General Information

Dog NameBrussels Griffon
Other NamesPetit Brabançon
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeCompanion
GroupToy
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginBelgium

Physical And Size

Min Life Span12
Max Life Span15
Min Ideal Weight for male3
Max Ideal Weight for male9
Min Ideal Weight for female3
Max Ideal Weight for male9

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentAlert, Loyal, Intelligent
Prey DriveNo
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyHigh
Apartment FriendlyHigh
Senior Citizens FriendlyHigh
Service DogHigh
Search and Rescue DogHigh
Biting PotentialMedium
Country of OriginBelgium
Nicknames and Other NamesBelgium Griffon, Petit Brabançon,
Brussels Griffon, Brabançon Griffon
Griffon Belge, Griff, Bruss
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeCompanion Breed
GroupToy Group
Bred ForHunting vermin
SizeSmall-size
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, UKC, NZKC, ANCK, CKC, KC
Life Span12-15 years
Ideal Weight8-10 pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height7-10 inches (male and female)
Fur TypeRough or Smooth
Common ColorsBlack, Black and Tan, Red, Belge
MarkingsNone
AvailabilityCommonly available
AchievementsAppearance in a movie
Suitable for ApartmentsVery suitable
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToAffenpinscher

The best way to describe the Brussels Griffon is a “monkey face”. These dogs have a similar face as monkeys with long mustache with a prominent chin and large eyes and cute little size.

Brussels Griffons are great for apartment dwellers since they are tiny. Despite their size, these little pooches are spunky, mischievous, playful yet stubborn. Thinking of adding one little spunk in your family? Then you must know about their behaviors and origin to make sure you can keep your pet happy.

Origin And History

Brussels Griffons date back to the 1800s. They were originated in the city of Brussels, Belgium where they were bred to hunt and kill vermin in stables, especially in the horse-drawn. These tiny little dogs were also used to guard taxi in Brussels.

These dogs were developed crossing between the German affenpinscher and the Belgian street dogs. As a result, a Griffon with a rough coat was produced. Later, in the 19th century, Griffons were crossed with the pug to produce a smooth coat variety.

In the 1870’s the breed became the favorite dogs of the Belgian Queen, Henrietta Maria, which gave the dogs royal patronage. The Brussels Griffon soon became famous among the Belgian elite, and efforts were put together to make the breed more exaggerated in appearance.

The American Brussels Griffons was founded in 1945 and the breed standard was approved in the year 1960 by the American Kennel Club. Later, the parent club for AKC membership was accepted in 1982.

Brussels Griffons Behavior Around Children

Brussels Griffons do not like being chased, forced to sit on the lap or unwanted hugs. Since children wants their furry pet to play or sit on the lap for long and if they cannot escape the grasp, they may growl or snap. For these reasons, it is quite risky to leave your child with the tiny pooches.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvlRZkOlpSI/

They are best with older children. However, Brussels should be taught that these kind of behaviors are not acceptable. On the other hand, children should also be taught on how to handle their tiny friends.

Behavior, Temperament And Personality

The temperaments of Brussels Griffons range from outgoing and active to reserved verging on shy. It is believed that the Griffons will do well with older people since they can give them enough affection and love. Children might make them nervous when around. They are not so fond of kids. The Brussels Griffon is tiny but has a bossy streak double their size.

These breeds looks like a “purse dog” but are fragile, sturdy and fearless. They enjoy being the center of attention and will love to have many interesting interactive sessions with their owners showing their clownish behaviors.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvkdDmXhC3i/
Cute Brussels Griffon Playing.

Brussels don’t like staying alone, they will easily develop separation anxiety which will lead to aggression and destructive behaviors. They may get depressed if left alone. These little pooches consider them as the “king” of the house and should always be treated with love, affection and even respect.

Trainability

Training a Brussels Griffons is challenging. They are stubborn and want to do things on their own. These dogs don’t like being ordered. They won’t reply on the harsh tone of the voice. Patience and confident leadership is required while training your pooches.

Brussels Griffon performing in the Dog Show.
Image Source- ftw.usatoday

Positive reinforcements and treats might help you to train the Brussels Griffons. Once, proper leadership is established, they will happily and eagerly perform for the crowd to get praised. They will thrive in advanced obedience classes and agility training.

Facts

Some of the facts related to Brussels Griffon dogs are as follows:

  • Because of their hunting capabilities, the Brussels Griffon is often compared to the Fox-Terriers.
  • They don’t have much energy, so they are more likely to be a couch potato!
  • One of the most interesting facts about these little pooches is that they can “talk” with their owners. They will bark to communicate with their owners. Sharp owners who know their pets well could clearly understand what they’re trying to say.
  • Griffs are like cats. They can easily jump and climb up the tress.

Health issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesAllergies, Patellar luxation, Hip Dysplasia,
Eye Problem, Cherry Eye, Diabetes
HypoallergenicYes
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus,
Canine Parainfluenza, Kennel Cough,
Leptospirosis, Canine Coronavirus
SheddingNone to Minimal Shedding
DroolingAverage Drooler
GroomingHard and regular Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage
Separation AnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesSkin allergies
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 20%-25%
Fat: 8%
Multivitamins
Probiotics
Fish Oil

Brussels Griffons are generally healthy but like other dogs, they are prone to certain health diseases. Some of the diseases suffered by griffons are:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patella luxation
  • Eye problems
  • Skin Allergies

Color Patterns

Some of the colors of Brussels Griffons are:

  • Black
  • Black and tan
  • Blue
  • Brown
  • Red
  • Belge

Puppies

Brussels Griffons can give birth to 1 to 3 puppies at a time.

Price of Brussels Griffons Puppies

The average cost of Brussels Griffon puppies ranges from $800 to $1000 USD.

Size

The weight of Brussels Griffons is about 6 to 12 pounds.

Which Dog Breed Are They Similar To?

Some of the breeds similar to Brussels Griffon dogs are:

  • Pug
  • English Toy Spaniel
  • Chihuahua
  • Pekingese
  • Affenpinscher

Visit Doglime to know more about various dog breeds.

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