Brussels Griffon

Originally developed as a mixed breed centuries ago, the Brussels Griffon has been a beloved animal since it first appeared. It is, of course, named after the city of Brussels in Belgium. In the 17th century, the German affenpinscher was bred to the Belgian street dog to produce the Smousje, a small rough-coated dog used to control rodents in stables.

In the 19th century, this dog was crossed with the pug to get a smooth-coated version. The Brussels Griffon is one of the three variations of the Griffon Bruxellois, along with the Belgian Griffon and the Petit Brabancon. The differences are in coat and color only.

The breed almost died out because of the two World Wars, and it is still not common, thus driving up the breeders’ prices, especially for a puppy. Although they are sometimes found in a rescue shelter, genetics plays the biggest role in their health issues and disposition.

This toy dog is quite affectionate and loving, endearing anyone with its bossy personality in such a small size.

3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

Being realistic about any new pet in the family is important. Consider these pros and cons before adopting a Brussels Griffon of your own.

Size and Weight

The Brussels Griffon is a rather petite dog, which is part of the appeal for owners in apartments or smaller homes. There are no discernible differences between the sizes of females and males, both ranging from 7 to 8 inches tall as adults. In fact, they weigh only about 7 to 12 lbs. when they are fully grown, though some may reach 20 lbs. as a result of the mix of their much larger ancestors.

As a puppy, the Brussels Griffon only weighs a few ounces.

Common Health Issues

Most of the health issues that Brussels Griffons tend to deal with are due to their flat face and their short noses, making the concerns common among other breeds with the same traits. Respiratory issues can occur if the airway is obstructed, but the nose can also lead to eye damage. Some of the eye conditions include glaucoma, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Their small bone structure is prone to syringomyelia, which causes the spinal cord to collect fluid-filled cavities. They may also experience patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and thyroid problems.

Since the Brussels Griffon is not meant to be kept outside, they are more prone to heatstroke than larger breeds. Plus, their short hair prevents them from being in weather that is too cold. Keeping them inside is the easiest way to prevent illnesses from environmental factors.

Temperament

Anyone lucky enough to adopt one of these pint-sized pups will have a loyal and sensitive companion. Its naturally affectionate personality makes it incredibly appealing, though that affection may seem a bit dependent. It likes to be as physically close to its owner as possible, which means that separation anxiety is in full swing. If it is possible to bring your dog where you go, you should — it will not be happy at home.

The overall temperament can range broadly, from incredibly outgoing to cautiously shy. However, Brussels Griffons are consistently bossy around the home if they are allowed to run the show. If they feel ignored at any point, they may start behaving badly for attention. However, most of their personality has to do with several factors, like how socialized they are, their training, and the genetics that made them. Remember to be patient as you raise this pup to be a well-balanced pet.

Since the Brussels Griffon is more sensitive than most breeds, they pay clear attention to their surroundings. If they become fearful, their behavior may become prematurely aggressive, biting out of the fear that someone will handle them roughly. With gentle care, it is easy to avoid this issue entirely.

Care

As adorable as the Brussels Griffon can be, it needs to have a certain degree of care to remain healthy and happy. Here are a few tips to properly care for this pet when you bring it home.

Best Dog Food

Since this breed can be prone to obesity, the right portions of high-quality dog food (1/4 to 1/2 cup) are necessary. They should be fed twice daily, and their food should not be left out to graze on for the entire day. However, water should be left out to ensure that they are hydrated.

Maintenance and Grooming

Although the Brussels Griffon is a rather small dog with short hair, it requires quite a bit of upkeep. It may have a rough or smooth coat, depending on the variation of the breed. Regardless of the texture, it is best to brush this dog twice a week to eliminate the fur that it sheds. Baths should occur on an as-needed basis.

The Brussels Griffon with the smooth coat won’t need as much attention to grooming as the wirier breeds, but it’ll shed seasonally. Clipping the short hair is also encouraged every three months, especially around the face. Although this dog will also need its hair from the ear canals removed, this type of care can be done by a veterinarian or a groomer.

Training

The Brussels Griffon’s desire to be close to you can be used to your advantage during training. With exposure to different social settings, such as walks in the park, visits with other people, and interactions with other dogs, you may be able to break its natural shyness around strangers. It tends to enjoy spending time with other pets.

If you are working to teach commands or even just house-train your Brussels Griffon, try to exclusively use positive reinforcement. These puppies are eager to please you, and they want to make you happy. Still, they tend to bark, so they will need a little patience to break this habit.

Exercise

Though the Brussels Griffon is small, it likes a lot of exercise. It should be walked daily, helping it to avoid obesity and keep its stress levels down. Engaging in agility exercises can also fulfill the need for physical activity, especially when temperatures outside are too high for a walk.

Always keep a fenced yard available when you take this dog outside to protect it from predators. However, if you have this type of outdoor area, make sure that there are no sharp objects near the ground that could damage its prominent eyes.

Puppies

Brussels Griffon puppies have a fairly similar demeanor to the adults. When adopting a puppy, you need to have a way for it to interact with other animals and household members early in its life to get the right social skills. It may need a smaller amount of food (1/4 cup) twice a day, but purchase the dry food that is specifically meant for this age for the right nutrition.

Children

The Brussels Griffon is known for its loving demeanor, but it may not be suited for young children who have yet to be taught the proper interactions with dogs. The dog won’t appreciate the unsolicited hugs, and it doesn’t like to stay in someone’s lap unless it decides to. It especially doesn’t love being hit, chased, or cornered, which may result in growling or snapping.

If you have small children, do not allow them to pick up the dog. Instead, encourage them to be patient and wait for attention, demonstrating a welcoming and calm demeanor. If this pup seems uncomfortable at all, give it a few minutes away from the children to calm down.

Similar Dogs

If the Brussels Griffon just isn’t a good match for your family, there are always the following dogs as well:

• Pekingese: The human-like face is also found in the Pekingese breed, though there is a lot more grooming involved.
• Chinese Crested: The Chinese Crested has significantly less fur, but you’ll still have the unique facial hair of the Brussels Griffon.
• Scottish Terrier: If you like the distinct beard, this sleek and fluffy dog may give you the same compact figure you like as well.

Famous

This species is no stranger to Hollywood. In fact, part of the reason that the Brussels Griffon has gained so much popularity is the result of its featured role in As Good As It Gets.

With such a distinct look, several Brussels Griffons are found on Instagram with quite a following, including @DigbyVanWinkle, @DonnieBarko, and @MyNameIsChamaco.