Rattle Griffon
Breed Rating
| Intelligence: | |
|---|---|
| Trainability: | |
| family friendly: | |
| Dog friendly: | |
| Watch/guard dog: |
| Affection / Dependance: | |
|---|---|
| Energy: | |
| Playfulness: | |
| Exercise needed: | |
| Space needed: |
| Aggressiveness: |
| Tendency to bark: |
| Grooming Requirements: |
| Aggressiveness: | |
|---|---|
| Tendency to bark: | |
| Grooming Requirements: |
Breed Attributes
General
Breed group: None Type: Hybrid Talent: Agility, Hunting, Tricks, Watchdog
Physical
Size: Small Weight: 10 - 25 lbs Fur length: Short Ears: Pointy Fur type: Straight Fur Color: Black, Dark Brown / Chocolate, Light Brown / Golden, Merle / Spotted / Brindle / Speckled
ATTRIBUTES
Life Expectancy: 12 - 18 years Rarity: Uncommon Availability: Hard to find Climate: Good for every climate.
Breed Details
General
The Rattle Griffon is a terrier at heart, small but energetic and outgoing, curious about its surroundings, and endearingly affectionate with its owner.
It is a cross between the Brussels Griffon and the American Rat Terrier, which is considered by others not to be a breed but a type.
The Brussels Griffon, named after the city from which it comes, also shares breed characteristics with two other variants, the Griffon Belge and the Petit Brabancois. It started out as a barn rat catcher, and was gradually allowed into homes as a family pet. It is distinguishable by its “beard” and flat face with round, slightly bulging eyes.
The American Rat Terrier, closely similar to feists, small mixed-breed hunting dogs in southern US, is also an excellent ratter and used to hunt small prey above ground.
Color
Coat color is varied, as the parent breeds chow solids or patterned coats. The Brussels Griffon has 4 dominant coat colors: solid black, black and tan, beige, and reddish-brown. White is not common for this breed, and unacceptable in breed standards. The Rat Terrier comes in tri-color or bi-color, with colors of black, red, sable, lemon, blue and tan. White is always common in any of these color combinations. The Rat Terrier may also be brindle, calico, or have ticking.
Coat
The Rattle Griffon is a sleek, fine-boned dog with either a smooth or rough single coat. The rough coat is hard and flat along the skin. The smooth coat is also short and tight, glossy in appearance.
Personality
The Rattle Griffon is a big dog in a small package. This might mean very young children could injure the Rattle Griffon during play, and other, bigger, dogs in the household could be roped into dominance contests. The Rattle Griffon, used to attention from its owner, will demand it, or tag after its owner all over the house until it gets what it wants. Periods of separation are painful for this dog, and could result in unhappy behavior, such as excessive barking, or chewing on the furniture. On the other hand, the Rattle Griffon Terrier is sensitive to its owner's moods, and will offer sympathy and affection when needed.
Care
Coat care is minimal, and brushing once or twice a week will do for the Rattle Griffon. Bathing, to void stripping the coat too often of its natural oils, should only be once every month.
Training
The Rattle Griffon is an alert and inquisitive little dog. Socialization from puppyhood is essential for it not to grow up timid, fearful of or aggressive towards unknown elements. Eager for praise, the Rattle Griffon will respond well to reward-oriented training. Crate training is best for puppies, and they should never be left outdoors; they are acclimated to living with their owners and will become frantic or withdrawn with the separation.
Activity
A small dog, the Rattle Griffon nevertheless requires sufficient activity daily to keep it well-exercised and stimulated. A round of play in the backyard or a half hour of leashed jogging will do well towards releasing this dog' pent-up energy.
