Dogs are amazingly loyal creatures that have their own special way of seizing our love. It’s as if we are instinctively driven to them. With their popularity on the rise for decades, there are now hundreds of dog breeds that we can select among as our companion dogs. One of the most popular, and yet least understood, breeds is Petit Brabancon, also known as the “Small Brabant Griffon”. In this article, we will have a look at the top 7 interesting facts about this breed so that you get to know your lovely little furry friend better.
1. Petit Brabancon’s Ancesters
The Petit Brabancon is a breed of dog that originated in Belgium, specifically in the region of Brussels. The breed is a descendant of the Griffon Bruxellois, which is also known as the Brussels Griffon. The Brussels Griffon was first developed in the 1800s by breeding together various small terriers and other breeds, such as the Pug and the King Charles Spaniel. Over time, breeders began to focus on developing smaller versions of the Griffon Bruxellois, which eventually led to the creation of the Petit Brabancon.
While the Petit Brabancon is closely related to the Brussels Griffon, the breed is considered a separate breed in its own right. The Petit Brabancon was recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) in 1954, and it is now recognized by many other kennel clubs around the world.
2. Easy to Groom and Maintain
Unlike wiry Brussels Griffons, Petit Brabancon is very easy to groom and maintain. The coat will remain in good shape without any brushing and grooming.
The Petit Brabancon is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, but there are still a few things that you should do to keep your dog healthy and looking their best. Here are some grooming and maintenance tips for the Petit Brabancon:
- Brush their coat regularly: Despite having a short, smooth coat, Petit Brabancons do shed. Brushing their coat once or twice a week can help remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout their coat, keeping it shiny and healthy.
- Clean their ears: Petit Brabancons have floppy ears that can trap moisture and dirt, leading to infections. Check and clean their ears regularly to prevent this from happening.
- Trim their nails: Petit Brabancons have small, delicate paws, so it’s important to keep their nails trimmed to a proper length. If you hear their nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim.
- Bathe as needed: Petit Brabancons are generally clean dogs and don’t need frequent baths. However, if they get particularly dirty or smelly, you can give them a bath using a gentle dog shampoo.
- Brush their teeth: Dental health is important for all dogs, including the Petit Brabancon. Brush their teeth regularly to prevent tartar buildup and maintain fresh breath.
- Regular vet checkups: It’s important to take your Petit Brabancon to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations to ensure they stay healthy and happy. Your vet can also give you advice on any additional grooming or maintenance your dog may need based on their individual needs.
3. Tiny Size
A Petit, as its name suggests, refers to a small or tiny dog. In general, their height ranges between 9-12 inches (23-30 cm), and their weight ranges between 8-13 pounds (3,5-2 kg). Males and females are not very different in size. Whenever you look at a Petit Brabancon, the first thing you will probably notice is their grimy face with wide-open eyes. A big reason for the popularity of these dogs is their cuteness which kind of resembles that of a human baby face. The dogs’ ears are set high on their heads, while their muzzle is rather short, and their eyes are large and round.
4. Smooth, Short-haired Coat
Is there anything unique about Petit Brabancon’s coat that makes it different from the other Brussels Griffons?
The main difference between Petit Brabancon and the other Brussels Griffons, namely the Griffon Bruxellois and the Griffon Belge, is its coat.
- Petit Brabancon has a smooth, short-haired coat that is sleek and shiny. It is different from the other Brussels Griffons that have a rough, wiry coat that requires frequent grooming and trimming. The smooth coat of the Petit Brabancon is also less likely to cause allergies and is easier to maintain than the other varieties.
- The color of Petit Brabancon’s coat can vary from black, black and tan, red, or belge (a mix of black and reddish-brown). They have a round head with a short muzzle and big, dark eyes. The ears are usually cropped to stand upright, giving them a distinctive look.
- Overall, the Petit Brabancon is a small, elegant dog with a friendly and affectionate personality. Their smooth coat sets them apart from the other Brussels Griffons and makes them a popular choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance pet with minimal grooming needs.
5. Strong Attachment to Their Owners
The Petit Brabancon is sometimes called a “Velcro dog” because of their strong attachment to their owners. They tend to follow their owners around everywhere, wanting to be close to them and seeking attention and affection.
This trait is common among many small dog breeds, but it is particularly noticeable in the Petit Brabancon. They are loyal and affectionate companions that thrive on human companionship, and they often form a strong bond with their owners. The term “Velcro dog” is used to describe dogs that are highly dependent on their owners and tend to stick to them like Velcro. Other breeds that are sometimes referred to as “Velcro dogs” include the Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and the Havanese.
Overall, the Petit Brabancon’s loyalty and affectionate nature make them great companions for those who are looking for a dog that will always be by their side. They will be there for you at all times even when you’re at your most relaxing time.
6. History
Historically, Petit Brabancon was used for a lot of hard work. Apart from being very effective ratters, they served as vermin discouragers and theft deterrents. Their courage, sense of adventure, lively nature, and fearlessness make them unquestionably suitable for this purpose. Amazingly enough, the majority of them live a spoiled companion pet lifestyle today. There is no way to be bored with this amazing companion dog.
7. Petit Brabancon’s Lifespan
Petit Brabancon dogs usually live around 13 or 14 years, so we can say they are pretty healthy pet dogs. Yet, there are some health issues that can affect them just like any other breed of dog in the world. There are times when they suffer from some eye problems, including luxation of the lens or cataracts. Apart from allergies and infections, this breed is not known to suffer from extreme heart problems.
In conclusion
Petit Brabancon has all the ideal features of a companion dog. It is beautiful, charming, playful, and healthy. If you have made up your mind to adopt a Petit Brabancon, you need to know that this breed needs daily exercise for at least 30 minutes to remain satisfied with the owner. It also helps them socialize with their friends/family members more easily.
FAQ:
Yes, Petit Brabancons can be good with children, but it’s important to socialize them from a young age and supervise interactions between them and children.
Yes, Petit Brabancons are intelligent and can be trained easily. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, work well with this breed.
Yes, Petit Brabancons can adapt well to apartment living, as they are small and do not require a lot of space to exercise. However, they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation, so daily walks and playtime are important.
No, Petit Brabancons are social dogs that thrive on human companionship. They can become anxious and destructive if left alone for long periods of time, so they are not recommended for households where they will be alone for hours every day.
Yes, Petit Brabancons can get along well with other pets if they are socialized properly from a young age. However, they may have a high prey drive and try to chase small animals, so it’s important to supervise interactions between them and other pets.
Yes, Petit Brabancons are known for their tendency to bark, and they can be quite vocal. Early training and socialization can help to minimize excessive barking.
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