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Your Pet, Our Passion.

Griffon Bruxellois

Well-balanced and square in outline, the Griffon Bruxellois is a cobby and robust little dog with an endearing appearance due to their short muzzle and large eyes. Often described as having a monkey-like expression, the Griffon Bruxellois comes in two coat types – rough coated, with a harsh, wiry coat that is free from curl, and smooth coated with a short, shiny, tight coat. 

Lifespan
10 – 15 years
Weight
2-5 kg
Height
12 - 20 cm
Colours
Red, black or black and tan
Size
Small
UK Kennel Club Groups
Toy
The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Need to be aware of potential health issues
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Needs under an hour of walking a day
  • Small dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual
  • Generally friendly with other dogs
  • Gets along with other pets with training
  • May need additional supervision to live with children
  • Can live without a garden
  • Can happily live in the city
  • Can be left occasionally with training
This breed may encounter health problems

The Griffon Bruxellosis breed is brachycephalic and you can read about the problems that may be associated with this here. 
The breed can also be prone to:
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Perthes disease

Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing: 
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.

Personality

Clever and quick, the Griffon Bruxellois is really a terrier, despite being within the Toy group. Although small in stature, this surprisingly weighty and robust dog is capable of long walks, vermin control and a variety of games and dog sports. They will also, if kept entertained and well exercised, enjoy any amount of pampering, sofa cuddles and lap-time, so can be considered a multi-role dog, companion and hard worker. As with most terrier types they are not inclined to tolerate heavy handed treatment from adults or children, but will respond well to consistent and kind training. 

Did you know?

  • Despite their rarity, the Griffon Bruxellois or Brussels Griffon has starred in several films, notably six Griffon Bruxellois played the role of ‘Verdell’ in the 1997 film ‘As Good As It Gets’ alongside (and often upstaging!) Jack Nicholson. They have also appeared in the films ‘First Wives Club’ and ‘Gosford Park’ and the sitcom ‘Spin City’. 

  • The Griffon Bruxellois is another breed whose popularity is due to royal ownership. Queen Marie Henriette became a breeder and supporter of the Griffon Bruxellois in the late 1800’s and just as today’s celebrities will influence dog ownership in the general public, so it was then!