Brussels Griffon Mixed Breed: History, Care and More

The Brussels Griffon is a beloved breed known for its friendly and outgoing personality, originating from Belgium in the 16th century.

They were originally bred as ratters and companions, and their small size made them a popular choice for families and hunters alike.

Brussels Griffons are intelligent dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

With proper care, they can live up to 12-15 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.

The Brussels Griffon breed has a rich history that spans over a century. They originated in Belgium in the early 1800s as small terrier-like dogs bred to hunt and eliminate vermin in stables.

Their development involved crosses with several breeds, including the Affenpinscher, Pug, and English Toy Spaniel. The Affenpinscher contributed to their size and wiry coat, while the Toy Spaniel influence is evident in their large expressive eyes, rounded head, and upturned underjaw.

The breed was first established with a standard in 1883, and Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium helped promote and breed them, increasing their popularity in Europe and beyond.

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The Brussels Griffon breed has a rich history that dates back to Belgium, where they were originally bred to hunt vermin in stables and horse-drawn hansom cabs in cities.

They were developed from a combination of several breeds, including the Affenpinscher, Pug, and English Toy Spaniel, which contributed to their unique characteristics.

Their distinctive human-like face led to the name Brussels Griffon or Griffon Bruxellois, as they are known in Europe.

In 1883, Belgian breeders established a standard for the breed and began showcasing them in dog shows.

Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium, an avid dog lover, fell in love with the Griffon Bruxellois and actively promoted and bred them, further increasing their popularity.

The smooth-coated variety was named Griffon Brabancon, and both rough-coated and smooth-coated Brussels Griffons made their way to England in the early 1890s.

They were registered in the English Stud Book by 1898, and by 1899, the first Brussels Griffons were registered with the American Kennel Club.

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The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1900.

During World Wars I and II, the numbers of Brussels Griffons declined significantly due to economic constraints.

By the end of World War II, Brussels Griffons were nearly extinct in Belgium, but English breeders managed to preserve the breed.

Their popularity has experienced occasional periods of resurgence, including in the late 1950s and again in the late 1990s after a memorable appearance in the movie "As Good As It Gets."

The Brabançon is a smooth-coated variety of the Brussels Griffon breed.

In Europe, the Brabançon is considered a distinct breed from the rough-coated Griffon Bruxellois.

The Brabançon may be any of the colors found in the rough-coated Griffons.

The smooth-coated Brabançon was initially not recognized in the American breed standard due to a translation error.

The original American standard omitted black as an allowable color for smooth-coated dogs.

This oversight led to protests against the black smooth-coated Brabançon, with a fancier objecting to a specific dog's show participation in 1937.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Black Dogs Breeds

The protest was eventually overturned, but the Brussels Griffon Club of America was fined $25 and later dropped from AKC membership.

A new club, the American Brussels Griffon Association, was formed in 1945.

The unified breed standard, adopted in 1959, included a disqualification of the black smooth-coated Brabançon.

This disqualification was removed in 1990, allowing the black Brabançon to return to the American show ring.

On a similar theme: Brussels Griffon Black

If you're looking for breeds with similar characteristics, you might want to consider the Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, and Pekingese.

The Maltese is a small dog with a silky coat, similar to the Pekingese. Both breeds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature.

The Miniature Pinscher, on the other hand, is a feisty and energetic breed that's often compared to the Maltese in terms of size. However, the Miniature Pinscher has a more alert and playful personality.

Here are some breeds that are similar to the ones mentioned in this article:

Brussels Griffon mixed breed dogs are a delight to behold, and their physical characteristics are a big part of their charm. They typically have a height of 7 to 8 inches.

Their compact size makes them ideal for apartment living and easy to transport, weighing between 7 to 12 pounds. In fact, they're so small that some may even grow to be 20 pounds, a nod to their larger ancestors.

Their adorable faces are instantly recognizable, with expressive eyes, short noses, and distinctive facial expressions. Their coat is smooth and low-maintenance, with minimal shedding, making them a great choice for those with allergies.

Here are some key physical characteristics to keep in mind:

One of the most distinctive features of the Brussels Griffon is its adorable, almost human-like face with expressive eyes, short nose, and unique facial expressions. This makes them instantly recognizable and a joy to behold.

Their compact size is another notable characteristic, making them perfect for apartment living and easy to transport. This size also means they don't take up too much space, making them a great choice for city dwellers.

Brussels Griffons are known for their affectionate, lively, and often comical personalities. They form strong bonds with their owners and are devoted companions.

Their low exercise needs are a relief for those who don't have a lot of time to devote to physical activity. While they do enjoy playtime, they don't require extensive exercise, making them suitable for individuals or families with a less active lifestyle.

Here are some key physical characteristics of the Brussels Griffon:

Brussels Griffons are quite small, typically standing between 7 to 8 inches tall.

Their weight can vary, ranging from 7 to 12 pounds, with some exceptions reaching up to 20 pounds.

In general, they rarely grow taller than 10 inches.

They usually weigh around 10 pounds, making them a pint-sized companion.

The Brussels Griffon's appearance is one of its most distinctive features.

They're small in size, typically growing no taller than 10 inches and weighing around 10 pounds.

Their facial expressions are highly expressive, with big, black eyes that seem to convey their emotions.

Brussels Griffons come in four different colors: red, black, black and tan, or belge (a mix of black and reddish-brown).

Their coats can be either rough or smooth, with the rough-coated variety having a dense, wiry coat and the smooth-coated variety having a short, glossy coat.

The rough-coated Griffons have a distinctive beard and longer shaggy fur, while the smooth-coated Griffons look more pug-like.

Here are the different coat types and their characteristics:

Both types of coats require regular grooming to stay healthy and looking their best.

Brussels Griffon mixed breeds are known for their big personalities in small packages, making them entertaining companions for life.

They have a medium energy level and require up to 30 minutes of moderate activity or walks per day to stay happy and healthy.

Brussels Griffons are "Velcro dogs" and love to stay close to their people, often following them around and climbing onto their laps.

Their intelligence makes them easy to train, but they can be stubborn if not trained with kindness, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

These dogs are best suited for owners who prioritize companionship and are prepared to spend a lot of time with their dog, as they do not like to be left alone for extended periods.

Their childlike expressions and intelligence make them a joy to be around, but they can be mischievous and may resort to barking and climbing if they feel ignored.

Brussels Griffons are generally good with other dogs and pets, but their terrier instincts mean they have a strong prey drive and should be careful around pet rabbits, rodents, and birds.

They are sensitive dogs and may suffer from separation anxiety, making them a poor choice for families with young children.

Early socialization is crucial for Brussels Griffon mixed breeds to become well-adjusted adults, and exposing them to various people, places, and experiences during their puppyhood is essential.

With the right approach, Brussels Griffon mixed breeds can become well-behaved and loving companions for life, making them a great addition to many families.

Brussels Griffon mixed breeds are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health conditions. Hip dysplasia is a heritable condition where the thighbone doesn't fit correctly into the hip joint, causing pain, lameness, and arthritis as they age.

Their brachycephalic classification makes them more prone to overheating, so it's essential to ensure they have access to a cool place during warm weather. This can cause heat exhaustion, like rapid panting and sluggishness.

Regular exercise is a must to keep your Brussels Griffon healthy, but they can be prone to putting on weight if they don't get enough physical activity. They love to play and socialize, and they're friendly and companionable dogs.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Brussels Griffon mixed breeds:

It's always wise to ask your breeder questions about these issues in their dogs' lineage, and to keep your Brussels Griffon slim and active to prevent or manage these conditions.

Brussels Griffons have two coat types: smooth and rough. The smooth-coated Brussels Griffons have a straight, short, glossy coat.

They require occasional baths and daily to weekly brushing. A moderate amount of shedding is expected.

The rough-coated Brussels Griffons have a wiry, dense coat and characteristic beards. They will have moderate grooming demands, requiring professional grooming every 4–8 weeks.

Occasional baths and weekly brushing are also necessary for rough-coated Brussels Griffons. They do not shed, unlike their smooth-coated counterparts.

As with all breeds, nail trims should be performed to keep the nails neat and short.

Brussels Griffons are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health conditions. Hip dysplasia, a heritable condition where the thighbone doesn't fit correctly into the hip joint, can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis in dogs as they age.

Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, can also cause pain, lameness, and arthritis. Eye problems, such as irritation and scratching, are common in Griffons due to their prominent eyes.

Skin allergies, caused by an overreaction of the immune system, can cause itching, redness, and hair loss. Syringomyelia (SM), a severe condition that affects the spinal cord, can cause damage to the spinal cord's tissue and lead to symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis.

Reputable breeders will screen for these conditions in their dogs' lineage. You can ask the breeder for health clearances for both parents, which show that the parents have been tested for and cleared of certain conditions.

Here are some health clearances to look for:

Brussels Griffons may also have issues with their breathing due to their brachycephalic syndrome, which can lead to snoring and breathing problems. They may need surgery to fix their elongated soft palate and open up their airways.

Griffons can also get luxating patella, where their kneecaps can slide internally and pop out of place. This can lead to arthritis and secondary knee ligament rupture, and sometimes surgery is required to fix the issue.

Cataracts and heart murmurs are also potential issues in Brussels Griffons. However, it's worth noting that they are generally pretty hardy and healthy dogs, and with proper care and attention, many Griffons live long and happy lives.

Brussels Griffons are prone to overheating due to their brachycephalic nature, so it's essential to provide them with a cool place to rest on hot, humid days.

They need regular exercise to stay in top shape, but daily walks or other activities should be done with caution to avoid heat exhaustion.

House-training can be challenging with Brussels Griffons, but employing crate training and maintaining consistency and persistence in training can lead to success.

Their small size makes them sensitive to extreme temperatures, so they shouldn't be left outside for extended periods of time during hot or cold weather.

Brussels Griffons are intelligent and athletic, but they need encouragement to participate in dog sports like agility, obedience, and tracking.

They love companionship and are known as "Velcro" dogs, so be prepared for a dog that wants to spend all their time with you.

Socially, Brussels Griffons are friendly and companionable, and they love being wherever their owner is.

Regular grooming is necessary, with the smooth-coated Brussels Griffon requiring only a weekly brushing and the occasional bath, while the rough-coated Brussels Griffon needs more frequent brushing and clipping.

Their facial structure makes them more predisposed to periodontal disease, so their teeth should be brushed daily.

Early and consistent training with Brussels Griffons brings fast rewards, as they are eager to please their owners.

House training can be slow, but owners should have realistic expectations and consider how hard it is for a young dog to hold their bladder at that age.