They say that cute things come in small packages, and the Brussels griffon dog is a great example! Weighing no more than 12 pounds, this cute dog breed packs a personality big enough to match ten regular dogs.
Most pet owners will agree that this toy dog is like no other. They are sensitive to any mood change in their companions. Their air of self-importance is just a cover-up for this smart, loyal, and easy-to-train pup.
They have four different coat colors: black, red, black and reddish-brown, and black and tan Brussels griffons. It’s also easy to find Brussel griffon puppies with different coats (smooth and rough). Moreover, the pups have earned a funny nickname (the bearded dogs), thanks to their black muzzle and whiskers.
Brussels griffin dogs move their well-built frames with a sense of purpose. However, it’s best to be careful when playing with Griffs as they are tiny and sensitive.
Brussels Griffon Dog Breed Pictures
Appearance
What Does A Brussels Griffon Look Like
Did you know that the Brussels dog breed is a toy pet? This small dog breed gets no taller than 10 inches tall and weighs just about 10 pounds.
So what does a Brussels griffon look like? There are two coats to expect: rough-coated Brussels griffons and smooth-coated toy breeds. The former are popularly known for their long, shaggy fur, while smooth coat griffons have short pug-like fur.
As for Brussels griffon colors, you should see black, black and tan, red, or beige colors (black and reddish-brown). And even though black-eyed Griffs are most common, some dogs have blue eyes.
Temperament
When it comes to the Brussels griffin’s temperament, you should expect your puppy to be playful but still very obedient. These loyal pups are full of energy, making Brussel griffon training fun and enjoyable. They are also pretty intelligent dogs, so you can teach them plenty of commands.
Another attractive Brussels griffon trait is their confidence. Despite their small size, these little pets will protect their owners, making them awesome family dogs.
When socialized from a young age, these dogs are great with children, dogs, and cats. However, it’s best to check on them when around other pets like rodents, rabbits, and birds.
Living Needs
Most dog owners love that Brussels griffons make great apartment dogs. This is thanks to their ability to adapt to any living situation. However, this doesn’t mean that a home with a backyard is not ideal. Since griffon dogs are full of energy, the free space allows them plenty of room to run around and exercise. As a result, your puppy will be happy and stimulated.
The Brussels griffon’s personality makes them easy-going, allowing them to match their owner’s feelings. This means that they get along with quiet people as well as social birds. Brussels griffons love sleeping on pillows to receive royalty treatment. However, they can also join you for a walk outside.
Thanks to their loyal, loving nature, these pups don’t enjoy being left alone. Your griffon puppy can have separation anxiety if you leave them indoors all day. This means that it’s best to leave them with a dog sitter or someone at home.
Care
How to Groom a Brussels Griffon?
“Do griffons shed a lot? How often will I have to groom my dog?” All these are questions that most people ask themselves before looking for a Brussels griffon for adoption.
If you’re looking for dogs that don’t shed, then you should go for rough coat Brussels griffons. However, this doesn’t necessarily make work any easier for you; their long, rough coats are more demanding. You’ll need to clip their beards often and brush their coats to get a neat, tidy look.
On the other hand, smooth coat Brussels griffon puppies shed heavily during spring and fall. Daily brushing is ideal for such times.
How to Train a Brussels Griffon Puppy?
When it comes to puppy training, the sooner you start, the better it is for your dog. This theory applies to all dogs, not just Brussels griffon dog breeds. Training them early enough allows them to grow into friendly, well-mannered pups.
Thanks to their remarkable intelligence, obedience, and loyalty to their owners, Griffs are easy to train. Unfortunately, you’ll need to put in extra effort to teach them how to use the litter box or go outside. It’s also important to take a soft approach when correcting your puppy as they can be very sensitive animals.
How Much Exercise Does a Brussels Griffon Need?
If you want to adopt a griffon pup, it’s important to check how much exercise they need. To keep a Brussels griffon healthy, you’ll need to give them at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
Luckily, these puppies enjoy playing and running around with their owners. Thus, even a game of chase should do the trick! These pups also do well in agility, obedience, and tracking dog events.
How to Care for a Brussels Griffon Puppy
One of the top Brussels griffon health problems is gum disease, caused by the structure of their faces. This means you’ll have to brush their teeth daily and take them for yearly cleaning at your vet’s clinic. It’s also good to trim their nails to protect them from painful walks or runs.
Feeding
The feeding habits of these dogs cut across the breed. It doesn’t matter if you have a red Brussels griffon or a black one. Their daily serving should range between ¼ and ½ cup of good quality dry food, shared into two separate meals.
Health
Your pet’s overall health is very important. That said, there are several health issues to watch out for when it comes to this playful dog. For starters, their cute face structure makes them prone to the brachycephalic syndrome. This condition often leads to breathing problems, meaning your dog will snore.
The griffon dog breed also suffers from knee issues. Luxating patella, a condition that makes the kneecaps slide internally and pop out of place, is their number one enemy. Although this problem doesn’t require surgery to fix, it’s best to keep your pup at a healthy weight. This is because becoming overweight can cause arthritis and a secondary knee rupture.
Cataracts, hip dysplasia, and heart murmurs also add to your pet’s health problems. Fortunately, qualified Brussel griffon breeders usually screen for these diseases in advance before selling.
And even though your puppy seems healthy and happy, it’s best to ask the breeder about your pet’s lineage. Doing this will help you build your confidence in their well-being.
History
The Brussel history dates back to the early 1800s in Belgium’s capital city, Brussels. However, the first glimpse of the griffon’s ancestor is captured in a portrait done by Van Eyck in 1434. The dog in question was small but with a longer muzzle than the modern, flat-faced griff dog breed.
Unlike today’s breed, which is considered royal, the griffs of the 1800s were far from lapdogs. Originally, the Brussel natives kept Brussel terrier dogs with wire coats to eliminate rats from their stables. It is believed the dogs were mixed with Pugs, King Charles spaniels, Yorkshire terriers, and petite brabacons. However, there aren’t any clear records about how the crossbreeding was done.
So how did Brussels griffons get so famous? In the 1870s, the Belgian Queen (Henrietta Maria) expressed interest in the toy breed. Soon after taking in her little companion, the popularity of the breed grew everywhere. Eventually, breeders began to refine the breed to get a smaller body and human-like face.
Within the next few years, the little dogs were exported to England and America. By 1910, the AKC registered the first griffon. Unfortunately, the destructions of World War I and II led to the death of so many European griffons.
Fun Facts About Brussels Griffon
- The average Brussels griffon weight for teacups is six pounds. Even though these dogs aren’t registered with AKC, they are still popular around the world.
- Did you know that this dog appeared in a hit movie in 1997 called “As good as it gets?”
- How much does a Brussels griffon cost? This adorable pup will cost you anything between $1800 and $2800 in the US. The price depends on the breeder, location, dog’s bloodline, and age.