Brussels Griffon Breed Information and Pictures - Tiny Tracks

Brussels Griffon Breed

Brussels Griffon Dog Picture
Photo ©2005 General - Tiny Tracks

Standard Brussels Griffon Characteristics

Class/Group: Toy Group

Alternative Names: Griffon Bruxellois, Belgium Griffon

Nick Names: Griffon

Height: 8 inches (20 cm)

Weight: 8- 10 pounds (3.6�4.5 kg)

Color: Red or Reddish Brown, Black, Black and Tan with red shade, Black and Red

Hypoallergenic: No

Description & Appearance:

Around 8 pounds, the Brussels Griffon, officially known as the Griffon Bruxellois and also known as the Belgium Griffon is a dog with a well proportioned body, petite nose, large black eyes and long black eyelashes. A prominent feature with this breed is its near human like expression. The Petit Brabancon has a smooth coat similar to the Pug.

Two types of coat come with this toy breed, either rough and wiry coat or a smooth straight coat. The coats are typically reddish brown, black, black and tan or black and red.

Temperament:

The Brussels Griffon are known for their intelligence and attentiveness. They are confident and sensitive, playful and energetic. Their sensitive mood can change their disposition from self-important to even glum. This breed likes to be babied and does not do well as a backyard dog. They like to be the center of attention, while pleasing their masters.

The Brussels Griffon make good house pets, they�re fairly easy to house break and do very well with other pets. The breed is known to form a strong bond with one person, but is still very social. They often are shy around new people and new environments, but they don�t take too long to warm up.

Health:

Small dogs typically have a life expectancy of about 14 to 15 years and the Brussels Griffon is no different. They shed seasonally, but other than that shed very little. These dogs may have their hair clipped and should be brushed often.

They are generally hardy and resilient dogs but watch out for respiratory and eye problems. So called Mini Griffons are generally discouraged as they can introduce new problems such as subluxating patellas which is a slipping of the knee caps. This can be corrected with surgery, but comes at a cost. Webbed feat has also been found in this breed, and while it may eliminate them from being a show dog, does not have any ill health affects.

Care & Grooming:

They shed seasonally, but other than that shed very little. These little dogs may have their hair clipped and should be brushed often.

Due to their very small size, they make good apartment dogs and require very little outside exercise. They can keep fit on their own by playing with their toys and their owners. As proud parents, you�ll want to monitor them to make sure they are being entertained enough that they actually are getting enough exercise playing around the house.

History:

As you might guess, the Brussels Griffon was named after their city of origin in Brussels, Belgium. The three types of Griffon Brussels Griffon, Belgian Griffon and Petit Griffon were descendants of the Pug, Affenpinscher and Belgian stable dogs. They often were used as ratters to rid stables and kitchens of vermin and mice as well as even companions and watch dogs for cab drivers in the 19th century.

English Toy Spaniels and Yorkshire and Irish Terriers were also bred in later and were then recognized by the AKC as well as several other international clubs such as the CKC, FCI, UKC, ACR and NKC.

More Information:

You can also browse the forums for more information about Brussels Griffon by owners of this wonderful breed. See the following:

Click here for Brussels Griffon discussions.
Click here for Brussels Griffon pictures.