The Griffon Bruxellois and Petit Brabançon are descended from a small rough-coated dog called a “Smousje”, which for centuries has been found in the Brussels area. In the 19th century, bringing in bloodlines from the Ruby King Charles Spaniel and the Pug produced the short black coat and fixed the current breed type. These little dogs are very alert and were bred to guard carriages and keep stables free from rodents. In 1883 the first Griffon Bruxellois were registered at L.O.S.H. (The St. Hubert studbook). They were Topsy (L.O.S.H. nr.163) and Foxine (L.O.S.H. nr.164). By about 1900 they had become very popular, together with other breeds, thanks to the royal interest shown in them by Queen Marie-Henriette of Belgium. Many specimens were exported abroad and helped the spread and popularity of the breed.
The coats come in 2 varieties. Roughs with coat that is harsh, wiry, free from curl, preferably with undercoat. Smooths with a short and tight coat.
Let’s start with the rough-coated Bruxellois. This is a “terrier” type double coat that is hand stripped to maintain the correct texture and shape for the breed. The breed is famous for its beard and moustache along with the slightly longer coat on their legs to create this stylish smart outline. Texture is an important as is using the correct shampoo. For this coat type to maintain texture use Plush Puppy Texture + Shampoo is another product formulated using the latest technology to retain and improve coat texture. Recommended to thoroughly yet gently cleanse and deodorise the coat of terrier type coats and other wire, harsh or coarse coated breeds without softening or compromising texture. It’s ideal for boosting body and coarseness in coats of all colours and coat types. Formulated to be pH controlled, creates/ maintains texture, easy to rinse out and low irritant with a subtle apple fragrance. Incorporates Gentian Root Extract, Juniper Fruit Extract, St John’s Wort Leaf Extract, Norway Spruce Leaf Extract, Hayflower Extract, Lemon Balm Leaf Extract, Arnica Flower Extract. Use at 1:10 or apply undiluted directly to areas requiring cleansing. Rinse thoroughly.
For those wishing added shine to the coat use Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo with Henna at a ratio of 5:1 (i.e. 5 parts water to 1-part shampoo). This has concentrated henna extract for amazing shine and excellent for reds. This can just be used on toplines and skulls if needed or an overall shampoo for dogs with excellent coat texture. For the blacks and black & tans use Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo for toning the unwanted warm tones in the blacks.
The Brabançon have a short and tight coat. Best is Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo with Henna at a ratio of 5:1 (i.e. 5 parts water to 1-part shampoo). This along with been a shine shampoo also allows the dogs coat to sit in a tight finish.
Both coat types have a very breed typical brachy face. Washing this whilst making sure it is perfectly clean and using a shampoo with a no-tear formula. For this use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It, – what the dog showing world has needed for way too long. Another one of the famous Plush Puppy products with the latest technology and the highest amounts of naturally sourced ingredients has developed a product that is a must! This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed for faces. It’s no tear formula with the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro-Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean soothes, adds moisture, aids healing, and anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows easy of rinsing yet complete cleaning.
An important thing is to keep both coats in their correct texture and finish is not to use a conditioner them after bathing. A normal conditioner only softens and fluffs a coat like the Griffons which is not what you want. Instead, use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil as a final rinse. This fabulous product is all natural primarily consisting of Evening Primrose Oil, Calendula Oil, etc. It gives optimum gloss and healthy vigor to the skin & coat. Use diluted 1 teaspoon to 1/4 gal/1 L bucket of water. Squish well through the coat, working right down to the skin. Now leave it in and do not rinse out. Then blow-dry.
For a deeper hydration to a coat or a treatment on furnishing on a Bruxellois use Plush Puppy Coat Rescue. This is for when that coat is dry, brittle and needs hydration without softening or changing texture. The very purest and highest quality ingredient has gone into this bottle of goodness and should be applied diluted at 2-3 tablespoons to 500 ml of water and slathered liberally throughout the coat and left on for min of 5-10 mins Then rinse. Wonderful for repairing a coat.
For those who want a little more harshness to the coat, nothing beats our Plush Puppy Ruffy Tuffy for instantly adding texture and hardness. Just a light spray and then blow-dry or brush dry.
To Increase texture and in aiding hand stripping and carding use Plush Puppy Powder Puff Terrier. This remarkable powder uses a scientific blend of powders that add texture whilst also deodorizing the coat. This product is very effective, hence less is more. A very light sprinkle and brush in.
For those needing an aerosol spray use Plush Puppy Hold is a strong sculpting spray scientifically formulated for shaping all types of coats on Show Dogs. The quick-drying formulation won’t become sticky and will not build-up. Hold can be removed with ease by simply shampooing the coat. Contains Pro-Vitamin B5 to improve elasticity, moisture retention, and flexibility in their coat hair. We recommend using and storing at normal room temperature for a perfect mist spray. Optimum spray distance is approximately 30cm (12 inches).
For maximum lift on legs, beard, and moustache, use the Plush Puppy Puffy Dog+ strong hold mousse. This gives great lift and fullness. Apply a golf ball-sized amount to the area and work in before drying. We suggest you do one area at a time and dry before doing the next area. This helps achieve the best results.
The reason the Plush Puppy has more than one way to add texture and/or is we understand that individual dogs need at times different products to achieve desired results. Using the right product best suited for what your dog needs and the result you want is extremely important.
For between shows maintenance, add Plush Puppy Reviva Coat to the furnishings and to the edges and underbelly of the coat for protection. This is a great between show moisturiser to use without softening the coat. It is the perfect product for after-show bathing out of the furnishings, to protect and moisturize.
Brushing use on the Bruxellois the Plush Puppy Ultimate Anti-Static Porcupine Brush which is 1/2 dialon pin and 1/2 bristle enabling you to smooth the jacket of the coat. Aiming the air of the dryer to follow the growth of the hair and not against the growth. For the legs and hocks use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Slicker Brush this is the Rolls Royce of brushes. All brushes are exclusive to Plush Puppy using the finest of materials and ergonomically designed.
Dry the Brabançon using a bristle brush such as the Plush Puppy Ultimate Pure Black Boar Bristle Brush and then a polishing mitt for grooming on show day.
To describe how to correctly hand strip/trim your Bruxellois is near impossible. This is a skill and art which many try, and the masters achieve. There are no short cuts, at every and any opportunity to watch the masters at work. Their skill and eye for detail is remarkable and their talent is true art. Practice makes perfect.
At the show use a light application of Plush Puppy Shine and Comb misted high above the topline, allow to settle and then wipe over with the palm of the hand for extra gloss. I suggest also a hint of Plush Puppy Pixie Dust judiciously applied to the edge of the brush and dusted lightly against the growth of the coat to allow the powder to settle down into the coat and the shimmer to stay on the top. Nice when it picks up the pinpricks of light from the sun or a spotlight.
A quick spray over with Plush Puppy Odour Muncher to keep your dog smelling boutique fresh.
This is truly an amazing breed that not only has captured the hearts of their owners but judges alike. Their distinctive head and expression with their stylish shape and balance are so easily recognized and stand out in a crowd. When presented perfectly they are truly stunning.