The Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois) is a Belgian toy breed known for its incredibly expressive, confident, and almost human-like face. This look is created by its bushy eyebrows, large eyes, and a noticeable undershot jaw. These dogs are often called “little monkeys” or “gremlins” for their unique appearance. Despite their seemingly serious or even somewhat grumpy expression, Brussels Griffons are incredibly cheerful, loyal, and sweet companions. They truly live for their person, require a lot of attention, and hate being alone. Their care has specific requirements, especially for their wiry coat. Their flat-faced (brachycephalic) structure makes them prone to certain health issues, although, unlike Pugs, they generally don’t snore or grunt as much. Learn more on Tvaryny.
Brussels Griffon: A Quick Breed Overview
| Origin | Belgium |
| First Mentioned | 1883 (first registration), 1903 standard |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
| Height at withers | 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) |
| Weight | 8-13 lbs (3.5-6 kg) |
| Temperament | Loyal, curious, sensitive, alert |
| Grooming | High needs (requires hand-stripping) |
| Activity | Medium, adapts well to apartments |
| Shedding | Minimal (with proper grooming) |
| Intelligence | High, but can be stubborn |
| Other Names | Griffon Bruxellois, Brussels Griffon |
History of the Breed
The Brussels Griffon’s story begins in 19th-century Belgium. Its ancestors were small, wiry-haired dogs kept in stables to hunt rodenst. These dogs were called “Griffons d’Ecurie” (Stable Griffons) and were somewhat larger and rougher than today’s breed. They were favorites of Brussels carriage drivers (cabmen), who often took them along in their cabs for company and to guard them.
To refine the breed, these local rat-catchers were crossed with other breeds. It’s believed the key influences were:
- Affenpinscher: From them, Griffons inherited their “monkey-like” face, wiry coat, and confident nature.
- Pug: This cross was crucial. It introduced the short nose, large eyes, brachycephalic skull structure, and most importantly-the smooth-coat gene. This is how the smooth-coated variety of Griffon came to be.
- King Charles Spaniel: This breed likely added the rich red coloring and contributed to the round head and large, expressive eyes.
At first, all three varieties (the wiry red, the wiry black/black-and-tan, and the smooth-coat) were considered one breed. Their popularity truly soared in the late 19th century when Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium, a known dog lover, fell for these amusing creatures and began breeding them. Royal favor instantly made the breed fashionable among the aristocracy and high society.
The first breed club was founded in Brussels in 1883. The breed was nearly wiped out during World War I and World War II. Its survival largely depended on enthusiasts in Great Britain and the United States who managed to preserve the breeding stock. Later, an official split (by FCI standards) into three separate breeds occurred:
- Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois): Only wiry-coated, exclusively in red (red, reddish-brown) coloring.
- Belgian Griffon (Griffon Belge): Wiry-coated, but in black, black-and-tan, or mixed (black and red) coloring.
- Petit Brabançon: The smooth-coated variety, which comes in all the same colors as the two wiry-coated types.
It’s worth noting that in some countries (like the United States), all three varieties are still considered one breed-“Brussels Griffon”-with different coat types and colors.
What Does a Brussels Griffon Look Like: Appearance
The Brussels Griffon is a small but sturdy, square-bodied dog with a remarkable appearance. Its look is full of intelligence, vivacity, and self-confidence. The main feature is its almost human-like expression.
Key standard features:
- Head: Large in proportion to the body, rounded. Forehead is wide and domed.
- Muzzle: Extremely short. The nose is very short, turned up (remontant), with wide, open nostrils. The nose is set at the same level as the eyes.
- Bite: A pronounced undershot jaw (lower jaw juts out). The chin is prominent and wide. Lips are tight and black.
- Eyes: Very large, round, dark (almost black), and set wide apart. They should not be bulging. The gaze is lively and expressive.
- Ears: Small, set high. They were often cropped in the past, but now in most countries, the ears are left natural-they are held semi-erect, with the tips folding forward.
- Body: Compact, sturdy, and square (body length is roughly equal to the height at the withers).
- Tail: Set high. Previously docked. The natural tail is carried high, with a slight curve toward the back, but not curled.
Coat and Color
The coat type and color are what distinguish the Brussels Griffon from its closest relatives. The Griffon Bruxellois is characterized by:
- Coat Type: Wiry. It is coarse, dry, and slightly wavy to the touch, but not curly. An undercoat is essential. The hair on the face is longer, forming the characteristic “furnishings” – a mustache, beard, and eyebrows. This wiry coat barely sheds.
- Color: Exclusively red (can be reddish-brown or “fawn”). A slight darkening (a black “mask”) on the muzzle is permissible but not required.
Character: Temperament and Behavior
Members of this breed give the impression of being lively, decisive dogs with an intelligent look in their sparkling eyes. The characteristic humor of the Brussels Griffon comes from the combination of a self-important expression and a tiny size. This is a companion dog in every sense of the word.
Key character traits:
- “Velcro dog”: This is perhaps their most important trait. The Brussels Griffon adores its person. It wants to be nearby 24/7-sitting on your lap, sleeping in your bed, and following you to the bathroom. They often choose one “main” person in the family.
- High Sensitivity: They are very emotional and sensitive to their owner’s mood and the atmosphere in the home. They react poorly to yelling, arguments, or harsh treatment.
- Alert Watchdog: Despite their size, they are excellent little “alarm bells.” They are vigilant, attentive, and will always warn you with a loud bark about guests, the delivery driver, or suspicious sounds outside.
- Intelligence and Stubbornness: These are very smart dogs that learn quickly… when they want to. They have a mind of their own and can be quite stubborn, especially about things they don’t like (like walks in the rain).
- Lack of Aggression: With proper socialization, Griffons are not aggressive, though they may be wary of strangers. They can be “bossy” with other dogs, not realizing their small size.
- Prone to Anxiety: Their biggest problem is separation anxiety. They suffer physically when left alone. This breed is absolutely not suitable for people who spend all day at work.
Interaction with Children and Other Pets
The Brussels Griffon can get along with children, but it is not the best choice for families with toddlers. First, the dog is quite fragile, and a child could accidentally injure it. Second, Griffons do not tolerate rough handling or teasing. They may defend themselves if they are annoyed or hurt. They are ideal for families with older, considerate children (ages 10-12 and up).
They usually get along well with other dogs and cats, especially if raised together. Early socialization plays a key role here. They can be somewhat jealous if the owner pays attention to another pet.
Pros and Cons of the Breed
Like any breed, the Brussels Griffon has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to evaluate them soberly before getting such a dog.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible devotion and human-oriented nature | Strong tendency for separation anxiety (cannot be left alone) |
| Minimal shedding (with proper grooming) | Complex grooming (requires regular hand-stripping) |
| High intelligence and cleverness | Stubbornness and training difficulties (especially house-training) |
| Compact size, ideal for an apartment | Numerous health problems (brachycephaly, eyes, neurological) |
| Bright, comical personality, “clown dog” | Not the best choice for families with small children |
| Good watchdog “alarm bell” | High cost of puppies and upkeep (grooming, vets) |
| Gets along well with other pets (with socialization) | Sensitive to heat and cold |
Care and Maintenance
Keeping a Griffon isn’t difficult in terms of space, but it requires a lot of time and attention to detail, especially regarding grooming and health.
Grooming: The Wiry Coat Specialty
This is the most challenging aspect of their care. The wiry coat of a Brussels Griffon doesn’t shed in the usual sense, but the hairs do die. To keep the dog looking neat and to maintain the correct coat texture, it must be hand-stripped.
- Hand-stripping is the process of manually plucking the dead outer hairs. It is painless for the dog if done on time (when the coat is “ready”). The procedure is done every 2-4 months. This allows a new, wiry coat of the correct color and texture to grow in.
- Clipping is an easier alternative, but it ruins the coat. After clipping, the hair becomes soft, dull, sometimes curly, and loses its rich red color. Furthermor, a clipped dog will start to shed. This option is suitable for “pet” dogs not in the show ring or for seniors, as long as the owner is prepared for the change in texture.
Beyond hand-stripping, regular care is needed:
- Beard Care: This is the messiest spot. The beard and mustache must be washed or wiped daily after meals to prevent food buildup, saliva, and bad odors.
- Eye Care: Due to their large, prominent eyes, they often tear. You need to wipe the folds under the eyes daily with a special lotion to prevent tear stains and infections.
- Nails: Trim every 2-3 weeks.
- Ears: Inspect and clean regularly.
Physical Activity and Walks
This little “house elf” doesn’t require excessive physical exertion. The Brussels Griffon is not an athlete. It satisfies most of its activity needs just by running around the apartment after its owner.
Nevertheless, daily walks are necessary for socialization and mental stimulation. One or two walks of 20-30 minutes are sufficient. They enjoy playing but tire quickly. It’s crucial to remember their brachycephalic structure: they handle heat poorly (risk of heatstroke) and also struggle with extreme cold.
Living Conditions
This is an exclusively indoor dog. They need constant access to their person. Keeping them in a kennel or outdoors is a death sentence from loneliness and cold. They feel perfectly at home even in a small apartment, provided their owner is nearby.
Health: Common Diseases and Prevention
Unfortunately, the Griffon’s charming appearance is linked to a number of serious health problems. This is one breed that requires careful selection of a breeder and close veterinary supervision.
Main risk groups:
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Due to their flat faces, they can suffer from narrowed nostrils (stenotic nares) and an elongated soft palate. This obstructs breathing, leading to snorting, snoring, and intolerance to exercise and heat.
- Eye Problems: Their large eyes are very vulnerable.
- Proptosis (eye popping out): Can happen from a hard blow, fright, or even a collar that is too tight.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Cataracts: Hereditary diseases that lead to blindness.
- Distichiasis (extra eyelashes): Eyelashes grow toward the eyeball, scratching the cornea.
- Corneal Ulcers: Very common because the eye is easily injured.
- Neurological Problems:
- Syringomyelia (SM) and Chiari-like Malformation (CM): A serious and painful condition common in related breeds (like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). The skull is too small for the brain, causing severe pain and neurological symptoms.
- Hydrocephalus (water on the brain): Also seen in the breed.
- Reproduction Problems: Females often have difficult births (dystocia) due to the large size of the puppies’ heads. Planned or emergency C-sections are very common.
- Dental Problems: Due to their small mouths and undershot jaw, teeth are often crowded, leading to rapid tartar buildup and early tooth loss.
| Problem | Symptoms | Prevention / Action |
|---|---|---|
| BOAS (Brachycephalic Syndrome) | Loud snorting, snoring, heat intolerance, shortness of breath | Weight control, avoiding heat, using a harness instead of a collar. In severe cases – surgical correction. |
| Eye Problems (trauma, ulcers) | Squinting, tearing, redness, cloudiness | Daily inspection, protection from branches/grass. Immediate visit to a veterinary ophthalmologist. |
| Syringomyelia (SM) | “Phantom” scratching at the neck, yelping for no reason, pain when head/neck is touched | Choose a breeder who tests parents (MRI). Symptomatic treatment (pain relievers). |
| Dental Problems | Bad breath, loose teeth, refusal to eat | Daily tooth brushing. Regular professional cleanings at the vet (often under anesthesia). |
| Difficult Births | Prolonged, non-productive labor in a pregnant female | Planning the pregnancy under vet supervision, readiness for a C-section. |
Training and Socialization
The self-confident temperament of the Brussels Griffon fuels its desire to be the center of attention. This little dog truly has “big dog syndrome” and may try to boss around a larger dog or even its owner.
Early socialization is absolutely critical for a Griffon. From puppyhood, it needs to be introduced to different people, sounds, places, and other (calm and vaccinated) dogs. This will help raise a confident dog, not a nervous or nippy one.
Training Tips:
- Use only positive reinforcement. Griffons are incredibly sensitive. Yelling, jerking the leash, or punishment will only cause the dog to “shut down,” get offended, and refuse to cooperate. They work wonderfully for treats and praise.
- Be prepared for house-training issues. This is perhaps the most difficult aspect of their training. Griffons are considered one of the hardest breeds to house-train. They hate rain, cold, and snow and will do anything to relieve themselves indoors. You need incredible consistency, patience, frequent potty breaks, and perhaps training them to use a litter box or pee pad as a backup.
- Keep sessions short and fun. They are smart but get bored quickly. 5-10 minutes of fun training several times a day will yield better results than one long session.
- Don’t let them be the boss. A Griffon who is allowed to do anything will quickly turn into a little household tyrant. Set clear rules and boundaries from day one.
Feeding: Key Recommendations
Proper nutrition is vital for a Griffon, especially given its predisposition to health problems.
- Weight control is everything. Extra weight is a huge strain on the heart, joints, and, most dangerously, the respiratory system of a brachycephalic dog. Do not overfeed! Follow the guidelines on the food packaging and adjust based on your dog’s activity level.
- Choosing a food. High-quality holistic or super-premium dry food for small breeds is best. The kibble should be small, making it easy for the dog to pick up. Some owners choose a raw (BARF) or home-cooked diet, but it must be carefully balanced by a veterinary nutritionist.
- Feeding schedule. An adult dog (after one year) should be fed twice a day, at the same time. Never leave food in the bowl for free-feeding.
- Don’t feed from the table. This is not only a path to obesity but also to digestive issues and allergies. Griffons are master manipulators, but you must be firm.
- Fresh water. Clean drinking water should always be available, especially if the dog eats dry kibble.
- Hygiene after meals. As mentioned, wipe the “beard” after every meal to keep it clean.
Interesting Facts About the Brussels Griffon
- Inspiration for Star Wars. Although George Lucas officially said he based the Ewoks from “Return of the Jedi” on his own Griffon, many fans are convinced the Brussels Griffon was the prototype. Their monkey-like faces and large eyes are very similar to the movie creatures.
- Hollywood Star. The breed experienced a massive surge in popularity after the 1997 film “As Good as It Gets”. The dog, Verdell, played by a Griffon named Jill (and several doubles), stole the hearts of audiences worldwide.
- Royal Favorites. Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium loved her Griffons so much that she took them everywhere, even to official events, which greatly contributed to their popularity in Europe in the late 19th century.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Brussels Griffon shed a lot?
No, provided it gets the proper grooming. A wiry-coated Griffon that is regularly hand-stripped (every 2-4 months) barely sheds at all. However, if it is clipped, the dead hairs remain in the follicle, the new hair grows in soft, and this type of coat will shed.
Are Griffons good for families with small children?
It is not recommended. Griffons are fragile and can be injured by a small child. They also dislike rough handling and may snap in self-defense. They get along much better with older, calmer children who understand how to behave around a small dog. For families with toddlers, it’s better to consider more patient breeds, like the Toy Poodle (though they also require gentle handling).
Can a Brussels Griffon be left home alone?
It is highly discouraged. This is their biggest weakness. They suffer from separation anxiety, which can manifest as destructive behavior, non-stop barking, or house-training accidents. This breed is for people who work from home, are retired, or can take their dog with them.
Are the Brussels Griffon and the Belgian Griffon the same breed?
According to FCI standards (followed in Europe), they are two different breeds. The difference is only in color. The Brussels Griffon is only red. The Belgian Griffon is black, black-and-tan, or mixed. In all other respects (temperament, care, health), they are identical. In the US, they are considered one breed.
Is their coat difficult to care for?
Yes, it takes effort. Hand-stripping is a procedure you must either learn to do yourself (which is difficult) or pay for regularly from a professional groomer who knows the technique. This is significantly more expensive than a standard clipping.