JUDGING BRUSSELS GRIFFONS by Carole Ross (A version of this article appeared in the December 2017 edition of SHOWSIGHT.)
W hen talking to people about what the judges are looking for in the Brussels Griffon ring, the most common answer will be: “It is a head breed.” They are com- monly referred to as such because the head probably is the most endearing feature the Brussels Griffon has. The head represents 35 points out of 100 on the point scale. To quote Jeffery Bazell (breeder-judge): “A Brussels Griffon’s head is its crowning glo- ry.” Jeff goes on to say, “...but only
when found in combination with a well-balanced, cobby body.” That statement could not be truer. It is so important for a judge to judge the “full package.” The head, body, and move- ment make up the “full package.” The AKC Breed Standard calls for a head with an almost human-like ex- pression. The head is a very impor- tant feature. Eyes are set well apart, very large, black, prominent, and well opened. Eyelashes are long and black. Eyes should be edged in black. We are
seeing Griffons in the ring with very little or no “eyeliner.” We are seeing a lot of small eyes in the breed and that is incorrect. Breeders should be breeding for proper eyes and judges should be looking for them. Ears should be small and set rather high on the head. Ears may be shown cropped or natural. If natural, they should be semi-erect. Some will say they are “rose ears.” Rose ears, howev- er, are not part of the Brussels Griffon Breed Standard in the United States.
T op N otch T oys , J anuary 2024 • 39
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