A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a small, expressive companion found in rough- and smooth-coated varieties. Ask which coat type you are considering and plan both social time and the appropriate grooming workload.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Brussels Griffon questions
Do Brussels Griffons shed?
It depends on the coat. Rough-coated Griffons do not shed, while smooth-coated Griffons shed seasonally, usually for a week or two in spring and again in fall. Smooth coats need weekly brushing, and daily brushing while they are shedding.
What is the difference between a rough and a smooth Brussels Griffon?
Only the coat. The rough coat is wiry and dense with a fringe of longer hair on the face, and the smooth coat is short, straight and glossy. The two are otherwise the same dog. Pet rough coats are usually groomed about every two months, while smooths rarely need more than an occasional bath and brushing.
How big does a full-grown Brussels Griffon get?
Adults usually stand 7 to 10 inches tall and weigh 8 to 10 pounds. Weight should not go over 12 pounds. Despite the size, this is a sturdy, thickset little dog.
How long do Brussels Griffons live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog. Griffons should be checked for heart problems, eye defects and kneecap and hip problems, and flat-faced breeds can struggle to breathe in hot or humid weather, which is worth discussing with your vet.
Are Brussels Griffons good with kids?
Better with gentle, older children than with toddlers. The breed's small size and sensitive nature make it a poor choice for rough play, and Griffons are only moderately easy with young children. Griffons bond tightly with their people, so keep time with children calm and supervised.
Do Brussels Griffons bark a lot, and can they live in an apartment?
They are talkative. Griffons bark often, and a Griffon is comfortable in a small home but will be heard in it. Exercise needs are modest, at least half an hour of moderate activity a day, so space is rarely the problem. Noise can be.
Can a Brussels Griffon be left alone during the day?
Not happily for long stretches. Griffons are "Velcro" dogs that need human company to thrive, and unwanted behavior can follow when one is regularly left alone for long periods. House training often takes extra time and persistence with this breed.
What were Brussels Griffons bred for?
Catching rats. In the early 1800s coachmen in Brussels kept small wire-coated terrier-type dogs to keep stables free of vermin, and crosses with the Pug and toy spaniels in the mid-1800s produced the two coat types and the breed's distinctive head. Royal attention in the 1870s turned the stable dog into a fashionable companion, which is the job it has held since.
