Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Belgian Griffon is a decorative companion breed that originated in Brussels in the 19th century. It was developed from local street dogs of the Smousje type, crossed with Pugs and small Spaniels. Breeders aimed to create a compact dog with an expressive face, dense coat, and stable temperament. The breed quickly gained popularity among city residents for its distinctive appearance and loyalty to its owner. The Belgian Griffon has always been valued exclusively as a companion dog, preserving its unique charm and national identity.
General Appearance
The Belgian Griffon is a small, well-built dog of square format with balanced proportions and strong constitution. It is characterized by a distinctive expressive face with a short muzzle and prominent beard, giving it a peculiar “human-like” expression. The coat is harsh, dense, and of medium length, forming the breed’s typical silhouette. The head appears large in proportion to the body, with big, round, dark eyes. The ears are semi-erect or slightly tilted, and the tail is set high. Movement is free, confident, and proud, reflecting the breed’s alert and cheerful nature.
Important Proportions
The body has a square outline, with the length from shoulder to croup equal to the height at the withers. The head is large and expressive, about one-third of the dog’s total height. The muzzle is short, not exceeding one-third of the head’s length. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, the back straight and strong, the loin compact. Limbs are well-proportioned and strong, with round, tight feet. The tail is set high, carried upward but not curled over the back. Overall proportions must emphasize harmony, balance, and sturdy construction.
Behavior and Temperament
The Belgian Griffon is an intelligent, devoted, and lively companion dog. It combines curiosity, emotional sensitivity, and alertness while remaining even-tempered and affectionate. Deeply attached to its owner, it does not tolerate loneliness. The breed is sociable, good with children and other pets, and free from aggression when properly socialized. Highly trainable and responsive, it willingly follows commands. The Belgian Griffon’s expressive face and rich facial mimicry make it a charming and engaging household companion.
Head
The head is relatively large compared to the body, round in outline, with a wide, domed forehead. The stop is pronounced and well defined. The cheeks are rounded and full, emphasizing the wide and short muzzle. The face is framed by a beard and whiskers, creating the breed’s trademark “human-like” expression. The head is the defining characteristic of the Belgian Griffon.
Muzzle
The muzzle is very short, no longer than one-third of the head’s total length, wide and straight or slightly upturned. The nose is black, with wide, open nostrils, placed at eye level. The lips are tight, though the upper lip slightly overlaps the lower, gently covering the jaw. The beard and whiskers form a distinctive contour, enhancing the dog’s expressive look.
Eyes
The eyes are large, round, and well set apart, dark in color with a bright expression. The overall look is intelligent, soft, and highly expressive. Eyelids are tight and fully pigmented. Light eyes, asymmetry, excessive protrusion, or almond-shaped eyes are considered faults. The eyes contribute greatly to the breed’s charm and individuality.
Ears
The ears are small, set high and wide apart. In their natural form, they are semi-erect or slightly tilted forward, with rounded tips. They should be in proportion to the head, not too large or heavy. Cropping is permissible only in countries where it is not prohibited, though the natural ear is preferred in ICCF standards.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong and dry, blending smoothly into the shoulders. It is well set, enhancing the proud posture typical of the breed. The skin is firm and tight, with no dewlap. The neck must be muscular enough to support the head and maintain confident movement.
Body
The body is compact and square in shape, with a short, straight, and firm back. The loin is muscular and strong, the chest broad and deep, extending to the elbows. The ribs are slightly rounded but not barrel-shaped. The abdomen is slightly tucked up, the croup short and slightly sloping. The general impression is one of compact strength and balanced elegance.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, set high, and carried upward in a lively manner, but not curled tightly over the back. The tip may show a slight curve. It should be in balance with the dog’s body, completing the silhouette and emphasizing the breed’s proud appearance.
Forequarters
The forelegs are straight, parallel, and well-boned. The shoulder blades are sloping and well angulated, with strong, muscular upper arms. The elbows are close to the body, turning neither in nor out. Pasterns are short and slightly slanted. The feet are small, round, and tight, with firm pads and black nails.
Hindquarters
The hind legs are strong and muscular, parallel when viewed from behind. Thighs are broad and well-developed, stifles well bent, and hocks low-set and firm. Feet are compact, round, with strong pads and black nails. Cow-hocked or sickle-shaped hindquarters are considered faults.
Gait and Movement
Movement is lively, free, and confident, with good rear drive and balanced front reach. The dog moves proudly, maintaining a level back and demonstrating balance, coordination, and vitality. Stiff, uneven, or insecure movement is undesirable.
Coat and Color
The coat is harsh, dense, and of medium length, lying close to the body and forming a distinct beard, mustache, and furnishings. The undercoat is well developed. The coat must never be soft, sparse, or excessively long. Accepted colors include black, black and tan, or red in all shades, with or without a darker mask. Small white markings on the chest are tolerated but not desirable.
Size
The Belgian Griffon is a small dog. Height at the withers ranges from 23 to 28 cm. Weight varies between 3.5 and 6 kg. Males are typically more robust and expressive; females are slightly finer but must not appear fragile. Oversized or overly small dogs are considered faulty.
Faults
Faults include any deviation from the standard that does not fundamentally alter the breed type but detracts from balance or expression. These include a slightly elongated body, insufficient depth of chest, flat ribs, or weak bone. Heads lacking the characteristic expression, muzzles longer than allowed, or poorly developed beard and whiskers are considered faults. Light eyes, loose eyelids, weak pigmentation of the nose or lips, oversized ears, short or overly long necks, and improper tail carriage are penalized. Soft, sparse, or excessively long coat texture, lack of furnishings, or poor grooming are also undesirable. Gait faults such as stiffness or insufficient reach and drive reduce the dog’s overall impression.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifications include serious deviations that affect health, breed type, or temperament. These include aggression or extreme shyness, lack of characteristic expression, total absence of nose pigmentation, blue or heterochromatic eyes, cross-eyed appearance, incorrect bite (undershot, overshot), missing multiple teeth beyond those permitted. Cropped ears or tails in countries where prohibited are not accepted. Albinism, non-standard colors, large white markings, or a complete lack of harsh coat texture are disqualifying. Dogs exceeding or falling below the standard in height or weight, or exhibiting structural deformities that impair movement, are excluded from breeding and exhibition.
Important Notes
Within the ICCF system, the Belgian Griffon is classified as a companion and decorative breed, valued for its expressive appearance and distinctive temperament. During evaluation, judges must focus particularly on the characteristic head expression, square body format, coat quality, and correct color. Only healthy, well-groomed dogs in natural condition may participate in shows. The use of cosmetic or surgical alterations is prohibited. Breeding pairs must be carefully selected to preserve health, correct anatomy, and temperament, while avoiding inbreeding. The breed’s cheerful yet balanced disposition is essential to its character and must always be preserved.
Conclusion
According to the ICCF standard, the Belgian Griffon is a refined decorative breed with a sturdy build, harsh coat, and distinctive expressive face. These dogs are intelligent, loyal, and full of character, making them ideal companions. Participation in shows and breeding programs is allowed only for dogs that fully meet the standard and possess official ICCF documentation confirming pedigree and registration. Verified lineage and compliance with ICCF regulations ensure the preservation of the breed’s purity, health, and unique temperament. The Belgian Griffon rightfully holds its place among the world’s most charming decorative breeds, admired both in the show ring and as a devoted family companion.
