Brussels Griffon

Personality

A Brussels Griffon is a big personality in a very small body. The AKC says there is enough character here for ten ordinary dogs, calling the breed smart, devoted and comically self-important. With those big dark eyes and fringed beard, a Griff has the air of a worldly little philosopher.

Griffons attach themselves firmly to their people. PetMD calls them "Velcro" dogs, and the AKC says they have a low threshold for loneliness and will stick close to their special human. A Griff may follow you from room to room, supervise the dishes and sit in the middle of whatever you are doing.

They are sensitive. The AKC says Griffs do not respond well to harsh corrections, and PetMD notes they can be nervous with strangers or new situations, so early socialization matters. They are playful and energetic but, because of their small size and delicate nature, the AKC suggests they are a poor choice as roughhousing playmates for kids.

PetMD says to expect a Griff to bark when someone knocks at the door, and it will do so with conviction.

History

Griffon-type dogs were known in Europe for centuries. The AKC points to Jan van Eyck's 1434 portrait of the Arnolfini couple, in which a small griffon-like dog stands in the foreground, as a distant ancestor, though that dog has a longer muzzle than today's flat-faced Griff.

The modern story begins in Brussels in the early 1800s. The city's coachmen kept small, wire-coated terrier-type dogs called griffons d'ecurie, or "stable griffons," to keep rats out of the stables. The hack drivers experimented with crossings. No records survive, but the AKC says the Pug, English Toy Spaniels, a Belgian breed called the Brabancon and perhaps the Yorkshire Terrier may all have contributed.

In the 1870s, Belgium's dog-loving queen took a liking to the breed, and royal patronage secured its future. Griffons became fashionable with the court, and breeders refined them into smaller dogs with more human-looking faces. The AKC registered its first Griff in 1910. Both world wars devastated the breed in Europe, and dedicated U.S. and British enthusiasts kept it going. Interest surged after a Griffon named Jill upstaged Jack Nicholson in the 1997 film "As Good As It Gets."

Appearance, coat & colors

Griffs are small, sturdy and thickset. The AKC lists a height of 7 to 10 in (18 to 25 cm) and a weight of 8 to 10 lb (3.6 to 4.5 kg), though the AKC also describes the breed as a 5-to-15-pound package (2.3 to 6.8 kg).

The face is the main attraction. A domed head, short nose and large dark eyes give the Griffon an almost human expression, and the beard and mustache add a worldly air.

There are two coat types. The rough coat is wiry and dense with a beard, while the smooth coat is short and glossy, like a Pug's. Colors are red, belge (black and reddish-brown), black and tan, and black. Smooth-coated Griffons are also called Brabancons.

The AKC describes the body as thickset and sturdy, and the gait as the purposeful trot of a dog that knows exactly what he wants.

Training

Griffons are intelligent and bond strongly with their owners, which the AKC says makes them easy to train. Puppy classes and early socialization help a Griff grow into a well-mannered companion, and many Griffs learn tricks quickly and excel in obedience, agility and tracking.

The catch is sensitivity. The AKC warns that Griffs don't respond well to harsh corrections or training methods. Reward-based training works best; PetMD recommends gentle, positive methods. Keep sessions short and fun.

House training deserves a plan. As with many toy breeds, the AKC says housebreaking may take extra time and effort. A consistent schedule, frequent trips outside and praise for success work better than scolding. Our guide to crate training a puppy can help.

Because Griffs dislike being alone, undesirable behaviors can show up if they are left for long periods, according to the AKC. Practice short absences from the start. Teach a polite response to the doorbell, because Griffs are alert and tend to announce visitors.

Exercise

Griffs need less exercise than many dogs, but they still need some. The AKC says at least a half-hour of moderate exercise a day. They love to romp and play, and are happiest doing things with their people. PetMD gives a similar picture: up to about 30 minutes of moderate activity or neighborhood walks daily, with plenty of time lounging with the family. VCA describes moderate energy and short walks plus interactive play.

A game of chasing the ball is fun for both of you. Indoor games, tricks and puzzle toys count as exercise, too, and Griffs enjoy tracking and agility.

Weather matters. The AKC notes that flat-faced breeds like the Griff can have breathing problems in sunny, hot or humid conditions. PetMD advises extra care on hot days and poor air-quality days, and VCA says to avoid overexertion in heat and humidity. Walk early or late in hot weather, and stop if your dog is panting heavily.

Our guide to how much exercise a dog needs can help you tune the amount to your dog's age and health.

Grooming

Grooming depends on the coat type. The AKC says smooth-coated Griffons need weekly brushing, daily during shedding season, which usually lasts a week or two in spring and again in fall, and an occasional bath. Rough-coated Griffons do not shed, according to the AKC, but PetMD says they need weekly brushing and professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks. Many rough-coated Griffs have their hair clipped short except for the beard.

The face needs attention. PetMD recommends wiping the facial folds about weekly and drying them well. Prominent eyes can pick up debris, so check them regularly for redness or discharge.

Check the ears for signs of infection, and clean them after baths. The AKC and PetMD both stress dental care: brush teeth often, preferably daily, with a dog toothpaste. Ask your vet to show you the technique.

Trim nails regularly, because the AKC notes that overly long nails can be painful and interfere with walking and running.

Feeding

Feed a high-quality complete and balanced diet suited to your dog's age. The AKC says commercial or vet-supervised home-prepared diets can both work. Some dogs are prone to weight gain, so watch calories. In a dog this small, a few extra bites matter, so measure meals carefully.

Our dog food calculator offers a starting estimate for small dogs. You should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer of padding. Be generous with praise and sparing with treats, and use tiny pieces when training.

Dental disease is a particular concern. PetMD explains that the short-faced build crowds the teeth, which traps food and tartar. Daily brushing, dental chews recommended by your vet, and regular professional cleanings are the best defense.

Keep fresh water available. If your Griffon seems to struggle to chew or loses weight, ask your vet to check the teeth and mouth before changing foods.

Health

Brussels Griffons are generally healthy. The AKC says breeders should screen for heart problems, eye defects such as cataracts, and orthopedic problems such as patellar luxation (a kneecap that slips out of place) and hip dysplasia. VCA and PetMD also mention progressive retinal atrophy and dental disease, and VCA adds hypothyroidism and cardiac disease.

The flat face brings its own issues. The AKC says Griffs can have breathing problems in hot or humid weather and usually snore. Heat is a real risk for them.

VCA lists Griffons among the breeds predisposed to Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia, in which the brain is too large for the skull and fluid-filled cavities form in the spinal cord. Signs can include pain when touched near the neck, yelping when jumping or being picked up, scratching with no apparent cause and facial rubbing. An MRI is the test that shows the malformation, and treatment focuses on pain relief. VCA notes that wearing a collar can set off scratching or pain, and that removing it may help. Tell your vet right away if you see these signs.

Typical life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

Health conditions to know about

• Patellar luxation — The kneecap slips out of place, causing skipping or limping; breeders should screen for it.
• Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia — A skull-brain mismatch with fluid cavities in the spinal cord; can cause pain, and needs an MRI to diagnose.
• Eye problems — Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy and injuries to the prominent eyes.
• Breathing trouble in heat — The flat face makes hot, humid weather risky; Griffs usually snore.
• Dental disease — Crowded teeth trap food and tartar, so daily brushing helps.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Patella evaluation
• Hip evaluation
• Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist
• Cardiac exam

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Brussels Griffon

Griffs are well suited to apartments and small homes. VCA notes that they adapt to small spaces, and the AKC calls the small size a plus. What they don't tolerate is solitude. The AKC says Griffs have a low threshold for loneliness, and VCA says they have limited tolerance for time alone. Someone home most of the time is the ideal.

Children and Griffs can be a mixed bag. VCA says they do best with older, respectful children. The AKC points out that their small size and sensitivity make them a poor choice for roughhousing. Teach kids to pick up and hold a Griff correctly.

They usually get along with other pets when introduced properly, per VCA, so make introductions slowly and supervise early meetings. Barking is moderate to high, so neighbors may hear it.

Weather rules out outdoor living. The flat face and small body mean a Griff is happiest indoors, with careful outings in heat, humidity and bad air.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Prices for Brussels Griffon puppies vary widely. Look for a breeder who tests breeding dogs and is open about the results. The AKC lists a patella evaluation, a hip evaluation and an eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist as recommended tests for the breed. Ask to see results for both parents.

Because VCA lists Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia as concerns, ask the breeder what they do to reduce the risk in their lines and whether any relatives have been diagnosed. A good breeder will be open about it. Look for breeders who raise puppies in the home, let you meet the mother, supply a written contract and take the dog back at any age.

Ask what age the puppies go home and whether they have been seen by a vet, and be wary of sellers who always have puppies available.

Rescue is possible, too; adults can be a good match for people who want to skip the puppy stage. Our breed selector can help you compare.