Brussels Griffon

Overview:

Despite the Brussels Griffon’s small size, he is an energetic dog breed that requires daily walks to keep him content. He is suited to apartment living but he is not the typical toy dog atop a white fluffy pillow type. The Brussels Griffon is quite literally full of himself, which he demonstrates in the way that he walks and carries himself, very cute!

He’s a great pet, affectionate and saucy all at the same time. He’s active whether he’s inside or out, and often provides entertainment for those around him with his playful yet bold and curious personality. His mischievous nature and his air of self-importance come across with everything he does, making him an interesting and worthwhile companion.

• Cannot be expected to live outdoors
• No health conditions that need to be tested for
• Grooming needs include at least thrice weekly brushing and shaping every three months for the rough coat
• The Brussels Griffon is a very affectionate and friendly, playful animal that is easy to train
• Has a great relationship with family members, young and old, not very protective but do make great watchdogs
• The average size of a male is 8 to 10bs and 9 to 11 inches tall
• The average size of a female is 8 to 10lbs and 9 to 11 inches tall

Care & Health:

Although the Brussels Griffon is suited to apartment life, this little dog needs his daily exercise. He’s not made for living outside but he certainly enjoys the opportunity to be a part of it.

If he’s a rough coat you’ll need to brush him three times a week, but if he’s smooth coat he only needs an occasional brush. The rough coat also requires shaping 4 times a year.

Major Health Concerns:

Minor Health Concerns:

Test for:

Life Span:

Breed History:

The Brussels Griffon is a breed with an interesting history, dating back to the 1800s when he was a popular cab guard, his purpose to deter robbers. They were also a popular choice for stables to keep the rat population down. Towards the end of the century he was bred with the pug, and although in the beginning any dogs born with a smooth coat were destroyed, eventually both the wiry coat and smooth coat were accepted.

In 1880 the breed was shown in Belgian shows, and further crosses with terriers and toy spaniels helped develop him further. At the beginning of the 20th century he had become popular with nobility, but by the end of the 1st World War his numbers had seriously declined.

Since then, his numbers have once again recovered and he is a popular dog in many countries around the world.

• Family history is Terrier
• Originally from Belgium
• First bred in the 1800’s
• Original purpose was small vermin hunting, companion
• Today they are used for companions