Brussels Griffon
About the Brussels Griffon
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Toy (under 10 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 7-10" |
| Weight | 8-10 lbs |
| Coat Type | Wire |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
30 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Regular - 2-3x/week
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,500-$3,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,100/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Brussels Griffons may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Apartment Living
- Allergy Sufferers
May Not Be Ideal For
- Families with Small Children
- Long Work Hours Away
Guides for your Brussels Griffon
The story behind the Brussels Griffon
Stable dogs of griffon type worked the coach houses of Brussels in the 1800s, kept to kill rats around horses and carriages and known locally as the Griffon d'Ecurie. Crossing with imported Pug, King Charles Spaniel and other toy breeds shortened the muzzle, added the smooth coat variety and turned a working ratter into a fashionable companion, a shift accelerated when a Belgian queen took an interest and popularised the breed among the wealthy. Belgian and British clubs formalised standards in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Both world wars devastated the Belgian population, and British kennels preserved much of the breed. Today the Brussels Griffon is an uncommon companion, kept purely as a pet, with coat and colour varieties recognised differently across registries.
Originally bred for: Vermin control, Companion. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Brussels Griffon
A short-faced toy breed manages better with small kibble shapes designed for flat-faced jaws, or with lightly moistened food, and several small meals suit a tiny stomach. Portion discipline matters because weight settles quickly on this frame and adds to breathing effort in warm weather.
Watch for: Flat-faced toy breeds commonly swallow air while eating, producing wind and digestive upset that owners often mistake for ingredient intolerance. Facial folds and beards also trap food and irritate skin. Nothing specific is established, so consult a veterinarian before trialling restricted diets.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Brussels Griffon
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.