- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
The Brussels Griffon is a Belgian toy dog developed in the 1800s. Originally bred to catch rats in stables, the small dog was crossed with other breeds as it gained in popularity, including the Pug, King Charles Spaniel, Ruby toy spaniel, and the Affenpinscher, giving them an expressive squished monkey-like face with big, beautiful eyes, and a little underbite.
Their almost-human like expression and cocky composure have made them a favorite over the centuries. A toy dog with a big attitude and personality, the Brussels Griffon has emerged as a popular toy dog breed.
If you’re thinking about adding a Brussels to your family or if you’re just a fan of the breed, this article highlights some of the breed’s fun features as well as some practical information on health and temperament.
Without further ado, let’s meet the Brussels Griffon:
Playful and Carefree
Snuggly and Sociable
Big Soulful Eyes
Hipster Good Looks
Always Up for Some Fun
Charming and Sweet
The More the Merrier
Breed Health and Wellness
Be careful of overfeeding and giving too many treats as they can gain weight very easily. They have a cute flat face (thanks to their crossbreeding with Pugs), but be aware that their flat faces can bring problems during times of the year when it’s hot and humid out.
For the most part, Brussels are pretty healthy. The American Brussels Griffon Association recommends that breeders screen for certain hereditary issues, including patellar luxation, and perform an eye exam. Optional tests include those screening for hip dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis, progressive retinal atrophy, and syringomyelia, which is a nervous system disorder. It occurs when a cavity in the spinal cord (usually in the neck) fills with too much fluid.
Signs that your Brussels has this disorder are similar to that in people—”pain, weakness, muscle wasting, and spinal curvatures.” Writes the ABGA: “Affected dogs may suddenly scream and/or lie with the head on the ground between the paws after jumping up or during excitement. It is also common to sleep with the head in unusual positions, for example, elevated.”
As always, brush your pup’s teeth regularly, and brush and clean his coat.
Breed Temperament
The American Kennel Club dubs the Brussels Griffon, “Loyal, Alert, and Curious.” They love their person and get lonely easily. Lucky for you, they are tiny—5 to 15 pounds—which means you can take them with you pretty much anywhere you want to go. Though they’re playful, they have to be treated gently by children, so no rough-and-tumble playing.
They love to play and are highly trainable because they’re so smart. They need to get at least a half hour of exercise a day. They’re extremely friendly. Expect to make a lot of new friends on your daily walk. Who could say to no to such an adorable face?
Brussels Griffon Appearance
Flickr via Andrea Arden and Ger Dekker
Griffons have two different coats, smooth and rough: smooth-coated Griffons are known as Petit Brabançon and the rough-coated are called Griffon Bruxellois. Both can be tan, red, black, or black and tan in color. The lesser-known Griffon Belge has a black and red pattern and can have a short or wire-haired coat. The smooth coat sheds seasonally, but the wire coat doesn’t and would benefit from daily brushing.
Who’s the Best Human for a Brussels Griffon?
If you like a lot of attention and can give a lot of attention, the Brussels will be a good companion. City dwellers with small apartments who can take their dogs to their favorite cafe would do well with a Brussels Griffon. If you live out in the woods, or out in a big farm, the tiny Brussels might be overwhelmed by nature and other larger predator dogs. He’s a perfect companion for people who live an urban lifestyle. Parents with older kids who understand how to handle a small dog would also fare well with a Brussels Griffon.
Because they love being close to their person, Brussels Griffons make good therapy dogs.
Brussels Griffon in Pop Culture
The Brussels Griffon’s cute Ewok-like face has made it a popular dog in pop culture.
Verdell, the dog in ‘As Good As It Gets,’ was played by a Griffon named Jill, sparking a boom in popularity for the breed in the US.
And Brussels Griffons are very popular on social media, especially on Instagram. Check the hashtag #brusselsgriffon, and you’ll see a plethora of ridiculously cute dogs.
With 105,000 followers, Owen the Griff is one of the more famous Brussels Griffons on the internet. He’s got some missing teeth so his tongue hangs out to one side and apparently his barks sound like a clucking chicken.
Featured image: Signe Brabancon
Further Reading
- 26 Dogs That Don’t Shed: Your Complete Guide to Fur-Free Cuddles
- 18 Least Active Dog Breeds for Lazy Dog Lovers
- Tiny Brussels Griffon Wants to Sell You a Used Car
- NYC’s Favorite Brussels Griffon is Famous for His Impeccable, Pint-Sized Fashion
- This Little Brussels Griffon Sounds Exactly Like a Chicken
