Sometimes we have no choice but to become our pet. A cat or a dog suddenly appear in our lives and become friends. But if we want to make a rational and thoughtful choice of a pet, we should think carefully before doing so. While many of us believe that the cat is less absorbing than the dog, it is a harmful myth that should be debunked once and for all. Like many other myths.
If you’re looking for more advice and information, also check out the Cat questions articles here.
Cat versus dog – species differences
Character differences
The most important difference between a cat and a dog is that a dog is a herd animal, domesticated between 200,000 and 300,000. years ago, and the cat is a solitary animal, domesticated about 10,000. years ago. These apparently “dry” historical facts have a colossal impact on the behavior of dogs and cats towards humans and each other.
The dog, due to earlier domestication, is much better adapted to life with humans than a cat. In addition, his herd nature helps him find his place in the home hierarchy, even if we have more than one dog.
A cat is by nature a solitary animal that does not need a second cat for its happiness. In the case of incorrect “overestimation”, it can manifest serious behavioral problems, because it is not in its nature to create a hierarchy or a complicated social structure.
Behavioral differences
A cat has diametrically opposed needs than a dog. This is due to the so-called ethogram, i.e. a set of all behaviors characteristic of a given species. Of course, every living organism needs food and drink, but the similarities stop there. A cat has many unique needs that a dog does not have, and before adopting a cat, you should consider whether we have the time, resources, and capabilities to meet these needs.
The dog needs regular walks, this goes without saying. The cat, on the other hand, needs regular, everyday hunting fun while maintaining the hunting chain. Without this play, the cat’s quality of life runs out of head and neck and is often the cause of behavioral disorders such as attacking household members.
The dog is focused on cooperation with humans – for thousands of years it has been bred for this. The cat as a species has never been used for a specific job, nor has it been genetically selected for that purpose. The natural hunting behavior of a cat simply matched the human needs, therefore the human influence on the cat as a species is much smaller.
This is of great importance in the process of intercourse with the cat. It will not be focused on obeying orders or gaining our approval. For this reason, the relationship with the cat can be difficult for us. We expect animals to obey, and cats rarely obey. At most, they can compromise with us. Also check this article with tips on whether a cat or a dog, i.e. which quadruped is right for you.
Cat versus dog – living costs
Necessary accessories
When it comes to basic maintenance costs in the form of food or supplementation, they are similar. Typical canned food for dogs and cats does not differ significantly in price. This does not mean that dogs and cats are eating the same thing. You can afford more non-meat additives in your dog’s diet than in a cat’s diet, which is a ruthless carnivore and derives all its nutrients from meat.
However, a cat requires slightly more accessories than a dog. In addition to the litter box, litter and bowls, also a decent scratching post, a few bedding and a few high shelves on the walls. And of course the toys. Taking all this into account, a cat layette will definitely be more expensive than a dog’s layette (leash, collar, bed, bowls, toys).
Additionally, cats do not like sharing, so if we are going to have more cats, we will also have to purchase separate accessories for them. Cats do not live in herds and the use of, for example, one litter box is unnatural for them. Like sharing one toy or bowl, which can generate unnecessary tension.
Veterinary care
Basic veterinary care for dogs and cats is not very different from each other. With the proviso that a cat that does not go out has a lower risk of infection with parasites or of getting injured than a dog that goes out every day. Therefore, while a cat can be dewormed rarely, only after faecal examination, the dog is dewormed regularly. It is similar with vaccinations – non-leaving animals do not require the same vaccinations as outgoing animals.
Regular health check-ups are needed for both species, although these are even more important for cats than for dogs. Cats instinctively hide illness and malaise, often until it is too late for effective treatment.
A dog with a cat during a happy run and differences in the behavior and upbringing of dogs and cats
Behavioral problems
Perhaps the biggest difference between dogs and cats is when behavioral problems arise. Cats are animals that are extremely susceptible to stress and exhibit anxiety reactions more often than the average dog. Unlike dogs, cats do not take comfort from a human handler, much less as dogs. In other words – if a cat has a stress problem, there is a good chance it will require the help of a behaviorist.
In turn, the behavioral problems of a dog can end in criminal liability for us if, for example, our pet bites someone in a park. In the case of cats, this risk is easily reduced, in the case of dogs that have to go out, the risk is considerable.
Cat versus dog – relationship with humans
Home therapist
Scientific research proves that having a pet has a positive effect on our health. Children who grow up at home with a dog or cat suffer less from allergies. Petting a purring cat lowers stress levels and blood pressure. Regular walks with the dog help to maintain good condition and social relationships.
So there is no doubt that both cats and dogs are wonderful life companions. However, each of them in their own way. Cats are much more independent and less focused on the satisfaction of the handler, so they will not endure too long stroking, carrying on their hands or other caresses that they do not want to do. The average dog will be more understanding in these cases.
Define your needs
If you do not have the opportunity to go for a walk with your dog on a regular basis or you have a small apartment, then the cat will actually be a better companion, but with the fact that you will not expect dog behavior from him. If, on the other hand, you do not like dogs, but you dream of going for walks with your pet, you can find a cat that will like to go out. Just remember that a walk with a cat is different from a walk with a dog. They will follow the cat, the dog follows the leg.
If you travel frequently or work long hours, then it is not advisable to adopt any animal. The dog will miss you and the cat will be bored. It is not true that cats do not need human contact. They need. And they certainly need hunting fun that only humans can provide. Taking two cats at once does not release us from the obligation to devote our time to them.
Traveling with a dog is usually easier than traveling with a cat. The dog tolerates changes in the environment well, the cat is quite the opposite. Therefore, if you take a cat, you need to reckon with the need to find a visiting sitter when you decide to go on vacation. Fortunately, there are more and more companies providing professional petsitter services on the market.
Properly conducted puppy training develops appropriate habits and behaviors. This is where a frequently asked question arises. How to punish a dog for bad behavior? Can disciplining or hitting a dog bring real benefits? How to discipline disobedience and what to avoid?
For more advice and information, check out the training articles here.
Puppy Misbehavior or Adult Dog Disobedience – How to Never Scold a Dog?
Before answering the question of how to punish a dog, we must first discuss human behavior that never produces the desired effect. Unfortunately, some people still use negative reinforcement training. This is discipline, catching the dog by the neck, and even slapping the dog. Such discipline for disobedience has nothing to do with training, and the results are usually completely counterproductive.
Punishment as a training method was introduced by Konrad Most, who believed that dogs needed to be dominated. This domination was to be achieved by punishing, grabbing the neck and forcing obedience. The negative reinforcement method even included hitting a dog and rebuking disobedience constantly. The training techniques introduced by Most were quite brutal and required absolute submission from the dogs. As a result, there was biting, fearfulness, aggression and a lack of trust in people. Fortunately, the theory of domination popularized after the Second World War has already been completely disproved.
In the twenty-first century, we already know that slapping a dog, grabbing the neck or verbal scolding are not the most effective training methods. Zoopsychologists emphasize that hitting a dog, grabbing the neck and brutal punishment can trigger anxiety aggression in a dog. It is already known that the animal-human relationship should be based on mutual trust, not fear. By causing anxiety aggression, it is difficult to talk about the attachment of a pet to its owner. As a result, biting, loss of trust in people, and a host of other undesirable behaviors can occur. Therefore, we must emphasize that slapping a dog, scolding a dog or catching an adult dog by the neck are not an appropriate training method. In their place, it is worth focusing on positive reinforcement. According to zoopsychologists, it is very important to properly motivate your puppy and build a lasting bond with the handler. We can punish disobedience and bad behavior in a completely different way, completely avoiding aggression towards a pet.
Positive puppy training according to zoopsychologists
Loud barking, persistent biting of slippers by a puppy or inappropriate behavior during walks do not have to be associated with penalties. According to psychologists, positive reinforcement turns out to be a much more effective method of training.
The positive reinforcement method is based on the introduction of a reward system. These can be your favorite snacks, loud verbal praise, stroking or starting to play. It’s easiest to develop positive habits by rewarding your puppy and adult dog. Moreover, treated in a gentle manner and regularly awarded, the dog will repay you with its loyalty and great trust.
The method of positive reinforcement requires full self-control from the owner. The dog’s body language is also important, as it can tell us a lot. Teaching a young puppy to clean would be a good example. Body language (spinning in a circle, sniffing, barking at the door) can be a signal that your pet needs to go outside. At this point, we go out with the dog, and if he takes care of his needs outside, we reward immediately. As a result, we will obtain the desired behavior, and the puppy will be more willing to communicate his needs and defecate outside instead of at home.
How to punish a dog? Effective punishment that ignores aggression
How to punish a dog for barking, bad behavior or even for being bitten? Most of us imagine that punishment involves aggression, spanking or shouting. As we mentioned at the very beginning, punishing a puppy by slapping or screaming does not give satisfactory results. So how to punish a dog for bad behavior? How to be successful and discipline so as not to spoil your relationship with your pet?
One of the answers to the question of how to punish a dog for bad behavior is to introduce verbal reprimands. Every dog should know the corrective command. It could be “not allowed”, “fe” or a different word the dog can understand. The purpose of entering a corrective command is to stop unwanted behavior (e.g. barking at another dog while walking, biting trouser legs). A corrective command must be issued during the duration of the misbehavior. It is no use yelling at a dog for a few hours after breaking a vase or peeing on a rug.
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How to punish the dog to understand and punish the dog for destroying items in the apartment
The second way to effectively discipline your dog is to deprive him of the expected benefit. When you own a small puppy, you often notice various forcing behaviors. Slipper bite, loud barking or a squeal to play. Unfortunately, we cannot always provide the dog with our full attention. Ignoring the forcing is no benefit, which in turn will result in extinguishing the habit. We do not have to spank the dog to make it notice that the behavior is not bringing him the expected benefits. Also check see this article for tips on how to teach your dog to jump at people.
How do I react to a dog’s bite? Body language and contact with a zoopsychologist
Punishment in the form of taking the expected reward or verbal reprimand not always effective in urgent situations. How do I react to my pet’s bite? First, we need to be aware of what a dog’s body language is. Second, see what is causing aggression in your pet.
Body language such as snarling and snapping teeth in the air are the first clear warning signs. Ignoring them can cause further problems. Dogs generally do not bite for no reason, but only when they feel there is no other option. There is no clear answer to the question of how to punish a dog for aggression and biting the owner. It all depends on the circumstances. We certainly cannot try to dominate the pet, as it may lead to further aggravation of the conflict.
After the bite, there is usually a phase of calming the dog down. We can use this moment to separate the pet. Then it is worthwhile to calmly analyze the causes of the event. Perhaps the bite was related to a sense of threat or a defense of resources. The best solution turns out to be contact with a zoopsychologist. A good specialist will be able to determine the cause of the problem and will suggest how to implement consistent training tailored to individual needs.
If you want more advice from a zoopsychologist or find out if a dog is an eternal child, check out the rest of the articles on this site. You will learn from them how to train and care for a puppy, as well as learn about the basic requirements of pets.
Choosing a dog is quite a challenge that should be carefully considered. A young puppy can grow up to be a large family protector or a small companion pet. This is where the question arises, big or small dog? What kind of pet should you choose for your home or apartment living? It turns out that both solutions bring a number of benefits and sometimes difficulties.
If you’re looking for more advice and information, check out the dog questions articles here as well.
Big or small dog? Maintenance costs
Each large and small breed has its own individual predispositions and requirements. This is one of the first things to consider when making your choice. In many cases, we also consider the cost of living.
Both the small dog living in the apartment and the large pet in the yard require regular veterinary visits. The cost of vaccinations, consultations, and tests is generally lower for small-sized dogs. The large mass of the dog also means the need to purchase larger, more durable toys and a spacious bed for the home. The larger the dog accessories, the higher the purchase price.
Our companion’s food turns out to be another regular expense. A large breed requires much more food. All this means that a small dog living in an apartment weighing a few kilograms will be cheaper to maintain than a large Caucasian Shepherd in the yard.
Big or small dog in the apartment? Requirements for activity and living space
Both a small puppy and an adult dog do not require a lot of space. They will be great in an apartment, as long as we provide them with the right dose of activity. Contrary to appearances, even a small area in an apartment is not an obstacle if the owner of the dog is an active person who has more free time.
Both large and small dogs can run alone in the yard, but it is not sufficient for their proper functioning. Every dog or female dog requires regular walks of adequate intensity. This applies to any dog, regardless of size or breed. During walks, the dog has the opportunity to meet new companions, sniff, explore new places and joyfully explore new areas.
A great need for activity (e.g. in breeds such as the Siberian husky) must be properly utilized. Therefore, before choosing a puppy, it is worth thinking about his needs. This is one of the key issues in the responsible choice of a pet.
Perfect for sport or defense
An adult, large dog or a female dog is generally respected by their stature. It’s hard to say about small Yorkies or miniature Chihuahuas. A large adult dog is generally more balanced. Properly trained, he will not provoke conflicts during walks. The smaller breed is also more spontaneous and often also a loud disposition. Of course, this is not a rule, and the behavior of a pet will largely depend on socialization with the environment, as well as on thoughtful training.
Both a large dog and a small dog can be your best friend, but you need to choose their size and breed according to your lifestyle
A large breed of dog will be perfect for many of the sports of obedience. Larger dogs can also be selected for specific functions (e.g. guard dog, guide dog, etc.). A small dog or female dog will be perfect for an apartment or a house where less physically active people live. Or maybe he will also be interested this article for tips on how to teach your dog to walk on a leash.
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Big or small dog? Length of life
An adult dog or female dog may survive for several or several years. Life expectancy is one of the considerations we often consider when choosing a pet size. Unfortunately, a large breed of dog generally comes with a shorter life. Molossian dogs live up to 10 years on average, and the larger the breed, the shorter the average life expectancy.
A small and miniature breed is also a long life. Some miniature breeds live up to 18 years, which is not possible for dogs with a very large body weight. Therefore, when you want to choose a home companion for many years, it is worth taking into account the conditions of the breed and its size.
We also note that some breeds have certain genetic loads that significantly affect life expectancy. A good example is the cavalier king charles spaniel. It is a small, extremely cute breed that is perfect for both an apartment and a home. Unfortunately, cavaliers often suffer from mitral regurgitation. It is a severe heart disease, which means that adult dogs have a life expectancy of 9 to 14 years.
An adult dog from a shelter or a puppy from a kennel?
Big or small dog? Each option has certain advantages and difficulties that should be carefully considered. The last issue is the source of the purchase of the pet. We can choose a puppy from the kennel as well as a charming dog from the shelter. Both solutions have their supporters. A purebred dog or female dog will be the perfect choice for people who expect specific predispositions from the dog (e.g. an ideal candidate for sports). A young, well-bred puppy will be properly socialized, which will facilitate further training. Choosing a specific breed will also allow us to determine how big your pet will be in adulthood.
The second solution is a dog from a shelter. We can find both puppies and adult dogs in Polish shelters. The person who decides to choose a dog from the shelter gives the pet a chance for a joyful, adventurous life. Unfortunately, an adult dog or shelter female dog can have a bad experience, which in turn can lead to some behavioral problems. Therefore, choosing a dog from a shelter will be a good solution for people who are aware of possible difficulties and want to take care of the dog with empathy. Even a very fearful shelter dog can show his full potential if he trusts the new owner. At the same time, he will repay you with great love and affection.
A shy dog from a shelter requires very gentle treatment. Allow him time to get used to the new situation and environment. Such a pet should not be left alone in the yard. A much better solution would be to bring him home and provide all his basic necessities. A fearful dog from a shelter will not be the type of pet that immediately demands petting and stroking. In general, the opposite is true. The dog should be kept calm, not petted or forced into contact. We can persuade him to come with a delicacy or a gentle tone. A shy dog from a shelter should also have its own corner. In many cases, a kennel cage works great, which, when properly introduced, gives the pet a full sense of security and shelter.
If you want more information about pets, check out our other articles. We will suggest, among other things, how to tame a dog with a bath, we will discuss the most important requirements of dogs and we will suggest how to properly care for a barking dog. In the remaining articles, you will also learn whether a dog can live in the yard, and you will learn about the most important requirements that a fearful dog from a shelter has.
Perro de presa mallorquin, also known as a Great Dane from Majorca, a fighting dog from Majorca or ca de bou, is a Spanish breed, originating from the Balearic archipelago, which is a region of Spain, specifically the island of Majorca. In Poland, relatively few are on the list of aggressive breeds. Is it right? Let’s get to know this Spanish molos better.
If you’re looking for more advice and information, check out the Great Dane articles as well.
Perro de presa mallorquin origin, appearance, disposition
Dog from Majorca – a historical outline
Perro de presa mallorquin has its origins in antiquity, when shipping in the Mediterranean basin began to develop from east to west. Among the goods exchanged between the inhabitants of different regions of the area, there were also domestic animals, including, of course, dogs. At that time, they were used to guard the goods against robbers and pirates.
The most popular were mastiffs from the Iberian Peninsula, which were used there to fight bulls and dogs and to help hunters. After the conquest of the Balearic Islands by James I the Conqueror in 1230, the dogs were transported there. In the 17th century, the archipelago, including Majorca, was taken over by the British Crown and new inhabitants from the British Isles began to settle on the islands. They brought their own fighting and guard dogs, including English Bulldogs, which began to be uncontrolledly associated with Mastiffs.
In the 18th century, dog fights with bulls became more popular and became a favorite pastime for settlers. English bulldog hybrids with local dogs were used for them, and soon the intentional breeding of such hybrids began for the purposes of fights, because dogs were dying en masse during them. The new crossword was called ca de bou – a bull dog, and the population valued them as much as bullfighters. Therefore, after their death in a fight with bulls, these dogs were bred with honors due to people, and they were also given expensive tombstones.
Fortunately, in the 19th century, these barbaric pastimes were banned by law in Spain. However, this resulted in a lack of demand for ca de bou and the breed began to decline. She was in danger of extinction, although in 1923 the first dog was registered in the Spanish pedigree book, and the breed’s debut at the show took place in Barcelona in 1928. After a year, cao de bou was shown again at this show, and then it was lost. It was not until the 1950s that the breed was reconstructed, which was officially recognized by the FCI in 1965. In Poland, the first individuals were found in 1994 (breeding Osanna).
Perro de presa mallorquin – description of the appearance
The Majorca Dog is a typical Molossian with an elongated body, medium height and massive build. It is characterized by a strong sexual dimorphism, expressed in the appearance of the head. It has a much larger circumference in dogs than in bitches. The skull of a Majorcan Great Dane is large and wide, and its circumference is greater than its height at the withers. When you look at the dog from the front, you cannot see the back. The stop is clearly defined, the superciliary arches form a distinct frontal furrow. Jaws strong, teeth large, white, full dentition. A feature of the breed is undershot bite – a remnant of the English bulldog. It cannot be larger than 1 cm. Teeth with a closed mouth completely invisible. The length of the conical muzzle is 1/3 the length of the skull. Broad nose, black.
Eyes large, oval, slightly slanting, set deep and wide, desirable as dark as possible for a given color. The ears are small, rose petal-shaped, set high, the inside of the ear is visible. The tail is set low, thick at the base, tapering towards the end. Lowered in repose, raised in action to the spine line and slightly curved.
Coat: short and hard hair (such as a Weimaraner). Brindle, fawn and black colors, in this order valued the most. Brindle and fawn colors should be as dark as possible. On the front feet, chest and muzzle, white markings are allowed, which together cannot cover more than 30%. body surface. A black mask is allowed for brindle and fawn colors.
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Height at the withers and weight: Males 55 – 58 cm, 35 – 38 kg. Female 52 – 55 cm, 30 – 34 kg.
Disqualifying defects:
Aggression, timidity
Overshot bite
Clear (as has, for example, the aforementioned weimaraner) or yellow irises of the eyes
Duplicated ears or tail
More than 30 percent. white markings, white markings in places other than those specified in the pattern (paws, muzzle, chest)
Patches of a different color.
A medium sized dog should have the following dimensions:
Weight – 36 kg
The height of the rump – 58 cm
Height at the withers – 56 cm
Chest circumference – 78 cm
Head circumference – 59.5 cm
Body length from the back of the head to the tail – 73 cm
The length of the head from the back of the head to the nose – 22 cm
The length of the muzzle – 8 cm.
If you are looking for more information, Also check out this article on the Great Great Dane.
Dog from Mallorca – character, upbringing, maintenance, breeding
The disposition and character of the perro de presa mallorquin
The Dog from Majorca is a calm and balanced dog by nature, but at the same time very brave. He has a free attitude towards people, he is faithful and devoted to his family. A perfect watchman, self-confident, he can scare an intruder with piercing eyesight. He treats children and other pets in a caring manner. Quiet, not barking on a daily basis, but barking at strangers in the absence of the hosts. He is always ready to defend his family.
Even though he looks phlegmatic, the Majorca Great Dane needs physical activity and one longer walk a day. The remaining walks may be shorter. Early socialization is very important. Puppies that have good experiences with other animals behave in a calm manner towards foreign dogs in adulthood. If not skilfully led, he can get into a fight if provoked, and then the consequences can be dire for his opponent. Therefore, it is not suitable as the first dog for people who have no experience in laying, especially a dog with such physical strength.
For this reason, it is also important to buy perro de presa mallorquin puppies from proven kennels, registered in the Polish Kennel Club. The Purebred Dog Breeding Regulations stipulate that only individuals who have passed mental tests may be allowed to breed. As this breed is on the list of aggressive breeds, before starting the planned breeding, you should check with the appropriate municipal office about the required permits in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Nutrition, care, health
Perro de presa mallorquin should be fed a good producer’s food, intended for large (not giant) breeds. This food is balanced and contains all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It can also receive natural raw (BARF) or cooked food. Such, however, must be supplemented with vitamins and minerals, especially in puppyhood and adolescence, when the skeleton and teeth are formed. The dog must have access to the water bowl at all times.
Cao de bou care is not complicated. It is enough to brush the dog systematically, wipe the hair with a chamois leather, and bathe only when necessary – for example, when our pet appears in the dirt. Dogs’ claws and teeth are occasionally trimmed and when needed, although this breed is unlikely to develop tartar.
It is a basically healthy breed. However, before being allowed to breed, regardless of meeting all the conditions of the Breeding Regulations of Purebred Dogs (show marks or breeding inspection, mental tests), good breeders screen their dogs for hip dysplasia, even though there is no formal requirement to do so. This disease is highly heritable and it is always better to examine the breeding bitch and the stud dog. In this respect, the opinions of breeders are unambiguous.
The price of a puppy is several thousand zlotys. You should beware of buying puppies from pseudo-kennels, the price of which is three times lower than that of the union ones, but where the parent pair was selected at random, without testing and research, and often without deworming and basic vaccinations. Hence the later opinions about the aggressiveness of dogs of this breed.
The Brabantian, or the Brabant Griffon, is one of the three Belgian Griffon breeds. In the taxonomy of FCI breeds, it is the only situation where individuals of three different breeds can be freely crossed with each other, and the born puppies are included in each of them – depending on the features of their exterior. Brabantczyk is the rarest of griffons. Let’s get to know him better.
If you’re looking for more tips and information, check out the Griffons articles here too.
Griffons – breed overview, appearance, character
A brief description of the griffon breeds
All griffons are small, mobile dogs descended from small wirehaired dogs called smousje. These dogs were kept in farmyards to exterminate rats in stables, coach houses and rooms where supplies were stored. Only in the nineteenth century, planned breeding began in order to improve the exterior of these dogs and obtain their purebred numbers.
Initially, the black smousje was associated with a red cavalier king charles spaniel (ruby), and then with a pug. As a result, three types were obtained, which were subsequently registered as separate breeds. Those are:
Brussels griffon – with a rough coat with an undercoat (like a wirehaired pointer) not silky or woolly, which is a serious drawback. The outer coat is longer on the head (beard and mustache) and longest above the eyes (eyebrows). Longer hair is strong and tough. A long coat all over the body spoils the figure is undesirable, display griffons are trimmed. Red or rusty color (also similar to Wirehaired Vizsla), a small amount of black on the head is allowed
Belgian griffon – the structure of the coat is the same as that of the Brussels coat, but the breed differs in color. In the Belgian griffon it is uniformly black or black and tan, the tanning must be uniform and saturated, intense. It is visible on the feet up to the wrists, on the hind legs to the ankles, on the inside of the legs, on the chest, above the eyes (“candles”), on the cheeks, on the underside of the tail and around the anus. Black top coat may be slightly rust-sifted, however pure black is preferred for both black and black and tan dogs.
Brabant Griffon (Brabantian) – the only short-haired breed among griffons, with a flat, shiny coat and a hair length of no more than 2 cm. All griffon colors are allowed, while reds and rusts have a darker mask (such as perro de presa mallorquin). Due to the short hair, the Brabantian’s muzzle appears slightly longer than that of the Brussels and Belgian griffons, but this is an illusion.
In all three breeds, the length of the muzzle does not exceed 1.5 cm, and the strongly recessed bridge of the nose forms one plane with the forehead and chin. Overshot is a feature typical of all griffons, the upper and lower incisors are straight, the lower jaw is wide and prominent, the mouth is always tightly closed, the teeth and tongue are invisible. The wide-set eyes are large and round, but never bulging, brown, the darker the better. Ears small, set high and wide. Uncopped, worn half-folded forward. attention: From 2025, dogs with copied ears and tails cannot be judged at shows under the auspices of the FCI. Griffons weigh from 3.5 to 6 kg, measure 24 – 26 cm at the withers. Dogs are slightly larger than female dogs.
Disqualifying defects for all griffons:
Aggression, timidity
Nose other than black
Tongue visible when mouth closed
The curve of the lower jaw
Jaw protruding in front of the mandible
Any color other than that specified in the pattern
White patches (a small white spot on the forechest is acceptable but undesirable).
Male animals should have both fully developed testicles descended into the scrotum.
Brabantczyk – characteristics, disposition
Brabantczyk is a typical companion dog. He is very attached to the caregiver, he is neither fearful nor aggressive. He likes children, towards whom he is patient and friendly, affectionate and gentle, despite his considerable temperament. It is a small dog, but very obedient and easy to arrange (such as a collie), so it is suitable as the first dog for people with no experience.
Brabantczyk is a very good choice for living in a block of flats because it is not barking. Gets along well with other pets in the home, including cats and other dogs. He needs the company of a human all the time, but is not intrusive. When traveling, he is polite and calm.
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Brabant dog, an interesting, little-known breed of dog with a nice disposition, his breeding and requirements
Sometimes a large dog (for example a collie or a perro de presa mallorquin) can arouse anxiety in a Brabantian, so it is important that puppies are well socialized as early as possible, at the breeder’s home. The Brabantian has a very curious disposition, so when walking where you can meet other animals, it is better to keep him on a leash and let him run out in a fenced area.
Brabantczyk – requirements, care
Conditions for a Brabant boy, care, nutrition, health
Unlike Brussels and Belgian griffons, the care of a Brabant fish is simple, because it has a short hair. It is enough to brush systematically every few days and wiping with a chamois leather. However, it is worth checking your ears and cleaning them regularly, as well as taking care of the teeth, because you like to deposit stone on them. If necessary, the Brabantczyk’s claws should be shortened, if he does not rub them himself. In addition, it is necessary to wipe the doggy with a moistened cotton swab over the furrow above the nose. If food debris gets in it, they can deteriorate and cause inflammation.
Nutrition of the Brabantian is important because it is a brachycephalic breed and the appropriate bowl should be selected for him to ensure the comfort of eating. Such bowls are available in good pet, stationary and online stores. However, the food should be specially intended for small breed dogs with fine granules. The Brabant Griffon can also receive home-made food, but then you need to remember about appropriate supplementation with calcium and vitamin preparations. The dog should have access to a bowl of water around the clock.
The Brabant dog is a very healthy, long-lived breed and a properly kept dog can live up to 17 years. He should be systematically vaccinated against all infectious diseases, of course obligatorily against rabies, and a week before the vaccination date, he should be dewormed. Show dogs should be dewormed more often. Also check this article on the Brabant Griffon.
Brabantczyk – breeding, puppies
When we start breeding a Brabant fish, we can even start with a different griffon, because – as we already know – three breeds of griffons can be associated with each other. However, it should be taken into account that these are large-headed breeds and very often births are performed by caesarean section. Unfortunately, the Polish Kennel Club does not allow griffon bitches to be mated earlier than after the age of 18 months, but it is worth doing it as early as possible.
A Brabantian female dog can give birth to puppies of both her own breed and Griffon puppies – Belgian and Brussels dogs in one litter. It depends on the matching of her and her father’s genes. Before the planned mating, the female dog must obtain breeding qualifications. They can now be obtained in two ways:
Three times participation in shows, including at least one of international or club rank in any class, aged over 15 months and obtaining three minimum very good marks from at least two different judges. Participation in the exhibition costs from 110 to 150 PLN (depending on the rank of the exhibition), sometimes you have to go quite far to see it
Passing a breeding inspection with a positive result, carried out in the home branch of the Polish Kennel Club (or with the consent of the Board of the Polish Kennel Club – in another) by an international cynological judge, after reporting on a special form and paying the payment to the account of the branch where the inspection takes place or at the cash desk of this branch. The breeding inspection costs PLN 580.
The same requirements apply to a stud dog which, however, unlike a bitch, must receive excellent marks.
The price of a Brabantian puppy depends on many factors and can range from a few to several thousand zlotys, although such a high price occurs only when buying a puppy from import with delivery costs. Currently, Russia is a tycoon in griffon breeding. In Poland, griffons are rare, they appear sporadically at exhibitions.
