Is a Brussels Griffon right for me?
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The Brussels Griffon was named for the city of his origin, Brussels, Belgium. The griffon is a sturdily built
happy little dog. Griffons are a member a member of the Toy Group due to the small size. During the early
1800’s, most stables kept small terrier-like dogs as ratters. Dogs during that time in Belgium were
Affenpinscher-like, known as Griffons d’Ecurie (wire coated stable dogs). Later crosses to other breeds were
done. Little is known for the reasons for these crosses. The Pug was bred to this native Belgian wire haired
ratter dog in the mid 1800s. The crossing with this breed resulted smooth coated Griffon designated
Brabancon. Also at this time the King Charles (black and tan) and the Ruby varieties of the English Toy
Spaniel were also crossed with the Belgian dogs. The crossings with these 2 breeds resulted in the rich ruby
and black and tan colors, as well as the smooth coat. These two short faced, big headed, large eyed breeds
changed the working little ratter into the delightful small companion dog with a strong, broad, up-swept
underjaw, and a very short, up-tilted nose placed high between very dark, lustrous eyes with a high domed
skull known as the Brussels Griffon today. All of this together conjures that wonderful "pout", which gives the
Griffon that almost human expression.
Griffons are very intelligent, loving, people oriented dogs and I don't recommend them for people who are
never home, nor to anyone who doesn't want a dog who want to be with you all the time...there is a good
reason why Griffons are called "Velcro dogs" !
As far as size goes, most griffons end up within the range of 6 to 12 pounds.
Griffs are relatively healthy as adults, when compared to other breeds, although no breed is completely free
of health problems. Luxating patellas (slipping knee joints), some eye problem and occasional hip dysplasia
have been seen, even in well bred dogs. Puppy mill or pet shop Griffs often have many of these ailments at
one time, and sometimes to a severe degree.
Housetraining can be a challenge but I have found this to be true with most toy breeds. If you are vigilant
and consistent it is definitely do-able, but you must be willing to spend the time with the puppy in order to
train it properly.
Rough Griffs do not shed, smooth Griffs do shed. The rough coat needs to be either hand plucked or clipper
cut about 3 times a year, so it is a trade off. Even the smooth does not shed all that much, nothing thing like
a Pug or Jack Russell.