Is a NAME Just a NAME?
by Jeffrey Bazell
A fter 30 years breeding and exhibiting Brussels Griffon, I have recently noticed a disturbing trend regarding the common naming of the breed. Historically and traditionally, the breed’s name has been shortened to “Griffon” rather than “Brussels.” With the influx of many new own- ers, handlers and judges to the breed, we old timers are hearing “Brussels” used daily and for many it makes the hair stand up on the back of our necks. It is especially aggravating to hear, “What does it matter?” or “What- ever!” after a gentle correction and explanation, especially when the misnaming comes from the ranks of canine professionals. I have had people state that they will call the breed whatever they choose, and that either is proper because they’ve heard other people use the term. Personally, I’ve heard people use a lot of language that I will not use myself because others do it. Throughout the world, with the exception of the United States and Canada, the breed is known as Grif- fon Bruxellois. Further designations of Griffon Belge (Black or Black and Tan
rough coated dogs) and Petit Brabancon (smooth dogs of all recognized colors) are recognized varieties by countries adhering to FCI standards. Griffon Bruxellois simply trans- lates to “Griffon of Brussels,” the Grif- fon Belge are the “Griffons of Bel- gium” and Petit Brabancon are the
called “Germans” rather than Shep- herds? But then perhaps one means the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Ger- man Wirehaired Pointer! In common usage terminology, Griffon is the breed and Brussels is the simple identifier. If asked where I live I might respond, “In a large,
“throughout the world, wIth the exceptIon of the unIted states and canada, the Breed Is known as GRIFFON BRUXELLOIS.”
“Little Brabants,” also a region of the mother country. The three varieties of the breed are the cause for generic labeling of Griffon. Calling a black rough dog or a red smooth bitch a “Brussels” anywhere else in the world would be like decid- ing you would rather call a Tervuren or a Malinois a “Belgian.” Could one also not make the argu- ment that German Shepherd Dogs be
brown house”. I live in a house... not a large or a brown! This is becoming a very hot topic among admirers of the breed and with good cause. Would you care to have me begin calling your Chinese Crested a “Chinese” or your English Toy Spaniel an “English?” Better yet, let’s shorten Otter Hound to “Otter”… or is that a different animal?
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