Brussels Griffon is a small, adorable dog with expressive, almost human-like faces that captivate anyone. Weighing between 6 to 14 pounds and standing just 7 to 10 inches tall, these charming dogs have wide-set, prominent eyes and often look like they’re thinking deeply. They’re full of personality, with big hearts that easily win people over.
With their stocky build and purposeful stride, these little dogs have a proud history as vermin hunters in Belgium, which you can see in their energetic movements.
Caring for a Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are part of the brachycephalic group, meaning they have short snouts and flat faces. This makes them prone to snoring and more sensitive to hot, humid weather. It’s important not to leave them outside for long, as they also don’t handle cold weather well.
These dogs love being with their humans. Often called “Velcro dogs,” they form strong bonds and thrive on companionship. If you’re considering getting one, be ready to spend a lot of time with your new furry friends—they’ll want to be by your side as much as possible!
Brussels Griffon Health Issues
Generally, Brussels Griffons are healthy, but like all breeds, they can have some health concerns. If you’re getting one from a breeder, or if you have one already, it’s good to know about possible heart issues, eye conditions like cataracts, and joint problems such as patella luxation (knee issues) or hip dysplasia.
Hip Dysplasia: This condition affects the hip joint and can cause arthritis and pain, although it’s more common in larger dogs. Brussels Griffons typically don’t show severe signs and can often be managed with supplements or medication.
Medial Patella Luxation: This is when the kneecap slips out of place, leading to pain or arthritis. It’s not usually severe in small breeds like the Brussels Griffon, but if it is, surgery might be necessary.
Eye Issues: Brussels Griffons can be prone to cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and eye injuries due to their prominent eyes. Cataracts can be treated with surgery, but PRA, unfortunately, leads to blindness with no cure. If your dog’s eyes seem irritated, it’s best to check with a vet.
Dental Disease: Because Brussels Griffons have shorter faces, their teeth can become crowded, leading to tartar buildup and other dental issues. Regular brushing and dental checkups with your vet are crucial to keeping their teeth healthy.
Feeding a Brussels Griffon
There are lots of dog foods available, and it can be overwhelming to pick the right one. Start with a food that meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Given their small size, Brussels Griffons will do well on small-bite or small-breed formulas. If they have dental issues, you might also consider a vet-recommended dental diet.
You’ll want to feed your Brussels Griffon two or three small meals a day. They can be picky eaters, so it’s helpful to find a food they like or use tasty toppers. Be sure to choose a food appropriate for their life stage—puppy, adult, or senior.
When figuring out how much to feed, check the feeding guidelines on the food packaging. It’s important to monitor their weight and adjust the portions as needed. Treats are great for training but remember they add extra calories, so don’t go overboard!
Nutritional Tips for Brussels Griffons
Brussels Griffons can benefit from omega-3 supplements to keep their coats healthy and shiny. Joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin may also help support their joints, especially as they age. Always check with your vet before adding any supplements to your diet.
Behavior and Training
Personality and Temperament: Brussels Griffons are little dogs with big personalities. Known for their clever and sometimes childlike expressions, they’re playful and love being the center of attention. These dogs need an owner who can spend a lot of time with them, as they don’t like being left alone for too long. They have medium energy levels, so a daily 30-minute walk or some moderate activity is usually enough to keep them happy.
Behavior: Brussels Griffons generally get along well with other pets and children but can be sensitive. Supervision is recommended, especially with young kids. While they’re not usually aggressive or overly vocal, they might bark at strangers or if someone knocks at the door.
Training: These dogs are smart and form strong bonds with their owners, which makes them relatively easy to train. Puppy classes and socialization can help build a confident, well-behaved dog. They also enjoy learning tricks and can excel in agility training. However, like many toy breeds, potty training can take some extra patience.
Fun Activities for Brussels Griffon
- Tricks training
- Agility classes
- Daily walks (about 30 minutes)
- Lots of cuddling
Grooming a Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons come in a few colors, including red, beige (a mix of black and reddish-brown), black and tan, and black. They also have two coat types: smooth and rough.
Skin Care: These dogs have facial folds that need to be kept clean and dry to prevent bacteria buildup. A weekly cleaning with a warm, damp cloth followed by thorough drying works well.
Coat Care: The smooth-coated Brussels Griffons have short, glossy fur that needs occasional baths and brushing. They shed moderately. The rough-coated ones, with their wiry fur and characteristic beards, need professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks, but they don’t shed like the smooth-coated ones.
Nail and Ear Care: Regular nail trims and ear cleanings are important to keep your Brussels Griffon looking and feeling their best. Be sure to check their ears for debris or odors, which could signal an infection.
Eye Care: Their large, expressive eyes can be prone to injury, so if you notice redness or irritation, it’s a good idea to consult your vet.
Brussels Griffons are lovable, charming dogs that thrive on companionship and attention. With proper care, including grooming, a healthy diet, and plenty of love, they’ll be a loyal and joyful family member for years to come.
