Brussels Griffon Dog Breed Profile

Quick Stats for the Brussels Griffon Dog Breed

Height (at the shoulders): 7 – 8 inches (18 – 20 cm)
Weight: 6 – 12 pounds (2.7 – 5.4 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
AKC Group: Toy Group – AKC recognized in 1910
Shedding: sheds little to no hair
Living Conditions: good for apartments; okay without a yard

Personality of the Brussels Griffon Dog Breed

The Brussels Griffon is an intelligent, spunky, and outgoing member of the Toy Group. They are often considered bold and mischievous. These dogs are very confident, and unlike many other toy breeds, they are usually friendly towards other dogs.

They have an unusual habit of climbing, and are known to be great escape artists.

They are small, entertaining family dogs. But they can also be very loud and vocal, which makes them great watchdogs. These dogs love to be the center of attention. They may become snappy with children and even with some adults.

History of the Brussels Griffon Dog Breed

The history of the Brussels Griffon can be traced as far back as 1800s Belgium. They were originally used to hunt small rodents, and as a general companion pet.

Some researchers claim that the breed probably came from a type of Belgian street dog known as the Griffon d’ Ecurie, and from Affenpinscher dogs. One story says that these dogs were a favorite among cab drivers in Brussels because they attracted visitors but drove away the thieves.

Sometime in the late 1800s, these dogs were crossed with the Pug. From the shape of the head of today’s Brussels Griffon, you can still see a resemblance to the Pug.

By 1880, the Brussels Griffon started to appear at Belgian dog shows. By the start of the 1900s, their popularity had really grown.

Like with many other dog breeds, their numbers declined significantly during World War I. However, after the war, their popularity once again increased all over the world.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1910.

The Brussels Griffon Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Daily exercise is required for these very active dogs. But because they are so small, they can get a lot of exercise just by running around and playing inside the house. Like all dogs, they still need to be taken on a daily walk.

They cannot live outdoors, but if given the chance, these dogs will have a blast running around and playing in a safely enclosed area.

Grooming requirements for the Brussels Griffon includes a weekly brushing with a good dog brush to remove any dead hair from the coat.

These dogs shed little to no hair.

Health Problems of the Brussels Griffon Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Brussels Griffon dog breed is about twelve to fifteen years. They are one of the healthiest dogs in the Toy Group. There are no major health issues, and there seems to be no minor issues affecting the breed either.

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

patellar luxation
weak bladder
CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
cataracts
distichiasis

Veterinarians recommend having the Brussels Griffon dog breed tested specifically for potential hip and eye problems.

Image courtesy of Faith Georgia via Flickr

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