Griffon Bruxellois Dog Breed Characteristics and Care

The Griffon Bruxellois is a small but mighty dog breed that originated in Belgium.

They typically weigh between 8-12 pounds and stand about 7-11 inches tall at the shoulder.

This tiny size makes them perfect for city living or apartments, as they require minimal space to roam around.

The Griffon Bruxellois is a small but mighty breed that originated from Brussels, Belgium in the early 1800s. They were initially bred as ratters to keep rats and other small vermin out of stables.

Their compact size makes them ideal for apartment living and easy to transport. Brussels Griffons are surprisingly heavy and athletic, excelling in agility, obedience, and other performance sports. They generally get along well with other pets and are known for their strong affection towards their favorite person in the family.

Here's a quick rundown of some key characteristics:

Their lifespan of around 14 to 15 years necessitates a significant time commitment from their owners. They require close and personal interaction with their owner, so they're not for those seeking an independent dog.

The Brussels Griffon is a small and sturdy dog breed that originated from Belgium, where they were initially bred for hunting rats and mice in stables.

They come in two types: the rough-coated Griffon and the smooth-coated Griffon, also known as the Petit Brabancon. In Belgium, there are three types of Brussels Griffons: the smooth-coated Petit Brabancon, the rough-coated Brussels Griffon with a red coat, and the rough-coated Belgian Griffon.

Despite their small size, Brussels Griffons are surprisingly heavy and athletic, excelling in agility, obedience, and other performance sports. They generally get along well with other pets and are known for their strong affection towards their favorite person in the family.

Here are some key characteristics of the breed:

Their lifespan is around 14 to 15 years, which necessitates a significant time commitment from their owners. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and often seek out attention and form strong attachments.

Related reading: Is Lhasa Apso Good for First Time Owners

The Brussels Griffon breed has a rich history that spans over 200 years, originating from Belgium and specifically from the city of Brussels.

In the early 1800s, the Griffon d'Ecurie, a wire-haired stable dog, was bred with other breeds to create the determined little ratter we know today. This determined little ratter was initially used as a theft deterrent and discourager of vermin in stables.

The breed's development continued over time, with further crossbreeding taking place with Pugs, Affenpinschers, English Toy Spaniels, and possibly Yorkshire Terriers to achieve the sturdy and compactly built toy breed we see today. This breeding process resulted in a loyal, loving, spunky, playful, and protective companion dog.

The Brussels Griffon was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1910, with the first recorded registration taking place that year.

The Brussels Griffon breed appearance is quite distinctive and lovable. Their compact size and squarely proportioned body make them a joy to behold.

Their large eyes are one of their most memorable features, set well apart with long black lashes that give them an almost human-like expression. The ears are small and set high on the head, and can be kept natural or cropped.

The Brussels Griffon's muzzle is short and black with large nostrils, giving them a smushed face quality. Their jaw is generally undershot, adding to their unique look. The neck is medium in length and connects to a short, level back.

Their legs are muscular and carry the breed along at a purposeful trot. The tail is typically docked to about one-third of its natural length and sits high. Both rough and smooth coats are acceptable, with the rough coat being wiry and dense, and the smooth coat straight with a glossy sheen.

The breed comes in a variety of colors: red (reddish-brown with black whiskers at the chin), beige (black and reddish-brown mixture with a black mask), black and tan (black with uniform reddish-brown markings on the head and legs), and solid black.

Discover more: Large Munsterlander

The Brussels Griffon is a small dog breed.

Griffons typically have a height of 7 to 8 inches.

Some Griffons may grow to be 20 pounds, a nod to the larger ancestors of the breed.

The Griffon Bruxellois is a generally healthy breed with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

As a small dog with a brachycephalic face, your Griffon Bruxellois may experience breathing issues, especially in hot weather. To keep them safe and comfortable, make sure they stay indoors with the air conditioner on during hot days and provide plenty of fresh water to drink.

Some specific health concerns to be aware of include bone and joint problems, hip dysplasia, heart problems, allergies, difficulty in breeding, kidney problems, breathing issues, joint issues, and eye issues. Here are some common health issues that may affect your Griffon Bruxellois:

Brussels Griffons are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, 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 in dogs as they age. This condition affects many breeds, not just Brussels Griffons.

Patellar luxation is another common issue in Griffons, where the kneecap slips out of its normal position in the groove of the thighbone, leading to pain, lameness, and arthritis. It's essential for breeders to test their dogs for this condition before breeding them.

Eye problems are also prevalent in Brussels Griffons due to their prominent eyes. These issues can cause irritation and scratching, so it's crucial to monitor your dog's eye health regularly.

Skin allergies can affect any dog, including Brussels Griffons. They're caused by an overreaction of the immune system to a foreign substance, leading to itching, redness, and hair loss.

Some breeds are more prone to syringomyelia (SM), a severe condition that affects the spinal cord. While it's not unique to Brussels Griffons, they can still be affected, so it's essential for breeders to test their dogs for this condition before breeding them.

Common Health Issues in Brussels Griffons:

Brussels Griffons thrive indoors and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

They need daily walks or other activities to keep them content, but it's essential to ensure they have access to a cool place during warm weather due to their brachycephalic nature. This means keeping an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion like rapid panting and sluggishness on hot days.

Dental care is also crucial for Brussels Griffons, with daily brushing and at least one professional dental cleaning by your vet per year recommended. Starting this when they're a puppy can make it a breeze as they grow up.

House-training can be challenging with Brussels Griffons, but employing crate training and maintaining consistency and persistence in training can lead to success. Some dogs may still have occasional accidents, so patience is key.

Their intelligence and athleticism make them excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, and tracking, but they need encouragement to participate – positive reinforcement works best!

The Brussels Griffon is a very loving dog and is loyal and devoted to his human family.

They can be reasonably friendly with strangers once they know they are welcome, but may not look so fondly on pets that speak to their inner hunting instinct, like hamsters or gerbils.

Brussels Griffons are unique individuals, and their temperaments can vary widely, ranging from outgoing and active to more reserved and shy.

Despite their bossy streak, beneath that tough exterior, they are softies who adore being with their people and crave constant attention - often referred to as "Velcro dogs" because of this need for closeness.

Their temperament is influenced by various factors, such as heredity, training, and socialization.

Early socialization is crucial for Brussels Griffons to become well-adjusted adults, exposing them to various people, places, and experiences during their puppyhood to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs.

Training a Brussels Griffon requires kindness, consistency, and positive reinforcement with food rewards and praise - harsh treatment will only lead to stubbornness.

The Brussels Griffon breed requires some grooming based on their coat type.

Rough-coated Griffons don't shed much hair but need to be hand-stripped about every three months to keep their coat in good shape. This process involves removing dead hair by hand or with a stripping tool to promote new coat growth and maintain the wiry texture of the coat.

Brushing is also essential for both rough- and smooth-coated Griffons, with rough-coated ones requiring brushing several times a week and smooth-coated ones needing it about once a week. During shedding season, they'll need to be brushed daily with a slicker brush or bristle brush.

Brussels Griffons should only need a bath every other month, unless they've gotten dirty from playing in the mud. Use a dog shampoo and follow the label instructions for proper use.

Regular nail trimming is also necessary for Griffons, with their nails needing to be trimmed every few weeks using a dog nail clipper. When you hear their nails clicking on the floor, it's time for a trim.

Brushing teeth regularly can help prevent tartar buildup and gum disease in Griffons, especially those with smooth coats that don't shed much hair. Trimming their nails once or twice a month is also important for overall health.

A unique perspective: How Bad Do Border Collies Shed

Brussels Griffons thrive on positive reinforcement training, which uses treats, praise, and playtime to reward good behavior. This approach is especially effective for their sensitive nature.

To bring out a more amiable personality, it's essential to start socializing your Griffon as a puppy by taking them on walks and letting them safely explore different environments. Enrolling them in puppy kindergarten can also be beneficial for learning how to play nicely with other puppies and meeting adults.

Brussels Griffons are smart and bond strongly with their owners, making them relatively easy to train. They do require patience, especially when it comes to potty training, which may take some extra time.

Brussels Griffons are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training. This approach uses treats, praise, and playtime to reward good behavior.

Their sensitive nature means they don't take well to harsh words or raised voices, so it's essential to use a gentle approach when training them. Clicker or treat training can be particularly effective in boosting their eager-to-please sensibility.

Socialization is also crucial for Brussels Griffons, especially during puppyhood. Exposing them to various environments and people can help bring out a more amiable personality. Consider enrolling your pup in puppy kindergarten to teach them how to play nicely with other dogs and interact with adults.

Brussels Griffons can take some extra time with potty training, so patience is key. They also benefit from socialization and puppy training classes to ensure they become well-rounded, confident dogs with good manners.

They enjoy tricks training and may even thrive in agility classes, but their sensitive nature means they need a gentle approach when learning new things. With the right training methods and plenty of patience, your Brussels Griffon can become a well-behaved and loving companion.

Griffons generally get along well with other pets.

However, their small size can lead them to challenge larger dogs unknowingly, so it's essential to protect them from potentially risky situations.

Introducing your Griffon to children during puppyhood is crucial when developing their temperament, but supervision and setting boundaries are vital for a harmonious household.