Description

Le Griffon Bruxellois, also called the Brussels Griffon, hails from Belgium. These dogs have a distinctive “monkey face”, with an intelligent and alert expression. These little dogs have large round eyes with thick soft eyelashes, and small high set ears (although cropping is traditional, this is illegal in many areas). The head is round and domed, and the muzzle is short.

The Brussels Griffon has a compact body, with a sturdy look to it. The tail is high set (although traditionally docked, again this is illegal in many areas), and the legs are straight and sturdy, with round little feet.

Origin: Belgium

Look

The Brussels Griffon may be smooth or rough-coated. Rough coated dogs have dense, harsh hair: the wirier, the better! By contrast, the smooth-coated Griffons have straight, short fur, with a glossy sheen to it.

A smooth-coated Griffon will be easier to groom, as they will just need the occasional brushing and bathing. Rough-coated Griffons will need their hair to be hand-stripped, and possibly trimmed to keep it neat. Common colours for this breed are red, black and tan, or black and red.

It’s worth noting that while in the USA the Brussels Griffon is categorised either a rough or smooth-coated, in Belgium this breed is categorised as Petit Brabancon (smooth-coated), the Brussels Griffon (rough-coated, red), and the Belgian Griffon (rough-coated, any colour except red).

Health

The Brussels Griffon is quite hardy and healthy, but is prone to a few health conditions:

• Hip dysplasia
• Patellar luxation
• Syringomyelia
• Chiari-like malformation
• Eye problems
• Heat stroke risk
• Cleft palate
• Skin allergies
• Difficulty whelping

At Newdoggy.com, we recommend that you buy your dog from reputable breeders, use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines.

Learning

The Brussels Griffon is curious and creative (how many dog breeds could find so many ways to get in trouble?). They can be difficult to house train, are often stubborn, but are also very sensitive dogs. You need to be firm but patient when training this breed. They are intelligent, so with a bit of time your Brussels Griffon should soon understand what you are asking for.

Temperament

Bossy but affectionate, the Brussels Griffon loves to be with their human at all times. A well-socialised Brussels Griffon has an air of confidence (bordering on arrogance) but they will melt when they meet a favourite person to play or snuggle with!

Early socialisation is very important from this breed. Brussels Griffons are sensitive, and need careful socialisation to prevent aggression or shyness. Socialisation will help to build your dog’s confidence, and your Brussels Griffon will hopefully develop that classic air of self-confidence that is so associated with the breed.

Living with

This stubborn but snuggly breed may not be the best choice for a first dog, but if you’re willing to meet the challenge you’ll find a playful and affectionate friend for life! Brussels Griffons can live comfortably in apartments; indeed, they are probably most comfortable living inside, with some access to the outdoors (not in extreme heat or cold). They are sensitive and hate to be left alone; indeed, leaving your Brussels Griffon alone may drive your neighbours mad, as this breed tends to bark a lot. Your Brussels Griffon will be happiest right by your side.

Although not the most patient dog, the Brussels Griffon is a very sweet and affectionate family dog. They love to play and get on well with children and other pets, though a Brussels Griffon may try to pick fights with strange dogs, no matter how much bigger they are!