History and Origins
The Griffon Bruxellois is a Belgian breed that was created in the 19th century by crossing Affenpinschers, Pugs and Belgian stable dogs. Hansom cab drivers needed a small, intelligent dog to guard their cabs and dispense with vermin in the stables. The toughness of the street dogs, mixed with the cleverness of the Affenpinschers, proved useful to the cab drivers. Later, English Toy Spaniels were bred in to create an almost human-like face for the Griffon dog and possibly some Yorkshire Terrier was added into the mix.
