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The Griffon Bruxellois and Petit Brabancon 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 important as is using the correct shampoo. For this coat type use Plush Puppy Texture + Shampoo. It is formulated to retain and improve coat texture. This shampoo is made for Terriers and other wire, harsh or coarse coated breeds as it will not soften the texture. It is low irritant, pH controlled and is easy to rinse out. It is full of beneficial and powerful extracts that combine to nourish and vitalise the skin. Use diluted up to 1:10 (1 part shampoo to 10 parts water) or apply undiluted directly to areas requiring intensive cleansing. Rinse thoroughly.
For those wishing added shine to the coat use Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo with Henna at a ratio of 1:5. This has concentrated henna extract for amazing shine and is 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 and tans use Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo for toning the unwanted warm tones in the blacks.
The Brabançon have a short and tight coat. The best shampoo for this is Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo with Henna at a ratio of 1:5. This allows the dogs coat to sit in a tight finish and adds a beautiful shine.
Both coat types have a very breed typical brachy face. When washing faces always use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It.. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed just for faces. This no tear formula will clean, soothe, add moisture, aid healing and features anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. It can also be used in and around the ears with the same benefits.
An Important tip to keep both coats in their correct texture and finish is not to use a conditioner 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 after shampooing. This will hydrate the coat without softening. Seabreeze Oil is excellent for maintaining the healthy vigour to the skin and coat and is all plant sourced from Evening Primrose and Calendula Oils. It is non greasy and totally water soluble. Dilute 1 teaspoon into 1 Litre of water, mix well, then work well through the coat with a large sponge. LEAVE IN. DO NOT RINSE. Then blow dry. It gives incredible sheen and finish to the hair. We cannot stress enough the wonderful attributes of this product.
For a deeper coat hydration or treatment on a Bruxellois furnishings use Plush Puppy Coat Rescue. This is brilliant for a dry and brittle coat in need of hydration again with no risk of softening or changing texture. The very purest and highest quality ingredients have gone into this bottle of goodness. Mix 2-3 tablespoons into 500mls of water and slather liberally throughout the coat. Leave for a minimum of 5-10 minute before rinsing. Coat Rescue is the ultimate for repairing a coat.
For those who want a little more harshness to the coat nothing beats our Plush Puppy Ruffy Tuffy Coat Spray. It instantly firms and coarsens the coat for that wirey texturised look. Just a light spray and then blow dry or brush dry.
To Increase texture and to aid in hand stripping and carding, use Plush Puppy Powder Puff Terrier. This remarkable naturally sourced loose chalk adds that harshness needed. Just a light sprinkle and pat in. The white chalk disappears without a trace leaving a crisp coat.
For those needing to keep areas in place during or after styling, use Plush Puppy Hold. This is a strong sculpting spray formulated for shaping coats. The quick drying formulation won’t become sticky and will not build-up. Use and store at normal room temperature for a perfect mist spray. Optimum spray distance is approximately 30cm.
For maximum lift on the legs, beard and moustache, use 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 we suggest different ways to add texture is that we understand that individual dogs coats needs differ at times. Hence there is a choice of products to achieve the desired outcome. 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.
When brushing the Bruxellois use 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. Brush while aiming the air of the dryer in the direction of the growth.
For the legs and hocks use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Slicker Brush. This ‘Rolls Royce’ brush promises durability and flawless brushed results every time. A soft, flexible natural rubber air-cushion houses the soft pins. These pins penetrate through the dogs coat without excessive pulling on the hair or scratching the skin. This brush is of ergonomic design to lessen strain on the groomer’s hands while at the same time offering maximum brush contact. It ensures a gentler, more comfortable brushing experience.
Finish with a Plush Puppy Professional Grooming Comb, built for absolute ergonomic comfort in various sizes. The lightweight oval shaped spine combining fine and coarse pins made of hardened stainless steel with anodic oxide finish that reduces drag and static to the coat. Perfect for use for this breed of dog.
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.
At times due to various reasons including the weather static electricity can create flyaways. If this occurs use Plush Puppy Anti-Static Coat Control. This is a lightweight spray is infused with organic extracts that offers a UV filter to stop sun damage and protect against heat strength for the perfect finished look of the coat.
To describe how to correctly hand strip or 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 watch the masters at work. Their skill and eye for detail is remarkable and their talent is true art. Practice makes perfect.
For a final boost of shine and lustre, spray a light mist of Plush Puppy Shine and Comb 30cm above the coat and let the mist fall onto the coat. Allow it to settle then wipe over with the palm of the hand for extra gloss. By keeping shine to the coat, you instantly give the appearance of deeper and richer coat colour.
I suggest also a hint of Plush Puppy Pixie Dust applied to the edge of your Plush Puppy Powder Application Brush and dusted lightly against the growth of the coat. This allows 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 recognised and stand out in a crowd. When presented perfectly they are truly stunning.
Plush Puppy Australia.
