Brussels Griffon: Temperament, Size, Care & Health

The Brussels Griffon is a small, sturdy dog with a beard, mustache, and large black eyes that the AKC calls "almost human." With a beard covering their short muzzle, they look like a worldly, French-speaking philosopher. The AKC notes that weighing no more than 12 lbs, this human-like toy dog packs enough personality for ten ordinary dogs. In our dog breed directory, you will find the history, varieties, temperament, and care needs of the Brussels Griffon.

Origin	Belgium (Brussels)
FCI Group	Group 9 – Companion and Toy Dogs, Griffons (No. 80)
Height	7–10 inches (AKC); 9–11 inches (Wikipedia)
Weight	about 8–12 lbs
Coat	rough (Brussels and Belgian Griffons) or smooth (Petit Brabançon)
Colors	red, black and reddish-brown, black and tan, black
Lifespan	12–15 years
Temperament	intelligent, sensitive, devoted, alert
Best for	adults, quiet families, apartments

The Griffon: From Stables to the Royal Court

Griffon-type dogs have been known in Europe for centuries—Jan van Eyck's 1434 painting "The Arnolfini Portrait" features a small rough-coated dog considered a distant ancestor of the Griffon. The true history of the breed begins in Brussels in the early 19th century. Brussels coachmen kept small, Affenpinscher-like rough-coated ratters in their stables—known as stable griffons (griffons d'écurie), related to the Dutch Smoushond. The coachmen crossed them with imported toy dogs like Pugs, King Charles Spaniels, and possibly the old Belgian Brabançon breed or even Yorkshire Terriers.

The Pug influence brought the short black coat that developed into the smooth-coated Petit Brabançon, while the spaniels introduced the rich red and black-and-tan colors. The first Brussels Griffon was registered in the Belgian studbook (LOSH) in 1883. The breed was made famous by Queen Marie Henriette, a passionate dog lover who attended shows and bred Griffons herself. Both World Wars were devastating: after World War II, there were almost no Griffons left in Belgium, and the breed survived largely thanks to British breeders. The FCI recognized the breed in 1954.

Appearance: Beard, Mustache, and Expressive Eyes

The Griffon is a small but sturdily built dog with a thickset body and a purposeful trot. The head is domed, the nose is short, and they have an undershot jaw. Their large black eyes, framed by a beard and mustache around a short muzzle, give them a human-like expression—it is often said that Griffon faces inspired the Ewoks in "Star Wars." An average adult Griffon stands 9–11 inches tall and weighs 9–11 lbs.

The three varieties differ in coat and color. The Brussels Griffon is rough-coated and red. The Belgian Griffon is rough-coated and black, black and brown, or black and tan. The Petit Brabançon is smooth-coated, much like a Pug. Under the FCI standard, they are considered separate breeds, while the AKC and other standards treat them as varieties of a single breed, similar to the Belgian Sheepdog. The smooth-coated Griffon is easy to groom, while the rough-coated variety requires weekly brushing.

Temperament: A Big Personality in a Small Body

The AKC describes Griffons as alert, sociable, and easily trained dogs that bond closely with their humans and are comically self-important. They are playful, energetic, and highly intelligent, which often makes them successful in obedience, agility, and tracking competitions. Like many toy breeds, Griffons can be slower to house-train.

Griffons have a very sensitive nature and a low tolerance for being alone—they want to be right by their owner's side and suffer if left by themselves for long periods. Because of their small size and sensitivity, they are not suited for rough play with children, making them best for adults or families with older, gentle kids. Griffons need at least half an hour of moderate exercise a day; they love to run and play fetch with their owners.

Health

• Breathing. Like all flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, Griffons snore and have a harder time breathing in sunny, hot, or humid weather.
• Eyes. Prone to cataracts and other eye defects—regular exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended.
• Joints. Susceptible to luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps) and hip dysplasia.
• Heart. Breeding dogs should undergo cardiac evaluations.
• Teeth and ears. Require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Care

• Coat. Smooth coats need an occasional wipe-down; rough coats require weekly brushing and hand-stripping a few times a year.
• Beard. Needs to be cleaned after eating.
• Heat. In the summer, they need a cool environment and short walks.
• Tail and ears. Usually kept natural. While ear cropping and tail docking were historically common, many states and veterinary associations now discourage or restrict cosmetic procedures without medical necessity.

Trait	Brussels Griffon	Yorkshire Terrier	Pug
Weight	8–12 lbs	up to 7 lbs	14–18 lbs
Muzzle	short, with a beard	medium	very short
Origin	Belgium	Great Britain	China
Coat	rough or smooth	long, silky	short

The Brussels Griffon is Perfect for Adults Who Spend Time at Home

The Griffon is small, smart, and deeply attached to its person. They want to be wherever their owner is, so they do best with people who work from home or travel frequently with their pets.

• Best for: Adults and seniors, apartment living, families with older calm children, and people looking to do obedience or agility sports with a small dog.
• Not for: Families with small children, people who frequently leave their dog alone, and hot homes without air conditioning.

Rough-coated Griffons need regular hand-stripping, while the smooth-coated Petit Brabançon just needs a quick brushing. Because of their short muzzles, it is crucial to protect Griffons from overheating in the summer and to shield their eyes from injuries in dense brush. When going outside, it is better to use a harness rather than a collar.

How to Choose a Griffon Puppy

Griffons are not a very common breed, so you may have to wait for a puppy from a reputable breeder or travel out of state. Ask to see the parents' health test results for their hearts, eyes, knees, and hips, and observe how they breathe and move. Decide which variety—rough-coated or smooth-coated—you prefer. In the US, responsible breeders will ensure puppies are microchipped and registered with the AKC before going to their new homes, and it is highly recommended to have your vet check them over shortly after adoption—we discussed other general guidelines in our guide introduction.

You can find other small companions in our Yorkshire Terrier, Pug, and Chihuahua profiles.