it.
Professional groomers are wonderful people! With 3 dogs grooming gets
expensive. I do most of it myself now, but Brat used to go to
The Blue Poodle
for her grooming.
Brussels Griffons have special grooming requirements. If you are going
to show or maintain a show ready dog, you will have to have their coats
"stripped" if a rough coated griffon is your fancy. Guess what - more time,
and or more money. And even if you are not going to show your dog, griffons
still are more challenging to groom on your own!
This is by no means a complete list, just a few things to make you
think. REALLY, do the research and be sure of what you want and what you
realistically have time for in your life.
If you do decide on a Brussels Griffon, please buy it from a reputable
breeder and do not support
puppy-mills! - Don't know what a puppy mill
is? Click on the link to see just what a puppy mill is.
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