Natives of Belgium, Brussels Griffons officially date back to the 1880s where they were chic pets despite their debut as premiere ratters.
The breed’s popularity soared when a “Griff” had a starring role alongside Jack Nicholson in the 1997 film, “As Good as it Gets.”
Personality
- Affectionate and want to be with their pet parent as much as possible
- Lively, playful, comical and demanding of attention
Size
- 8-10 pounds
- 9-11 inches at the withers (shoulders)
Lifestyle
- Brussels Griffons have a sweet temperament perfect for single owners or families alike; however as they demand being the center of attention, large families or busy people should be cautious of having enough time for this insistent breed
- Young children are not a suitable match for Griffs as this breed is too sensitive for rough or disrespectful play
Training
- Griffs should be socialized early on to prevent them from being too self-important or too timid as they can go either way
- This intelligent but stubborn breed responds best to a positive, innovative, fun approach with a food reward involved
Exercise
- Daily walks to keep Griffs fit and stimulated are suggested as well as engaged playtime and socialization
- This breed requires enough mental stimulation to match his physical stimulation
Coat
- Red, black or occasionally black and tan
- Coat comes in the rough or smooth variety; regardless of the type of coat Griffs must have the crease above their nose cleaned to prevent skin problems or sores
- Smooth coats require weekly brushing to remove dull hairs
- Rough coats need daily brushing, cleaning of facial hair after eating and bi-annual stripping
Health
- A rugged little dog prone to overheating, snoring and breathing problems common to short-faced breeds
- Can be genetically prone to cataracts, heart murmurs, hip dysplasia and knee problems
Lifespan
- 12-15 years
Rescue
- To adopt a Brussels Griffon, visit National Brussels Griffon Rescue
PHOTO: Maria Michaëlsson
