Little Brabantino is a name in itself striking as it sounds similar to “bully”And indeed this tiny dog has a face very similar to the little grumpy fighters that we see in the schools of the movies.
But many times appearances can be deceiving because, although this breed may have a small hidden strong character, in general they are characterized by tenderness and sweetness. If you wish to have your own “bully” with a heart of gold in your home, you must first carefully read the lines that follow, because the more you know him, the easier it will be for you to love him madly.
Origin and history
To spice up this article a bit and above all to spice up this exhaustive study of the Little Brabantino, we will try here to marinate it with a pinch of history. In this sense, the Belgian griffon, the brussels griffon and the small Brabantino are considered (in some countries) three different varieties of the same race, due to their common trunk.
Actually, when we talk about the little Brabantine, originally from BelgiumWe are talking about a terrier dog that was originally used as a buzzard, its primary function being in the stables of Wallonia and Flanders.
Already in the XNUMXth century it began its trajectory (which continues to this day) as a companion dog for wealthy families. Four centuries later, these common trunk breeds began to interbreed and they gave rise to the differences from which they are identified today.
They were on the verge of extinction as a cause of the First and Second World Wars, and were saved thanks to some English breeders who had brought specimens to the British Isles.
Characteristics of the Little Brabantino
It weighs between 3,5 and 5 kilograms depending on the specimen and its height at the withers will vary according to its kilos, to maintain the proportion. It can live up to 14 years (and minimum 12). We come here to the nodal point of the question, is the personality of your future dog compatible with yours? Is the little Brabantine all you are looking for in a dog? Let's see what answers you can give yourself after reading this section.
Su grace, joy and vitality, very special gifts, also leave room for their great intelligence. Its liveliness makes everything around it arouse interest. In this sense, it should be noted that being very observant is one of its strengths. Although it can be quite barking, with training and patience this behavior can be shaped.
His behavior is similar to that of his relatives, the belgian griffon and the Brussels griffon and is characterized by its independence, tranquility and adaptability to the environment. Beyond its high degree of autonomy, it is always desirable to be up for a few moments and receive pampering from its owners or relatives.
Like many other breeds of dog, the little Brabantine usually has a favorite within the family and although it does notice it, This does not mean that he ceases to be affectionate with the rest of the inhabitants of the home.
Sociability
Before letting a pet enter your home, it is necessary to know its skills (if you have them and their quantity and quality) when meeting face-to-face with other family members. Because remember that when you adopt, they do so, directly or indirectly, whether they want to or not, the rest of the inhabitants of the house.
The sociability of a dog is usually measured in relation to its bond both with other animals and with the children in the house. In both cases, being balanced, can live happily with the other pets in the home as with the little ones in the family. In any case, it is always better that the socialization with them is done from when they are puppies.
On the other hand, it is necessary to clarify that parents must educate their children to be good tutors at all ages, avoiding harassing the little Brabantino while they play, since he will not hesitate to mark his limits.
Basic care
Are you ready to take on the take care of this breed of dog? Fortunately, however, the little Brabantine is quite resistant to disease. Its rudeness makes it a healthy dog that does not need special care, but only to visit the vet periodically, like any breed, as a preventive measure. Daily physical activity or other exercise will help you stay healthy.
More common diseases
Although we have just said that it is resistant, it should be clarified that it is not immune. In this sense, the most common pathologies in this type of dog are eye problems related to infections and injuries (inamong them, exophthalmia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, etc.) which can lead to excessive tear production and hip dysplasia.
Food
Tell me what you eat and I will tell you how healthy you are. The saying could well be like this, to highlight the real importance of food in the life not only of every dog but of every living being. Although it may seem that the Little Brabantine, being a robust and strong dog, is immune to everything, this is not the case. Although it is true that it is quite resistant, it should not be neglected, as in any dog, its diet.
You should choose high quality balanced prepared foods, as long as they have a high content of dehydrated meat or fish and if possible you should stay away from feed based on wheat, corn or other cereal. You also have to avoid those that contain artificial colors, flavorings or meat derivatives (the latter are nothing more than offal devoid of nutrients).
Hygiene
Hygiene is another of the fundamental pillars not only to maintain a beautiful appearance (that is, for aesthetic reasons) but for health reasons. Keeping your little Brabantine clean will also help your own hygiene and that of your family since, when going from arm to arm, its potential dirt can be a source of contamination for all members of the household.
However, this breed is clean in itself, so it does not require too sophisticated care. Just giving him a monthly bath is enough, but be careful! You should never use human shampoo, but buy a special one for dogs. It is especially important that you pay attention to your dental hygiene since you want to avoid bad breath that can cause the accumulation of bacteria and tartar on your teeth. Brushing them several times a week will help prevent this problem.
It is convenient that you get used to brushing from a young age (also through a system of rewards and reinforcements with treats for dogs, cookies or bones), so that later it does not resist too much and it is that having a little Brabantino at home is quite simple because does not require special care or training, but yes of much love.