Brussels Griffon

also known as Brussels Griffon, Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, Griffon, Belgian Griffon, Petit Brabancon

Pros History


The Brussels Griffon, also known as the Belgian Griffon, is a small dog breed that has its origins dating back to the late 19th century in Belgium. The breed was created by crossing the Affenpinscher with the Belgian street dog, the Smousje.

During the late 1800s, the Brussels Griffon was commonly kept by coachmen and stable hands as a rat catcher and companion dog. Their intelligence and trainability made them a valuable asset to these working-class individuals.

It was not until 1883, that the breed was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The American Kennel Club (AKC) followed suit in 1910, and the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1913.

The breed's name, "Griffon Bruxellois", is French for "Brussels Griffon" and pays homage to the city of Brussels, where the breed was developed. The breed is known for its distinctive "monkey-like" expression, which is due to the protruding lower jaw and large, round eyes.

As the industrial revolution began to sweep through Europe, the Brussels Griffon found its way into the homes of the upper class as a fashionable lap dog. They were highly sought after by society's elite, and were often seen being carried around in the arms of fashionable ladies.

Despite their small size, Brussels Griffons are also known for their courage and tenacity. They were used as ratters in stables and factories, and were also used as watchdogs. They are also known for their playful and curious nature, which makes them great companions for people of all ages.

Today, the Brussels Griffon is still valued as a companion dog and makes a great family pet. They are known to be affectionate and loyal to their owners, and are usually good with children. The breed's small size and minimal grooming requirements make them a popular choice for apartment dwellers.

Breed Information


Type

Is Brussels Griffon a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Brussels Griffon name? How do you say Brussels Griffons?

Griff-ON

Purpose

What were Brussels Griffons originally used for?

small vermin hunting, companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Brussels Griffons Live? What is average life expectancy for a Brussels Griffon? How long can Brussels Griffons live?

13-15 years

The average Brussels Griffon lifespan is somewhere between 13-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Brussels Griffon Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Brussels Griffon?

What is the average height of a Brussels Griffon? How big is a Purebred Brussels Griffon height? Brussels Griffon dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 7-8 inches (17.8 - 20.3 cm) 6.0 inches (15.2 cm) 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm)
Female 7-8 inches (17.8 - 20.3 cm) 6.0 inches (15.2 cm) 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm)
What is the average weight of a Brussels Griffon? How much should Brussels Griffons weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 6-12 pounds (3 - 5 kg) 5.0 pounds (2 kg) 6.5 pounds (3 kg) 11.0 pounds (5 kg)
Female 6-12 pounds (3 - 5 kg) 5.0 pounds (2 kg) 6.5 pounds (3 kg) 11.0 pounds (5 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Brussels Griffons get fat easily?

The Brussels Griffon is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Brussels Griffons Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Brussels Griffons are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Brussels Griffon personality? What are Brussels Griffon dogs best known for?

Alert
Inquisitive
Sensitive
Companionable
Selfish
Watchful

Shedding Level

Are Brussels Griffons heavy shedders? How Much Does a Brussels Griffon Shed?

Brussels Griffon will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Brussels Griffon dog?

The Brussels Griffon dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Brussels Griffons come from?

Belgium

Ancestry

What are Brussels Griffons descended from?

griffons d’ecurie, affenpinscher, pug, english toy spaniel

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Brussels Griffon breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Brussels Griffons first bred? How old is the Brussels Griffon breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Brussels Griffon?

Toy (AKC:1910)
Companion Breeds (UKC)

Brussels Griffon Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Brussels Griffon eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Brussels Griffon nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Brussels Griffon coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
Fawn
Red
Cream

Coat Length

How long is a Brussels Griffons coat?

Brussels Griffons are known for their short coat.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Brussels Griffon Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Brussels Griffon?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Brussels Griffon have in a litter? How many puppies can a Brussels Griffon have in her first litter?

13-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Brussels Griffon can have a litter of 13-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Brussels Griffon dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Brussels Griffon Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Brussels Griffons have a lot of health problems?

The Brussels Griffon is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Brussels Griffon?

Bone And Joint Problems
Hip Dysplasia
Heart Problems

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Brussels Griffons?

Allergies
Difficulty In Breeding
Kidney Problems

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Brussels Griffon breed?

Heart
Hips
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
X-Rays

Brussels Griffon Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Brussels Griffons have a lot of energy?

Brussels Griffons may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.

Social Needs

Do Brussels Griffons need socialization? How social are Brussels Griffons?

Brussels Griffon have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Brussels Griffons get?

The Brussels Griffons a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Brussels Griffon have? Do Brussels Griffons sleep a lot?

The Brussels Griffon breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Brussels Griffon drool a lot?

The Brussels Griffon is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Brussels Griffon, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Brussels Griffons tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Brussels Griffons exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Brussels Griffons mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Brussels Griffon running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Brussels Griffon dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Brussels Griffons enjoy doing? How do I keep my Brussels Griffon busy?

Nap, Toys, Chewing, Playing, Napping, Walking, Sniffing, Shake, Walk

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Brussels Griffon? How much energy does a Brussels Griffon have?

Medium

Brussels Griffons are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Brussels Griffon walk each week? How many miles should a Brussels Griffon walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Brussels Griffon, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Brussels Griffon should exercise a day? How much activity does a Brussels Griffon need?

45 minutes

In general most Brussels Griffons usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Brussels Griffon?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Brussels Griffon?

Weekly

Brussels Griffon should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Brussels Griffons?

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Brussels Griffon eat?

1.5 cups

For an average 6-12 pound (3 - 5 kg) Brussels Griffon feed 1.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Brussels Griffon Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Brussels Griffon is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Brussels Griffon Cost Per Month?

$42 - $56 / month

The average per month expenses of a Brussels Griffon is between $42 - $56. This makes an average of $504 - $672 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Brussels Griffon Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Brussels Griffon?

The Brussels Griffon have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Brussels Griffons lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Brussels Griffon dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Brussels Griffon dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Brussels Griffon do well in apartments? Are Brussels Griffons good indoor dogs?

Brussels Griffons are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Brussels Griffons good with kids? Are Brussels Griffons good around children?

Brussels Griffon dogs are not kid-friendly.

Senior-friendly

Are Brussels Griffons good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Brussels Griffons good with cats? How friendly Brussels Griffons are toward cats?

Brussels Griffons are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Brussels Griffon dogs get along with other dogs? Are Brussels Griffons OK with other dogs?

Brussels Griffons are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Brussels Griffon dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Brussels Griffons friendly with strangers?

Brussels Griffons are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Brussels Griffons like to play? Are Brussels Griffons playful?

Brussels Griffons have an average level of playfulness. The Brussels Griffons, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Brussels Griffon easily trained?

Brussels Griffon dogs can be hard to train, they may not understand the association between commands and actions. To have them obey, consistent and patient training is required.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affectionate
    These dogs are known for their affection towards their owners and make great companions.
  • Hypoallergenic
    Because of their hypoallergenic nature, Brussels Griffons may cause fewer allergic reactions than other breeds.
  • Adaptable
    They can adapt to a variety of living situations, including apartments and homes with small yards.
  • Cat Friendly
    Having a Brussels Griffon in the household can be compatible with having a cat as well.
  • Intelligent
    They are known to be intelligent and easy to train.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Keeping a Brussels Griffon in an office may not be ideal
  • Grooming
    Their short, wiry coat requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance.