Brussels Griffon

Dog Breed Group: Companion Dogs
Recommended for: Couples
Maintenance Level: Medium
Life Span: 13-15 years
Height: 17 – 21 cm
Weight: 3 – 6 kg

Adaptability

Friendliness

General Health

Trainability

Exercise Needs

Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois) Breed overview

The Brussels Griffon, also known in Europe as Griffon Bruxellois, is a beautiful toy dog breed. There are two varieties:

With a rough-coated with wiry coat
With a smooth-coated and glossy coat.

They have lots of hair around the cheeks, more than anywhere else, which looks that they have a beard. The both types shed very little which means that they are suitable for inside. It is important to brush them regularly, and for the rough-coated breed has to be groomed twice on yearly basis.

Brussels Griffon colours includes:

Black-red-brown
Red-brown
Black
Black-tan

They can grow approximately up to 21 cm.

The average weight is between 3 – 5 kg, but some have shown weight up to 9 kg.

Origin of Brussels Griffon

This particular breed originates from Belgium. Its ancestor is Smousje dog breed. The Brussels Griffon is a combination of Pug, Affenpinscher and English Toy Spaniel. They were bred in order to hunt smaller animals and rodents such as rats.

In the end of 19th century, Belgians started introducing Griffons into dog shows. Queen Marie Henriette began breeding them all across the Europe.

Brussels Griffon Temperament

The Brussels Griffon is perfect for a family; however, you have to understand that they like to cuddle only on their terms. They don’t like to be hugged all the time. In case that you have children, you should teach them to be gentle with the Brussels Griffon, because they can be aggressive.
They are fast learners, especially for training. They get well with family and that includes other pet. In most cases, they are afraid and can act aggressively on strangers. They can suffer a small dog syndrome, especially next to bigger dogs.

Common Brussels Griffon Conditions and Diseases

Eye Problems – The most common problems are ametropia, colobomas, intraocular pressure and microphthalmia can affect their eyes. That mostly appears in bigger dogs and in some cases, it could lead to blindness. You should take it to vet if you find out that it acts differently.