Tipping the scales at no more than 12 pounds, this human-like toy of complex character has enough personality for 10 ordinary dogs. A sensitive companion for discerning grownups, the Brussels Griffon is smart, devoted, and comically self-important. With a near-human expression, adorable, intelligent, and social, Brussels Griffons quickly win over fans with their larger-than-life personalities.
Named for the capital of Belgium, the Brussels Griffon traces its roots to the Griffons d'Ecurie — wire-coated stable dogs kept to kill vermin. These compact and sturdy toy dogs date back to the 1800s, and their human-like expressions are reflective of a personality known for mischievous and playful antics.
From Stable Ratter to Royal Favorite
The Brussels Griffon breed, as indicated by its name, originated in Brussels, Belgium. Its ancestors were used by coachmen during the 19th century to hunt rats in stables — scruffy little street dogs who earned their keep by keeping stables free of vermin. Popular in coach houses due to their ability to exterminate vermin, it wasn't unusual to spy a Brussels Griffon perched on the seat beside a driver.
Experts debate the breeds crossed to achieve today's Griffon, but agree the Affenpinscher, Pug, and English Toy Spaniel were chief contributors. These crossings curtailed the Griffon's ratting ability but created its crowning glory — a magnificent head piece with an almost human expression. It is believed that crossings eventually resulted in two types: the rough, wiry-coated variety and the smooth-coated variety known as the Brabancon.
Brussels Griffons became popular when Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium began breeding and showing them, leading to their exportation to England and the United States. The Brussels Griffon was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1910. However, they almost disappeared in Europe during World Wars I and II, and they still remain fairly rare. Though no longer needed as workers, they have become known as wonderful companions.
Sturdy Toy, Magnificent Head
The Brussels Griffon is a sturdily built toy dog, standing about 7 to 10 inches tall and weighing 6 to 12 pounds. Typically alert in appearance, it has a domed head with large, dark eyes placed wide apart, a short face, and an upturned nose. The whiskery face gives the breed an inquisitive look, often likened to the Ewoks of Star Wars fame.
The coat comes in two varieties: rough coat Griffons have wiry coats, and smooth coat Griffons have short, glossy coats — the smooth-coated variety is called the petit Brabançon. Both types are red, red-brown, black, or black and tan, and the "belge" coloring — a reddish-brown with black tips — is a trademark of the rough variety. Griffons are sturdy, with good muscle tone and a characteristic, purposeful trot reflecting their heritage as vermin hunters.
Big Personality in a Small Package
The Brussels Griffon has a unique personality — both curious and sensitive to its surroundings, with an especially friendly temperament with its family. These dogs are also independent thinkers that tend to follow their own desires when it comes to training. Fun-loving and happy, they are known as "Velcro" dogs due to their strong desire to be with their pet parents.
The Griffon tends to dote on one person rather than being a social butterfly, and they love companionship, not liking to be left alone for extended periods. Lively and alert, they are natural entertainers and joyful, loyal companions — though they can be suspicious of new people and are prone to alert barking.
Exercise and Activity
Brussels Griffons have a medium energy level and will do fine with up to 30 minutes of moderate activity or neighborhood walks per day. They're happy to get up and go, or to take more of a lounging role — as long as they're with their loving pet parent, they're happy.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 30–45 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 20–30 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
Perfectly willing to lie beside you while you read a book, they'll join a rousing game of catch-me-if-you-can if invited to play. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for exercising a small toy breed.
Training a Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are smart and have a strong bond with their pet parents, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement. They will benefit from socialization and puppy training classes to help ensure a well-rounded, confident dog with good manners.
Due to their sensitive nature, Brussels Griffons do not respond well to harsh correction and require more of a gentle approach — scoldings push their buttons. Like many small breeds, they may possess a feisty streak and can be stubborn, so consistent obedience training is necessary. As with many toy breeds, potty training can take extra time — patience is the key. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Brussels Griffon
Grooming depends on coat type. Rough-coated Griffons need regular brushing and periodic hand-stripping to maintain their wiry texture, while smooth-coated Griffons need only occasional brushing. Many owners turn to a professional groomer for the rough coats.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
| Professional trim or clip | Every 6–8 weeks | Keeps the coat tidy and hygienic |
Routine care includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing. The breed has a low shedding level. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a toy breed.
Feeding a Brussels Griffon
A Brussels Griffon should typically be fed two meals per day of high-quality dog food, with portions depending on size and activity level. It's important to monitor your dog's weight — even one extra pound is excessive for a toy breed. Obesity can shorten their lifespan and increase the risk of other health conditions.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1/3–1/2 cup | Use a small-breed puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 1/2–3/4 cup | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1/2 cup | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Dietary needs change through life, and your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The average Brussels Griffon lifespan is 12 to 15 years, and they are a generally healthy breed with few health concerns. The most prominent health concern is their brachycephalic face — their short snout makes it harder to pant effectively, making them prone to overheating and more sensitive to hot, humid weather. Conversely, given their small size, they don't tolerate extreme cold either. Brussels do best as house dogs.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Patellar luxation and eye screening | Discuss with your vet | Breeder screening (OFA/CERF) |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
| Heat sensitivity | Avoid midday heat | Flat-faced breeds overheat easily |
Other conditions to watch include eye problems (the prominent eyes are prone to injury), hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
Brussels Griffons are best suited for pet parents who prioritize companionship and are prepared to spend a lot of time with their dog. They flourish in settings where they can be a central part of the family, and are not recommended for households with young children — though they love to play with their adults, they can be fear-biters that snap when frightened.
Griffs are attentive watchdogs that may become problem barkers, and they are prone to being territorial, not afraid of challenging larger dogs. They often do well with cats. If you're weighing whether a Brussels Griffon fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a Brussels Griffon means committing to a clingy "Velcro" dog that does not like being left alone — a Griff left alone can become sad, bored, and destructive. The breed is prone to alert barking, can be stubborn in training, and is not ideal with young children. The brachycephalic face is sensitive to heat, and the prominent eyes are prone to injury.
Yet for the right owner, the Brussels Griffon is a delight — a spirited, loyal friend with enough personality for 10 ordinary dogs. From the stables of 19th-century Brussels to modern homes, the comically self-important Griff remains a devoted and endlessly entertaining companion.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Big personality, comically self-important
- Smart, devoted, and affectionate
- Low exercise needs
- Excellent apartment dog
- Generally healthy
- Natural entertainer
Disadvantages
- Clingy; doesn't like being left alone
- Prone to alert barking
- Can be stubborn in training
- Not ideal with young children
- Sensitive to heat (flat-faced)
- Rare breed; may have waiting list
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Brussels Griffons get? They stand 7–10 inches and weigh 6–12 pounds.
How long do Brussels Griffons live? Typically 12 to 15 years.
Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? They're great for adults; older children recommended.
Are Brussels Griffons easy to train? They're smart but stubborn — gentle, positive methods work best.
Are Brussels Griffons good apartment dogs? Yes — they're small, low-energy, and perfect for apartments.
Are Brussels Griffons good with other dogs? They can be territorial and may challenge larger dogs.
Are Brussels Griffons good with cats? They often do well with cats.
Do Brussels Griffons bark a lot? Yes — they're prone to alert barking.
Are Brussels Griffons good for first-time owners? Their sensitive nature needs patience — experience helps.
Are Brussels Griffons rare? Yes — fairly rare, with possible waiting lists.
Are there two coat types of Brussels Griffons? Yes — rough (wiry) and smooth (Brabancon).
What health problems do Brussels Griffons have? Heat sensitivity, eye problems, and patellar luxation are concerns.