Brussels Griffon
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Belgium · 12–15 years
About the Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a small, sturdy Belgian toy breed with an expressive, almost human-like face that has been compared to an Ewok from Star Wars. Originally bred as rat catchers in Brussels stables, these charming dogs evolved into beloved companions of Belgian coachmen and eventually European nobility. Brussels Griffons come in two coat varieties: rough (wiry) and smooth (short and glossy). They are intelligent, sensitive, and form incredibly strong bonds with their owners, often becoming devoted to a single person. Their large, dark eyes and self-important demeanor give them irresistible character.
Breed stats
- Height
- 7–10 in
- Weight
- 8–10 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Group
- Toy
- Coat
- Rough: wiry, dense / Smooth: short, glossy
- Origin
- Belgium
Coat colors
- Red
- Belge (red-brown and black)
- Black and Tan
- Black
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
20–30 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.25–0.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems (proptosis, cataracts)
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart murmurs
- Cleft palate (puppies)
Not every Brussels Griffon will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Brussels Griffons eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Brussels Griffons are excellent apartment dogs. Their small size (8-10 pounds), moderate exercise needs (20-30 minutes daily), and relatively quiet nature make them ideal for apartment living. They are content with short walks and indoor play, and they adapt well to smaller spaces. Their main apartment challenge is potential separation anxiety — Brussels Griffons bond intensely with their owners and can become distressed, barking and destructive when left alone. Crate training and gradually building alone-time tolerance from puppyhood help prevent this issue.
- Brussels Griffons can get along with other pets, but they have some quirks. They tend to bond most strongly with their primary owner and may be jealous of attention given to other animals. They generally do well with other dogs of similar size, especially other Brussels Griffons, but may be overwhelmed by large, boisterous dogs. With cats, they can coexist peacefully when introduced properly. Their ratting heritage means very small pets like hamsters should be kept separate. Early socialization improves their tolerance of other animals significantly.
- Brussels Griffons are among the more expensive toy breeds, typically costing $1,500 to $4,000 from reputable breeders. Their high price reflects several factors: very small litter sizes (often just 1-3 puppies), high rate of complications requiring C-section deliveries (their large heads and narrow hips make natural birth difficult), and high puppy mortality rates. The breed is also relatively rare, with limited breeding stock. Health testing, which responsible breeders invest in heavily, adds to costs. The combination of difficult breeding, small litters, and strong demand keeps prices elevated.
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