At one time known as the Belgian street urchin, this breed originated in Belgium and has traces of Affenpinscher in its ancestry. A variety of this little dog appeared in a painting by the Flemish artist Jan van Eyck as long ago as 1434 and the breed was already standard in type by the 1600s. He used to earn his keep as a stable dog where horses for hansom cabs were kept. He arrived in Britain in the late 1800s.

Pert, with a monkey face, this enchanting toy dog is a constant source of amusement and delight to those fortunate enough to be owned by him. His terrier-like qualities mean that he is happy to indulge in plenty of exercise. He is fearless, not yappy but a good house-dog, and a devoted companion who suits either town or country.

There are two varieties, rough and smooth, the latter known as Petit Brabançon. The rough-coated variety requires stripping once or twice a year, but regular grooming with a hound glove will keep the smooth-coated dogs in shining condition.