Honest FAQ for Brussels Griffons

What kind of temperament and personality does the Brussels Griffon have?

The most descriptive words that come to my mind regarding Brussels Griffon temperament and behavior are:

spunky, playful, comical, curious, loyal, spirited, somewhat obstinate but surprisingly sensitive

I give you my honest opinions about Brussels Griffon temperament and personality traits and characteristics – positives AND negatives – in my dog breed review, Brussels Griffon Temperament and Personality Traits (What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em).

Where did the name Brussels Griffon come from?

The brussels griff-ON originated in the city of Brussels, country of Belgium. He is (probably) a cross of rough-and-tumble ratting terriers, toy spaniels, Pugs, and perhaps Affenpinschers. Griffon  just means wiry-coated dog.

What were Brussels Griffons used for?

For centuries, small griffon-type dogs hunted vermin on the tough streets and livery stables of Belgium. These alert watchdogs also accompanied livery drivers on their horse-drawn carriages.

What traits would help Brussels Griffons accomplish their work? That's right... keen senses, spunkiness, chasing and territorial instincts, independent thinking, and loyalty to his owner.

How big are Brussels Griffons? Height and weight?

About 7-12 inches at the shoulder, and 6-14 pounds. Most Griffons fit the the TINY category, but larger individuals fall into the SMALL category.

What colors do Brussels Griffons come in?

Red (reddish brown). Belge (BEL-jha) – hairs banded with both red and black. Black and tan. Solid black.

Do Brussels Griffons come in different "types"?

They do come in different coat types:  rough and smooth. The rough coat is tousled and wiry, while the smooth coat is short like a Pug.

How much exercise do Brussels Griffons need?

Just a few walks, plus games of tug and fetch in the yard. Many Griffons become obsessed with chasing small balls and toys. Also teach tricks. And set up a miniature obstacle course and run around it with your Griffon, coaxing, encouraging, and rewarding.

Do Brussels Griffons need a fenced yard?

Yes. Why a fenced yard? and best and worst fences.

Are Brussels Griffons easy to train?

Not really, no. Their combination of cleverness and spunkiness doesn't make them particularly easy to train. A prospective owner should be an assertive person who can establish a healthy leader-follower relationship. You need to be absolutely consistent and persistent, not giving in when they try to "charm" you with their comical antics.

If you can do that, then your Brussels Griffon might still be a bit stubborn at times, but if you stand your ground re: "I'm in charge and you must follow my rules", his behavior should be fine.

Are Brussels Griffons easy to housebreak?

Again, not particularly easy to housebreak. Some are only a little slow to pick up the concept, while others are more difficult.

Compared to larger breeds, very small breeds are usually harder to housebreak for two reasons: (1) their internal organs are miniaturized and slower to develop; and (2) indulgent owners let them loose in the house far too early, they start "going" behind the sofa, and the bad habit is established. Sadly, the vast majority of non-housebroken toy dogs are made that way by their owner.

Are Brussels Griffons friendly with people?

It varies a lot. Some Griffons are friendly with everyone, but many individuals are more standoffish, though still polite. Some Griffons are timid, while others are overly suspicious (which you must stop immediately, lest it worsen).

Are Brussels Griffons good with children?

I don't recommend a Brussels Griffon for children younger than about age 10. This proud and sensitive little breed can be a bit high-strung and defensive around very young children.

Are Brussels Griffons good with other dogs?

Brussels Griffons tend to prefer their own breed, but they're usually fine with other dogs in their own family.

But many Griffons dislike strange dogs and may pitch a hyperreactive fit when they spy one. It sounds funny, but it isn't, and should be stopped right away.

Are Brussels Griffons good with cats?

They're usually fine with cats in their own family. They might chase strange cats who appear in their yard.

How much do Brussels Griffons shed?

Remember, they come in two different coat types:  rough and smooth. The rough coat is tousled and wiry, while the smooth coat is short like a Pug.

The Rough  coat sheds lightly. You will find some occasional wiry hair on your clothing or furniture, but not much.

Griffons with a Smooth  coat are average shedders, shedding moderately in the spring and fall, and a bit of hair the rest of the year. This might surprise you if you thought shorthaired breeds shed less!

Are Brussels Griffons hypoallergenic? Good for people with allergies?

If you're allergic to canine saliva, no. If you're allergic to dog dander... some people with (mild) dander allergies might not be affected by a Brussels Griffon with a Rough coat. However, this breed isn't as reliably hypoallergenic as a Poodle or Bichon Frise.

Note that the Smooth coat is not hypoallergenic.

How much grooming do Brussels Griffons need?

A Smooth Brussels Griffon needs just a bit of brushing to remove dirt and debris and keep the skin and coat healthy. But brush daily when shedding.

With a Rough coat, the amount of brushing you need to do depends on how often you clip the coat and how short you clip it. The shorter and more frequently you clip, the easier brushing will be. And a shorter coat doesn't mat, so it's more comfortable to the dog. Honestly, wherever possible I recommend clipping a Griffon's coat nice and short so it stays cleaner, neater, and mat-free.

But you do need to commit to the regular trimming and clipping! And, as the coat begins to grow out again, you need to monitor with brush and comb for mats and tangles, especially in the dog's "arm pits." You also need to make sure their beard isn't getting gunked up by food and water. And trim the hair around their private parts for sanitary toileting.

What's a good training schedule for training Brussels Griffon puppies?

Here's the puppy training schedule I use for Brussels Griffons: Puppy Training Schedule.

What behavior problems do Brussels Griffons tend to have?

The Griffons I've worked with had some housebreaking issues, excitability issues, some possessiveness of food and toys, excessive barking, and reactive pugnaciousness toward strange dogs while out on a walk. All of these issues were pretty easy to correct.

Here's how to handle typical behavior problems.

More difficult to solve is separation anxiety. This can occur when you have (accidentally) encouraged your Brussels Griffon to be overly dependent on you. Then when you leave him alone, the dog grows anxious and stressed, which he tries to relieve through barking and destructive chewing. If you need to be away from home much, I don't recommend a Brussels Griffon.

What health problems might Brussels Griffons have?

Health is one of the weakest aspects of a Brussels Griffon. These dogs often inherit allergies and dental disease from their parents.

Loose joints (knees, hips, and shoulders) can also be inherited and can cause lameness and crippling arthritic pain.

Eye diseases, such as cataracts and corneal ulcers, can lead to blindness.

Worst of all, breeders have chosen to deliberately breed this dog with a deformed skull.

The eye sockets have been made shallow, which makes the eyeballs protrude, which makes them more vulnerable to injury. The muzzle has been shortened, which compromises the dog's ability to breathe in hot or humid temps. Griffons snort and snuffle through life, swallowing air, which makes them gassy. Also related to the domed skull is a devastating neurological disease called syringomyelia.

What breeds are similar to the Brussels Griffon?

The Griffon is (probably) a blend of Pug, English Toy Spaniel, and small ratting terriers (like Affenpinschers).

Compared to the Pug, the Brussels Griffon is smaller, more active and athletic, has a slightly longer face, and sheds less.

If you prefer a "softer", less spunky temperament and a lower energy level, try the English Toy Spaniel.

Compared to the Affenpinscher, the Griffon has a flatter face and thus more health issues.

Where can I buy a Brussels Griffon puppy?

From a show breeder is best. Read my article.

Where can I adopt an older Brussels Griffon?

Not many Griffons are turned over to Rescue groups or animal shelters. Not many people own them in the first place, and these little guys are not that difficult to live with, so fewer owners tend to give up on them. Read my article.

I just got a new Brussels Griffon. Which pages should I read first?

• Brussels Griffon Health, which includes my advice on feeding, vaccinations, and daily health care. These pages are very important, because if you start your Brussels Griffon puppy off on the wrong foot, he will probably experience health problems later on. Starting off right is essential.
• Training Brussels Griffons, which includes my advice on respect training, housebreaking, and socialization. Again, you must start your Brussels Griffon puppy off on the right foot by teaching him what he needs to know, and you must avoid doing the wrong things with him so that he doesn't develop bad habits that will be much harder to fix later on.

Do male dogs or female dogs make better pets?

Ah, let the debate begin! Honestly, male Brussels Griffons have pros and cons, and female Brussels Griffons have pros and cons. Visit Male Dogs versus Female Dogs

There's an adorable Brussels Griffon puppy at the pet shop. The store manager assures me they only buy from responsible breeders. Could this be true?

No responsible Brussels Griffon breeder would ever place one of their Brussels Griffon puppies in a pet shop for resale. To find out more about pet shop puppies, visit Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store.

How do I pick the best Brussels Griffon puppy from a litter?

You can do puppy personality tests. Visit How To Choose a Good Puppy.

What's the best dog food for Brussels Griffons?

3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food.

I have to take my Brussels Griffon to the vet soon for shots. Which vaccinations does he really need?

The schedule of vaccinations that dogs really need has changed dramatically – but unfortunately most vets are not telling you this, because a good chunk of their income depends on frequent vaccinations. Please don't get any more shots for your Brussels Griffon until you've read my article on Puppy Shots and Dog Vaccinations.

What are the pros and cons of spaying and neutering my Brussels Griffon, and when should it be done?

Spaying and neutering are often recommended too early, which can lead to health problems later in life. Visit Spaying Your Female Dog or Neutering Your Male Dog for the straight scoop on the safest (and riskiest) times to spay or neuter.

I have a question about Brussels Griffons that I don't see answered on your web site.

It's probably answered in one of my free online books.