Brussels Griffon Stats!
Group: Toy Group
Height: 7-10 inches (17.7-25.4 cm)
Weight: 3.6-4.5 KG ( 8-10 POUNDS)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
These dogs can tolerate apartment living well with moderate daily exercise. They also do well in single family homes, but prefer to have family interactions and play while outdoors.
Brussel Griffons require moderate exercise. At least 2 short walks a day. They are very intelligent and trainable. Many Brussel Griffons really enjoy obedience work, even advanced obedience exercises such as agility and tracking. A family who is the best fit for this breed would be willing to engage their Brussel Griffon’s learning capacity through play, exercise and more advanced training or athletic skills.
George Lucas created the Ewok character after his Brussels Griffon for the Star Wars trilogy
Brussels Griffons are recommended for families with older children. These dogs are easily trainable and love the challenge of learning something new. However, they can be stubborn and territorial at times and may feel threatened, unintentionally by younger children.
They love to make their family laugh, they love to be close to their owners, and they cannot tolerate being alone for long periods of time constantly. They like attention. They have been noted to have “human like eyes”, a trait many Brussels Griffon owners find endearing.
Brussels Griffon Grooming Requirements
This breed has moderate grooming requirements. They can have either a soft-coat or rough-coat. They require brushing about 3 times a week to keep their coat free of loose hairs, knots and dirt. They need an occasional bath. They also require eye, ear and nail care the same as other dog breeds. Assess weekly, and see what maintenance frequency your dog needs.
Dogs with a European History
Griffon-like dogs were first documented in Europe as early as 1434. Since then, the breed has become much more refined. In the early 1800’s; in Brussels, Belgium, coachman used to use small terrier dogs in their stables to keep rats away. They continued to breed these small dogs with favorable rodent-hunting traits. The results were a wire-coated stable dog. There is no documented evidence of exactly what breeds finally contributed to the Brussels Griffon; however, experts in linage tracing think that many breeds we know of today such as the Pug, Yorkshire terrier, English Toy Spaniels and the Brabancon may have all descended from the terriers used to create Brussels Griffons. The dedication of these early coachmen who refined the breed, forever changed the breeds reputation from rough-and-tumble rat dogs, to sophisticated lap-dog companion.
In the 1870’s the Queen of Belgians, Henrietta-Maria, had a Brussel Griffon. She had a major influence on the people, who really like her dogs. The breed become known as an upper class breed and the royal boost led to continued refining of the breed to the Brussel Griffon appearance we are familiar with today.
The Brussel Griffon was first registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1910. After both world wars the breed almost became extinct, however, as the economy recovered so did the popularity for this breed. In modern times; the Brussel Griffon a popular family dog and an iconic movie legend.
Brussels Griffon Heath Issues
Most Brussels Griffon’s will be born health when purchased from a reputable breeder. However, some health issues to be aware of the short snout of the Brussels Griffon make them less tolerant of hot weather. They may become short of breath and over heat easily. Make sure to keep them cool in hot weather, and provide water on hot days. Brussels Griffon’s also snore more often when sleeping because of their short snout.
This breed should regular eye check up to check for cataracts, and hip check up to assess for hip dysplasia, as well as ear and teeth checks. These are standard checks that most veterinarians will do on most dog breeds.
Track your Dog’s Health with The FitBark!
FitBark is a GPS tracker and health monitor for your dog. Compatible with iphone current iOS versions, and Android 7 with Bluetooth 4.0 Discreet bone shaped technology wears easily on your dog’s collar to track health and fitness. GPS available in most areas of United States. Canada and other countries still get health record tracking.
Tell Us How Your Brussels Griffon Makes a Great Family Dog?