How to find your Brussels Griffon Serious problems have been created by the puppy mills, online sellers, and back yard breeders.  Indiscriminate breeding, letting the pups go to their homes far too young at eight weeks, and lack of socialization have created too many griffs with health problems, behavioral problems, and far too many end up needing to be rehomed.   #1.   Never buy a puppy from a pet store. Why you should not buy from a pet store: Pet store buyers are not rescuing the pups. They are keeping puppy mills in business. (This is an excellent link to different organization's definition of puppy mill. http://www.nopuppymills.com/index.php?page=whatisapuppymill  ) The cruelty of life of a pup in a pet store could be nothing compared to the cruelty inflicted in the puppy mills or by unscrupulous breeders that sell to pet stores or auction houses . . . We are an instant gratification society. Pet stores take advantage of the "I want it now" and the "must have" mentality. #2.  Find a breeder that is a member of the two U.S. griff groups: There are two U.S. groups that try to help maintain not only the integrity of the breed, but the quality. That would be a start for finding a responsible, well qualified breeder. There is more work to do after that. Some "breeders" that advertise on the internet claim to be former members of the association or club. That should be seen as a red flag.          a)     The American Brussels Griffon Association "The American Brussels Griffon Association (ABGA) is a Member of the American Kennel Club (AKC). As the Parent Club for the Brussels Griffon in the United States of America, it is responsible for setting the standard against which Griffons are judged at American Kennel Club dog shows." Their Members: *  *  *   must be sponsored by two Members. *  *  *   must adhere to their Guidelines for Responsible Practices.         b)     National Brussels Griffon Club The National Brussels Griffon Club is devoted to protecting the integrity of the breed. They encourage ethical breeding for the purpose of improving breed type and maintaining soundness and health. * * *  Members must abide by a firm code of ethics. Still, you must do even more homework to choose a breeder. #3.   You could rescue a Brussels Griffon Some breeders don't care where their pups go. Unwanted, abandoned, and sick griffs can end up with Brussels Griffon Rescue. Read their stories. http://www.brusselsgriffonrescue.org/ #4.  Check to see if the breeder has been suspended by the AKC (American Kennel Club) #5.  Do not use the AKC website lists of breeders. The AKC lists any breeder with AKC eligible pups that pays to advertise. (currently $30 for 60 days) An advertisement by the AKC means only that the pups are registered with the AKC. Remember: The AKC does not check the kennel (location) of the pups.

Red Flags mean beware of breeders that: *  Beware of a breeder that won't let you see where their dogs live. That could mean the basement, barn, garage, back yard, shed. *  Beware of a breeder that claims their dogs are registered with the Continental Kennel Club. Beware! The "CKC" is a place where any dog, yes any dog, can be "registered" so that bad breeders can claim their pups are registered and charge more money for them. Do not confuse that CKC with the respectable Canadian Kennel Club. Using the Continental Kennel Club is a clear indication that the breeder is either severely lacking in knowledge or disreputable,  and intentionally trying to mislead buyers. *  Puppy mills and questionable breeders often have people show their dogs so they can claim status in the show ring. Visiting a dog show doesn't guarantee you will find a responsible breeder. You have to do your homework. *  A "champion" lineage doesn't necessarily mean the puppy comes from an ethical breeder. An unethical breeder might go out of state or even out of the country to purchase an older champion to create credibility for their lines. * How many different breeds do they have? How many litters at a time? Where do they advertise? * Do they want interview you? Do they care about your experience with dogs, the location, your lifestyle to see if the breed is suitable? copyright: griffontastichappytails