Griffon BelgeCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says that the three breeds, the Griffon Bruxellois, the Griffon Belge and the Petit Brabançon, descend from a small, rough-haired dog called the “Smousje”, found for centuries in the Brussels area. In the 19th century, crosses with the Ruby King Charles Spaniel and the Pug brought the short, black coat and fixed today's type. These dogs guarded carriages and kept stables free of rodents.

In 1883 the first Brussels Griffons, Topsy and Foxine, were registered. By around 1900 they had become very popular, thanks to the interest of Queen Marie-Henriette of Belgium. Wikipedia says the small, rough-haired dog in Jan van Eyck's painting “The Arnolfini Portrait” is considered an early form of the breed.

How the breed developed

• 1434 – Jan van Eyck paints “The Arnolfini Portrait”, with a small dog considered an ancestor of the breed.
• 19th century – Crosses with the King Charles Spaniel and the Pug fix the type.
• 1883 – The first Brussels Griffons are registered.
• Around 1900 – The breed becomes popular thanks to Queen Marie-Henriette.
• 26 October 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 25 March 2003 – The current common FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The rating is based on the American Kennel Club scores for the Brussels Griffon and on the common FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a small companion dog that is intelligent, well balanced, alert, proud and sturdy, almost square, with good bone, yet elegant in movement.

General appearance

The head is its most characteristic feature: quite large in relation to the body, with an almost human expression. The harsh, raised, tousled hair is longer above the eyes, on the muzzle and on the cheeks, where it forms the beard.

The Belgian Griffon is black or black and tan, with clean tan markings on the legs, chest, cheeks, chin, above the eyes, inside the ears and under the tail. Black mixed with reddish brown is allowed, but pure black and black and tan are preferred.

The standard describes it as a small dog that is well balanced, alert, proud, very attached to its owner and very watchful, neither shy nor aggressive.

The AKC says griffons are very intelligent and bond strongly with their owners, which makes them easy to train. As with many toy breeds, house-training can take longer.

Tips for effective training

• Be patient with house-training. The AKC says it can take longer.
• Socialise it as a puppy. The AKC recommends puppy classes.
• Keep it out of the heat. Its short face makes breathing harder in hot weather.
• Try dog sports. Many excel at obedience and agility.

The AKC says griffons need at least half an hour of moderate exercise a day. They love to play and are happiest when doing activities together with their people.

Tips for a balanced life

• In summer, keep it cool.
• Be careful with stairs and jumps off furniture.
• It is well suited to flat life.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says rough-coated griffons need regular brushing and combing, plus stripping, to keep their coat. The standard asks for the coat to be trimmed and long enough to show the dog's structure.

Common health problems

The AKC says griffons are generally healthy, but they should be checked, as puppies and as adults, for:

Other care

• Brush its teeth regularly.
• Clean the area around the eyes.
• Trim the nails regularly.

The AKC says some griffons put on weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched. Treats should be given in moderation.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Feed puppies several times a day.
• Choose small kibble suited to toy breeds.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Three breeds, one standard. The Brussels Griffon, the Belgian Griffon and the Petit Brabançon share a common FCI standard.
• A queen's dog. Queen Marie-Henriette of Belgium made the breed popular.
• In a famous painting. An ancestor appears in Jan van Eyck's “The Arnolfini Portrait”.
• It guarded carriages. In the past it guarded carriages and caught rodents in stables.
• An almost human expression. The standard says its face has an almost human expression.

“The Arnolfini Portrait” and “As Good as It Gets”

Wikipedia says the small, rough-haired dog in Jan van Eyck's painting “The Arnolfini Portrait” (1434) is considered an early form of the Belgian griffons. More recently, interest in griffons grew in the United States after one appeared in the film “As Good as It Gets”.

What is the difference between the Belgian Griffon and the Brussels Griffon?

Only the colour: the Belgian is black or black and tan, while the Brussels is red.

How much does it weigh?

Between 3.5 and 6 kg.

Is it easy to train?

Yes, the AKC says it is intelligent and very attached to its owner.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–15 years.