Brussels GriffonCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Brussels Griffon developed in Belgium. Crosses made during the 19th century helped establish the modern breed type; these small dogs guarded carriages and kept stables free of rodents.

Evolution of the breed

• Belgian stable dogs - Its ancestors were small, rough-coated stable dogs ("griffons d'écurie") kept by cab drivers in Brussels to catch rats; they may have been related to the Affenpinscher.
• Toy breed influences - In the 19th century, breeders crossed them with the Pug and the King Charles Spaniel, which gave the breed its short face and affectionate nature.
• A royal favourite - Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium loved these dogs, which helped turn the Brussels Griffon from a stable dog into a fashionable companion.
• Three varieties - The FCI recognises three related breeds: the red, rough-coated Griffon Bruxellois, the dark rough-coated Griffon Belge and the smooth-coated Petit Brabançon; the AKC treats them as one breed.

The Brussels Griffon is an intelligent, affectionate and alert dog, suitable for families, single people and lovers of small dogs. These are general editorial ratings, not measured scores; individual dogs vary.

The Brussels Griffon is a small, sturdy and very expressive dog with a distinctive, almost human face.

General appearance

• A small, square, sturdy body.
• Either a rough, wiry coat with a beard and moustache, or a short, smooth coat.
• A large, round head with a very short muzzle and an undershot jaw.
• Large, round, dark eyes set wide apart, with a curious, almost human expression.
• Small, high-set ears, natural (semi-erect) or cropped in some countries.
• A tail carried high, natural or docked where this is legal.

The Brussels Griffon is an expressive, cheeky little dog with a lively personality.

The Brussels Griffon is clever but sensitive, so training must be gentle, consistent and positive. Because it bonds closely with its owner, it responds well to praise and rewards.

Tips for effective training

• Start early - Puppies should meet many people, animals and places to prevent shyness.
• Positive methods - The Griffon does not respond well to harsh corrections, but does well with rewards and encouragement.
• Short, varied sessions - It is clever but easily bored, so training should be short and fun.
• Managing barking - It can be vocal and alert, so it should learn not to bark without reason.
• House training - Like many small breeds, it can take a while to house-train, so patience is needed.

With good training, the Brussels Griffon becomes a well-mannered, friendly and balanced dog.

The Brussels Griffon has moderate energy and needs daily exercise, but not intense activity.

Recommendations for a balanced lifestyle

• Good for apartment life - Its small size and moderate activity level suit small homes.
• Good for people who are often at home - The Griffon bonds strongly with its owner and does not like being left alone for long.
• Families - It usually gets on with older, gentle children and other pets if well socialised; small children may hurt such a small dog.
• Needs mental stimulation - It enjoys puzzle toys and games.
• Careful in the heat - Because of its short muzzle, it can overheat easily.

Without enough attention and stimulation, the Griffon may become anxious and destructive.

The Brussels Griffon needs regular coat care and is prone to some health problems, partly because of its short muzzle.

Fur and skin care

• Regular brushing - The coat should be brushed 1-2 times a week, more often for the rough coat.
• Hand-stripping - Rough-coated Griffons are usually hand-stripped a few times a year to keep the coat's wiry texture.
• Occasional baths - A bath every few weeks with a gentle dog shampoo is enough.
• Eye and ear care - Its large eyes are easily injured and should be checked daily, and the beard kept clean.

Common health problems

Other aspects of care

• Weight control - Griffons can gain weight quickly, so they should be fed carefully.
• Dental care - Small dogs often have dental problems, so regular tooth brushing helps.
• Regular veterinary visits - Yearly check-ups are recommended, especially for the teeth, eyes and joints.

The Brussels Griffon can live a long life, but its breathing, eyes and teeth need careful monitoring.

The Brussels Griffon needs a balanced diet in small, measured portions to avoid obesity and digestive problems.

Recommendations for a healthy diet

Choose a complete, balanced diet suited to age, size and health. Plan home-prepared diets and supplements with a qualified veterinarian; raw pet food can carry harmful bacteria.

Forbidden foods

Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and xylitol - toxic to dogs. / Cooked bones - can splinter and cause intestinal blockage. / Fatty or processed food - can lead to pancreatitis. / Overfeeding - Griffons can gain weight quickly, which affects their joints.

The Brussels Griffon should be fed carefully to prevent digestive problems and extra weight.

Giving birth can be difficult in this breed because the mothers are small and the puppies have large heads, so many litters need a Caesarean section. Breeding requires veterinary planning and suitable health screening.

Physical and emotional maturity

• Physical maturity: It grows quickly in the first year and is usually fully grown at about 12-18 months.
• Emotional maturity: It usually becomes calmer at about 2 years, but stays playful and lively all its life.

Mating and Gestation

• Breeding decisions require veterinary assessment of maturity, health and suitable screening; a fixed age does not establish that breeding is appropriate.
• Duration of gestation: Approximately 58-68 days, usually about 63 days.
• Average number of puppies: Usually about 1-4 puppies, fewer than in larger breeds.

Puppy care

• First 3 weeks: Puppies depend completely on their mother for warmth and milk.
• Between 4-8 weeks: They begin to explore and play with their littermates.
• Moving to a new home: When puppies go to their new homes, socialisation and training should continue; because they are so small, many breeders keep them a little longer.

Brussels Griffon puppies are tiny and need careful handling in their first weeks.

• A "human" face - Many people say the Brussels Griffon has an almost human expression, thanks to its large eyes and beard.
• From stables to palaces - It began as a rat-catcher in Brussels stables and became a favourite of Belgian royalty.
• In old art - A small rough-coated dog in Jan van Eyck's famous painting "The Arnolfini Portrait" (1434) is often linked with the breed's ancestors.
• Big dog in a small body - Although tiny, it is alert and will bark to warn its family.
• Very attached - The Griffon dislikes being left alone for long and can develop separation anxiety.
• Saved after the wars - The World Wars made the breed very rare in Belgium, but breeders in Britain and other countries helped keep it going.
• Three in one - The red rough-coated, dark rough-coated and smooth-coated varieties are treated as separate breeds by the FCI.

The Brussels Griffon became famous worldwide thanks to a Hollywood film.

Brussels Griffin in Modern Media and Culture

• "As Good as It Gets" (1997) - Verdell, the little dog who wins over Jack Nicholson's grumpy character, is a Brussels Griffon.
• Advertising - Its unusual, expressive face makes it popular in advertising and on social media.

Importance in modern culture

• A royal history - Thanks to Queen Marie Henriette, the Griffon is linked with the Belgian royal court.
• A good companion for small-dog lovers - Its lively personality and intelligence make it a good apartment dog for active owners.
• Rare but loved - Although not common, the Griffon has many devoted fans around the world.