The Brussels griffon, a compact and sturdy dog, dates back to 1800s Belgium; it is often described as having a human-like facial expression. Lively and alert, the Brussels griffon is a pleasure to know. They can be mischievous while playing, which is why they get a reputation for being natural entertainers. Dogs of this breed are joyful and loyal companions that do best with adults or families with older children. The breed is also known as the griffon bruxellois and may simply be called griffs.
Breed Overview
Group:
Toy
Height:
7 to 10 inches
Weight:
6 to 12 pounds
Coat and Colors:
Smooth coat or rough coat in red, black and tan, solid black, or belge (mix of black and reddish brown)
Life Expectancy:
12 to 15 years
Characteristics of the Brussels Griffon
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | Medium |
| Kid-Friendly | Low |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | Medium |
| Amount of Shedding | Low |
History of the Brussels Griffon
The Brussels griffon, as indicated by its name, emerged out of Brussels, Belgium. Its ancestors were used by coachmen during the 19th century as ratters in the stables. These Belgian dogs were similar to Affenpinschers, but their exact development is not clear. It is believed that these dogs were crossed with pugs and English toy spaniels, eventually resulting in two types: the rough, wiry coat variety and the smooth coat (called the brabancon).
The breed was brought into the limelight when Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium began breeding them and showing them. This led to their exportation to England and the United States. The Brussels griffon was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1910. However, they almost disappeared in Europe due to the two World Wars and they remain fairly rare. Though they are no longer needed as workers, they have become known as wonderful companions.
A Brussels griffon was featured in the Jack Nicholson/Helen Hunt movie As Good as It Gets in the 1990s. They are popular social media stars, too, as they resemble a Star Wars Ewok.
Brussels Griffon Care
The smooth coat Brussels griffon requires little more than routine grooming with brushing twice a week, but you can expect some shedding. The rough coat variety sheds much less, but will also need to have the coat hand stripped every three to four months. If your dog is of the rough coat variety, you may want to keep it in the schnauzer clip to avoid the need for stripping. Many groomers no longer do stripping, which is a chore and can be uncomfortable for the dog.
The Brussels griffon is a smart little dog, and therefore quite receptive to training. Like many small dogs, this breed may possess a feisty streak and it can be stubborn. Firm, consistent training can help your Brussels griffon become obedient and attentive. One aspect of training is to teach your griff to stop barking after giving you an alert. They are attentive watchdogs but need to learn that command so as not to become problem barkers.
Housebreaking is another training challenge with a griffon. Crate training is recommended to prevent them from learning they just need to sneak under a table to do their job. You will need to be diligent and some griffons are never completely housebroken.
Like all dogs, the Brussels griffons should receive routine exercise. Plan a daily walk at the very least. Be aware that griffs are amazing climbers and jumpers, which you might not expect with a small dog. But you may need to protect your dog from taking a fall that could injure him.
Their flat faces don't allow them to cool the air when breathing and this means they are more susceptible to overheating and heat exhaustion. Only exercise during the coolest part of the day on hot days and never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, even on cooler days. They also don't tolerate cold weather well and may need a sweater.
Socialization is important for the griffon. They can be suspicious of new people and they can be fear biters, snapping when they are frightened. Early exposure to other dogs and new people can help them learn not to be as fearful. They are prone to being territorial and are not afraid of challenging larger dogs, which can lead to tragedy. However, griffons often do well around cats.
Expect your griffon to be glued to its favorite human. This is not a breed that can be left alone for most of the day. A griffon will become sad and bored and can be very destructive when ignored.
Griffons are not recommended for families with small children as they will snap and growl when hit, chased, or picked up when they don't want to be. If raised together with children, you may be able to coach your kids to let the dog determine how they will interact. Children will need to recognize when the dog is uncomfortable and allow the dog to retreat.
Common Health Problems
Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems, such as those that affect flat-faced dogs like Brussels griffons, can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:
- Brachycephalic syndrome, a respiratory condition that can occur in dogs that have a more flat-faced appearance
- Patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal location.
- Corneal ulcers, an abrasion of the eye that commonly occurs in bigger-eyed dogs or pushed-in noses
Diet and Nutrition
Feed your griffon two meals a day of up to one-quarter cup of dry dog food. The amount your dog needs will be determined by size, activity level, age, and other factors. Be sure to monitor your dog's weight as even one extra pound is a lot in a toy breed. Obesity will shorten the dog's lifespan and increase the risk of other health conditions. Discuss your dog's nutritional needs with your veterinarian to get recommendations.
Adorable Photos of Brussels Griffon Dogs
Smart and alert
Extremely loyal
Confident and curious
Not ideal for families with small children
Housebreaking can be challenging and, in some cases, impossible.
Will become destructive if left alone, sad and bored
Where to Adopt or Buy a Brussels Griffon
Check your local animal shelter and rescue groups for Brussels griffons in need of homes. A number of nationwide rescue groups for Brussels griffons provide online resources to find a dog, including:
- National Brussels Griffon Rescue
- American Brussels Griffon Rescue Alliance
- The American Brussels Griffon Association
More Dog Breeds and Further Research
Before you decide to adopt a Brussels griffon, be sure to do plenty of research. Talk to other Brussels griffon owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more.
If you’re interested in similar breeds, look into these to compare the pros and cons:
There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring home.