Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon has a distinctive flat face with large, wide-set eyes and, in the rough variety, a beard that gives him a particularly expressive appearance. Despite his sometimes stern expression, he is curious, affectionate, and self-assured.

He bonds intensely with his person and wants to be in close physical proximity at all times. He is sensitive, emotionally complex, and assertive for a dog that weighs under 10 pounds.

History and Origin: From Stable to Palace

The story of the Brussels Griffon is a classic rags-to-riches tale. The breed originated in Brussels, Belgium. In the early 1800s, he started life as a humble stable dog, kept by coachmen and cab drivers to hunt rats in the stables. These early dogs, known as Griffons d’Ecurie (Stable Griffons), were rough-coated urchins of no particular pedigree. To improve their ratting ability and make them more companionable, the coachmen crossed them with the Pug (which gave the breed its flat face and large eyes) and the King Charles Spaniel (which contributed the rich red color and silky coat texture of some varieties).

The result was a charming, expressive little dog that soon caught the eye of the upper classes. In the 1870s, Queen Henrietta Maria of Belgium fell in love with the breed. She began breeding them and promoting them, and almost overnight, the Griffon moved from sleeping in the straw to sleeping on silk pillows in the palace. The breed gained worldwide fame in 1997 when a Griffon named Jill starred alongside Jack Nicholson in the movie As Good as It Gets.

Physical Characteristics

The Brussels Griffon is a sturdy, thickset toy dog. He is not delicate or dainty; he feels solid when you pick him up.

• Height: 7-10 inches (18-25 cm).
• Weight: 8-12 pounds (3.5-5.5 kg).

Distinctive Features

• Face: This is the breed’s hallmark. The nose is extremely short and tilted back between the eyes (brachycephalic). The jaw is undershot, giving him a pouty look.
• Eyes: Very large, black, and full of intelligence and mischief. They are widely spaced.
• Coat: The breed comes in two distinct coat types:
  • Rough: The coat is hard, wiry, and dense. It requires a beard and mustache.
  • Smooth: Known as the Petit Brabançon, this variety has a short, glossy coat like a Pug and no beard.
• Colors: Red (most common), beige (black and reddish brown mixed), black and tan, or solid black.

Temperament and Personality: The Little General

The Griffon carries himself with an air of confidence disproportionate to his size.

Strong Bonding

He tends to bond intensely with one person. While he is affectionate with the whole family, he will usually select a favorite person and remain closely attached to them. He is demanding of attention and prone to separation anxiety.

The Watchdog

He is alert and full of himself. He will bark to announce visitors, often with a deep bark for his size. He takes his guarding duties seriously, even if the “threat” is just the mailman.

The Sensitive Soul

Despite his bossy nature, he is emotionally sensitive. He does not respond well to teasing or harshness. He can be moody; if he feels slighted, he may sulk.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise

The Griffon has moderate energy.

• Daily: A couple of short walks and some indoor play are usually sufficient. He is an excellent apartment dog.
• Play: He loves toys and will often fetch, though he may decide not to give the ball back.

Training

He is intelligent but can be stubborn.

• The “What’s in it for me?” Attitude: He needs motivation. Positive reinforcement with treats works best.
• Housebreaking: Like many toy breeds, he can be difficult to housebreak. A covered crate and a strict schedule are essential.
• Socialization: He can be wary of strangers and other dogs if not socialized early.

Health and Lifespan

Brussels Griffons are generally long-lived, often reaching 12 to 15 years.

• Brachycephalic Syndrome: Due to their flat faces, they can have trouble breathing in hot weather. They are prone to heatstroke and should be kept cool.
• Eye Issues: Their prominent eyes are prone to scratches and ulcers.
• Syringomyelia: A serious neurological condition (also found in Cavaliers) affecting the brain and spine.
• Cleft Palate: Can occur in puppies.

Grooming and Care

• Rough Coat: Requires weekly brushing and “hand-stripping” (plucking dead hair) twice a year to maintain the texture. If you clip the coat, it will become soft and lose its rich color.
• Smooth Coat: Very low maintenance. A weekly brushing with a rubber mitt is all that is needed.
• Face: The beard of the rough coat can trap food and dirt. It needs to be combed out and wiped regularly.

Nutrition

Griffons love to eat and can easily become overweight.

• Quality: Feed a high-quality food appropriate for small breeds.
• Weight Control: Be stingy with treats. A fat Griffon will have even more trouble breathing.

Is a Brussels Griffon Right for You?

The Brussels Griffon is a special dog for a special person.

Yes, if:

• You want a constant, devoted companion who will never leave your side.
• You have a sense of humor and appreciate a dog with “attitude.”
• You live in an apartment or condo.
• You are willing to spoil him a little.

No, if:

• You work long hours and the dog will be alone.
• You have very small children (Griffons are sturdy but can be snappy if teased or handled roughly).
• You want a dog that is an outdoor athlete (they overheat easily).
• You want a quiet, invisible pet.

For the person who wants a small, devoted companion with a distinctive appearance and a strong personality, the Brussels Griffon is a well-suited choice.