About the Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a small toy breed from Belgium, named for its city of origin and instantly recognizable by its almost human-like facial expression, prominent dark eyes, and distinctive beard. Originally bred as a tenacious ratter in stables during the 1800s, these "street urchins" caught the attention of Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium in 1870, launching their transformation into sophisticated companion dogs beloved by royalty and commoners alike . Developed from crosses including the Affenpinscher, Pug, and English Toy Spaniel, the breed comes in two coat varieties: rough (Griffon Bruxellois) with harsh wiry hair and a characteristic beard, and smooth (Petit Braçon) with a short, tight coat . Their most endearing feature is the large, round, dark-rimmed eyes set in a domed skull with a short, upturned muzzle and pronounced underbite, creating an expression of perpetual curiosity and self-importance . Beneath the distinctive exterior lies a sensitive, intelligent dog that forms deep bonds with its family, often attaching to one person in particular while remaining alert to strangers. These adaptable companions combine terrier-like spunk with lapdog affection, though their emotionally sensitive nature requires positive training methods and careful socialization . The breed experienced near-extinction after the World Wars but was preserved by dedicated British breeders, and today these charming "velcro dogs" continue to capture hearts with their big personalities in small packages.
Breed Characteristics
3.20 - 5.50 kg
23.00 - 28.00 cm
12-15 years
Belgium
Breed Traits & Ratings
Additional Information
Bred For
Vermin hunting and ratting in stables and on farms; later refined as a companion dog for European nobility and workers
Temperament
Alert, curious, loyal, affectionate, intelligent, spirited, sensitive, self-important, playful, sometimes stubborn
