Description: Griffon Bruxellois
The Griffon Bruxellois, often referred to as the Brussels Griffon, is a small, charming toy breed originating from Belgium. Known for their distinctive expressive faces, bearded muzzles, and almost human-like eyes, these dogs have a lively, alert, and affectionate personality. Despite their petite size, Griffon Bruxellois are sturdy, intelligent, and spirited companions, making them popular among dog lovers who seek a unique and endearing pet. Their playful demeanor and devotion to their owners can make them excellent companions for families and individuals alike. They adapt well to indoor living and can thrive in apartments as long as they receive daily attention and short walks. While generally friendly, they can be sensitive and prefer gentle handling and positive reinforcement.
Griffon Bruxellois ratings
Properties
The Griffon Bruxellois, also known as the Brussels Griffon, is a small, toy dog breed originating from Brussels, Belgium. This charming breed is well-known for its expressive, almost human-like face, sporting a pronounced chin, dark intelligent eyes, and a short, upturned nose. The breed comes in three distinct varieties, primarily differentiated by coat and color: the Griffon Bruxellois (rough red coat), Griffon Belge (rough black or black-and-tan coat), and the Petit Brabançon (smooth coat).
One of the most notable properties of the Griffon Bruxellois is its delightful temperament. These dogs are lively, affectionate, and incredibly loyal to their families. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners and often display a preference for being close to their people, seeking attention and affection. The breed is known for its alertness, which makes it an excellent watchdog, despite its modest size. They are curious and playful, making them good companions for both adults and older children, provided children treat them gently.
Physical properties of the Griffon Bruxellois reflect its origins as a companion and ratter. Standing about 7 to 12 inches (18–30 cm) at the shoulder and weighing 8 to 12 pounds (3.5–5.5 kg), they are compact, sturdy, and well-proportioned for a toy breed. Their rough or smooth coat requires moderate grooming; the rough coat should be hand-stripped, while the smooth type benefits from regular brushing. Shed levels are low, especially in the rough-coated types.
Health-wise, Griffon Bruxellois are generally robust, but their short, flat face (brachycephalic) can cause respiratory difficulties in hot or humid conditions. Owners should also be mindful of their eyes, which can be prone to injury or infection due to their prominence. With attentive care, Griffon Bruxellois often live between 12 and 15 years.
The breed is intelligent and responds well to positive reinforcement training. However, they can be somewhat stubborn and sensitive, so patience and gentle handling are important. Housebreaking can sometimes be a challenge, but consistency and encouragement yield good results. Their energy levels are moderate, and daily walks or play sessions are sufficient to keep them content. The Brussels Griffon thrives best as an indoor companion, preferring to be included in all aspects of family life.
Appearance
The Griffon Bruxellois, also known as the Brussels Griffon, is a small breed that boasts a distinctive and charming appearance, which often draws comparisons to a little monkey or even an elf due to its expressive features. This breed typically stands between 7 to 12 inches (18 to 30 cm) tall at the withers and weighs around 8 to 12 pounds (3.5 to 5.5 kg), making it a compact yet substantial dog for its size.
One of the most striking aspects of the Griffon Bruxellois is its head. The breed features a large, round head in proportion to its body, adorned with a short, upturned nose and large, dark, almost soulful eyes. Its prominent chin and lower jaw, combined with a short, broad muzzle, give the Griffon Bruxellois a distinct look, often described as almost human-like in its expressiveness. The breed’s ears are small, set high on the head, and can be either left natural, where they stand semi-erect and fold forward, or cropped to stand upright in countries where cropping is permitted.
The coat of the Griffon Bruxellois comes in two primary varieties: rough and smooth. The rough-coated variety, which is more closely associated with the classic image of the breed, has a wiry, dense, and somewhat tousled appearance, with longer hair particularly noticeable around the face, forming a characteristic fringe or beard and mustache. This facial hair accentuates their already dramatic expressions. The smooth-coated variety, known as the Petit Brabançon in some countries, features a short, glossy coat that lies flat against the body, giving the dog a sleeker silhouette but retaining all the breed’s signature facial features.
The colors of the Griffon Bruxellois may include red (ranging from a light brown to a rich reddish-brown), black, black and tan, or belge, a mixture of black and reddish-brown. Regardless of coat type or color, the Griffon Bruxellois has a sturdy, well-muscled body, a deep chest, and a level topline. The tail is typically set high and carried upwards. Overall, the breed’s unique look combines elegance with a touch of comic appeal, creating a dog with undeniable personality and presence.
History
The Griffon Bruxellois, often known as the Brussels Griffon, is a distinctive toy breed that originated in Belgium. Its history can be traced back to the 19th century when small terrier-type dogs known as ‘Smousje,’ commonly found in stables, were bred for their rat-catching abilities. The Smousje was a wiry-coated rough terrier that formed the foundation for the development of the Griffon Bruxellois.
The breed began to take its modern shape when local enthusiasts in Brussels started crossing the Smousje with imported toy breeds to refine its characteristics. English Toy Spaniels—both the King Charles Spaniel (known as the Ruby Spaniel) and the Pug—were introduced into the breeding pool during the mid-to-late 1800s. These crosses contributed to the Griffon's expressive face, domed head, and shorter muzzle, while also introducing the smooth-coated variety that became known as the Griffon Brabançon.
The breed became highly fashionable in Belgium shortly after; it gained considerable attention thanks to the interest of Queen Marie Henriette, the wife of King Leopold II. She became a pivotal supporter of the breed, often seen with her beloved Griffons, which increased their popularity among the Belgian aristocracy and later throughout Europe. The Griffon Bruxellois was officially recognized by the Société Royale Saint-Hubert (the Belgian kennel club) in 1883, and specimens were exhibited at dog shows by the late 19th century.
The early 20th century and the aftermath of the two World Wars saw a sharp decline in Griffon numbers, partly due to the devastation in Belgium and also the breed's loss of favor in European courts. Fortunately, dedicated breeders in the United Kingdom and the United States worked to rescue and stabilize the population by importing breeding stock and establishing healthy lines. The breed was recognized by The Kennel Club (UK) in 1897 and by the American Kennel Club in 1910.
Today, the Griffon Bruxellois is primarily valued as a companion dog, celebrated for its charming personality and almost human-like facial expressions. While it is no longer used for ratting, the breed retains its lively and inquisitive temperament. Its unique history, marked by royal patronage and international cooperation among fanciers, has ensured its survival as both a beloved pet and a show dog.