Brussels Griffon Dog Breed Information: Profile, History, Care & Review

The Brussels griffon is square-proportioned, thickset, and compact. This breed has good bone for its size. This dog’s movement is a purposeful trot, with moderate reach and drive. In temperament, Brussels Griffons are filled with self-importance, and their carriage reflects this attitude. Their almost human expression attracts attention and admirers. Their coat is often rough, with hard, wiry hair, which is longer around the head, or smooth, with a short glossy coat.

Originally bred to hunt and kill rats, this former Belgian street dog may be a distinctive and unusual dog breed. Although he’s small, he’s a few pampered pooch. Affectionate and lively, his intelligence, sense of humor, and air of self-importance keep him one step ahead of his people. They adore him anyway.

Brussels Griffon Dog Information:

Breed Name	Brussels Griffon
Other Names	Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, Belgian Griffon, Petit Brabançon, Griffon, Griff, Bruss
Breed Group	Companion Breeds (UKC)
Type	Toy
Size	Smallest
Weight	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Height	7-8 inches (18-20 cm)
Area of Origin	Belgium
Life Range	12-15 years
Colors	Belge Black Black & Tan Red
Level of Energy	Very energetic
Bark Tendency	High
Exercise	Daily
Overall Grooming	High Maintenance

Brussels Griffon Dog History:

The Brussels griffon also referred to as the Griffon Belge, and Griffon Bruxellois gained its name from its place of origin in Brussels, Belgium. The Brussels griffon is one among three variations of Griffon, the other two being the Brussels griffon and also the Petit Brabancon. The Brussels griffon is just one of the three that is currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Brussels griffon has a longer coat than the Brussels griffon, and also, the Petit Brabancon has a shorter smooth coat.

The Brussels griffon was very popular within the 17th century with cab drivers that utilized them in their stables to rid them of vermin. Several other breeds may have contributed to the Brussels griffon that you simply see today, like the Affenpinscher, English toy spaniel, Belgian street dog, Yorkshire terrier, and Irish Terriers. The Brussels griffon, while a fine companion, isn’t a really popular breed. It’s gained some popularity after the appearance of a Brussels griffon within the film “As Good as it Gets,” however, it remains a rare breed. As a side note, this breed also had a part within the First Wives Club and Gosford Park.

Brussels Griffon Dog Photos:

Griffs are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions like heart problems, eye defects like cataracts, and orthopedic problems like patella luxation and hip dysplasia. Like all flat-faced breeds, Brussels Griffons can experience breathing problems in sunny, hot, or humid weather, and usually, snore. Like all breeds, a Griffon’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and also, the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs.

• Major concerns: none
• Minor concerns: none
• Occasionally seen: weak bladder, patellar luxation, distichiasis, cataracts, PRA, CHD, Legg-Perthes
• Suggested tests: eye, (hip), knee

Nutrition For Brussels Griffon Dog:

The Brussels griffon should have best on a portion of high-quality pet food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared together with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are susceptible to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats are often a crucial aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which aren’t. Check with your vet if you’ve got any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean water should be available at all times.

How to Take Care of Brussels Griffon Dog:

Without a doubt, Griffons are house dogs. But so long as they’re inside with the family, their small size makes them suited to any household, from city highrises to country estates. In either place, they will impress you with their inborn rat-hunting skill.

They have tons of energy and want the regular exercise to remain in shape, but they’ll do okay without a yard goodbye as they get walks or some other exercise each day. Because they’re short-nosed dogs, they can not cool the air they breathe in and may overheat on hot, humid days. Heatstroke is dangerous, so keep your Griffon someplace cool on a hot day. If you are doing take him out in the sun, watch for the signs of heat exhaustion — deep, rapid panting, and sluggishness. More serious signs include vomiting or diarrhea and seizures. Don’t let him play hard on a hot day, and make certain he has access to lots of fresh, cool water.

His intelligence and athletic ability make the Griffon a contender in dog sports like agility, obedience, and even tracking, as long as you persuade him that it’s worthwhile. Training must be fun, and positive reinforcement — rewarding your dog for getting it right, instead of punishing him for mistakes — is the only way to get cooperation from a Griffon. You can’t force a Griffon to do anything, but you’ll make him believe it’s his idea.

Brussels Griffon Grooming, Bathing & Coat:

The Griff’s coat comes in two varieties: a wire coat and a smooth coat. The rough coat should be hand stripped and plucked so as to take care of the harsh texture and color. The smooth coat variety should be short, straight, and glossy without even a hint of a wire texture. The frequency of the bath depends on the coat type. It’ll also depend upon the activity level and lifestyle of the Brussels griffon. The preliminary bath should remove the dirt and debris from the skin and coat to return it to a neutral state. The second bath is solution oriented to preserve coat texture, enhance color, or treat the skin, so it’s in optimal condition.

Whether your Griff is hand stripped and on a proper coat rotation or in a pet trim wielding the artful use of clippers and thinning shears, all Brussels Griffon’s benefit from regular grooming instead of allowing them to regress to a state of scraggly disarray. If the Griff is hand stripped, it’s done before the furnishings are bathed then touched up afterward. The outer layer of the coat is hand stripped, while the undercoat is systematically carded to reach optimal results.

If you’re artfully clipping the Griff, card the coat to remove dead coat and stimulate surface circulation to encourage new, fresh coat growth. If you’re stripping the coat, frequent brushing and rubbing the jacket down with a towel to get rid of dirt and excessive oils makes regular bathing of the jacket unnecessary. When the jacket must be bathed, make certain bathe within the direction the coat grows and also the direction you’re pulling the coat. The same goes for rinsing. It’s always a good idea to cool the water temperature down to ensure there’s no residue remaining. Dry the coat within the same direction, also using a soft bristle brush on the jacket instead of a pin brush. The leg furnishings and facial furnishings should be bathed frequently, depending on Griff’s lifestyle.

Brussels Griffon Dog Exercise:

Griffons need a minimum of a half-hour of moderate exercise each day to stay healthy and happy. They like to romp and play and are happiest when doing activities alongside their people. A game of chasing the ball is fun for both dog and owner. Their intelligence and trainability mean that many Brussels Griffons excel in canine events like obedience, agility, and tracking.

Brussels Griffon Dog Personality:

Brussels griffons are very active. They are doing not make good kennel dogs and like being with their owners. They will be demanding and assertive. They’re good for apartment dwellers and homes with small backyards but require daily exercise. They have a tendency to be stubborn and really intelligent. They are doing not accept harsh punishment and need patience when training.