Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon was created in Belgium some 200 years ago from a blend of English Toy Spaniel, Pug, and a type of small German terrier. He mixes intelligence with a comical nature and has a wonderful air of self-importance that never fails to amuse his people. He likes to think he runs the household -- and often he does -- but deep down he’s a softie and loves to have the constant attention of his family. Unless you have a strong sense of humor and the patience of Job, however, he can be a challenge to live with. If you are a caregiver at heart, enjoy a dog that likes to get up close and personal, and can appreciate one with a wicked sense of humor, then this intelligent, curious and sensitive breed may deign to make you his own. The Brussels Griffon comes in a range of temperaments, from outgoing and active to reserved verging on shy, with the rest somewhere in the middle. When he’s happy with life, he’s affectionate and adaptable, loves to play and is often found tearing around the house or running circles in the yard. He’s often referred to as a “Velcro dog” because of his strong desire to be with his favorite person at all times. The Brussels Griffon has a reputation for naughtiness, probably a gift from his terrier ancestors. If he doesn’t think he’s getting the attention he deserves or has been left behind unnecessarily, he won’t hesitate to overturn trash cans, unroll toilet paper or break housetraining. And “finders, keepers” is the BG’s motto. If it’s on the floor, he claims it. It’s essential to crate a young Brussels Griffon when you can’t supervise him. The Brussels Griffon can also be an escape artist. He needs to be contained within a fence that can’t be dug beneath or climbed over. Griffons are amazingly athletic for their size (usually 8 to 12 pounds) and are perfectly capable of climbing up and over things or achieving leaps worthy of Superman. On the plus side, his athletic ability and intelligence make him a contender in dog sports such as agility, obedience, rally and tracking. You just have to persuade him that those activities are worth his time and effort. Keep training fun and use positive reinforcement techniques, never force. Griffons usually get along well with other pets, but like most toy breeds, they will try to take on dogs many times their size. They’re completely unaware of their small size and must be protected from themselves. Brussels Griffons come in a smooth or rough coat, neither of which sheds heavily. Smooths need only a twice weekly brushing. The coat of a rough Griffon must be brushed twice a week, as well as hand stripped every three to four months to retain the correct hard, wiry texture. Pet dogs with a rough coat can be kept in a Schnauzer clip, minus the eyebrows. Exercise is good for every dog, so make sure the Griffon gets a walk or other activity daily. While it’s tempting to carry this little dog everywhere you go, resist the impulse and let him be a dog. He'll be happier and better-behaved for it. It goes without saying that Griffons need to live in the house and never outdoors. With their flat faces, they are sensitive to high temperatures and can quickly succumb to heatstroke if not kept in air-conditioned surroundings. Brussels Griffon puppies are adorable, and it’s one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Griffon a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. Do your homework before buying one of these little dogs, and you’ll be well rewarded with a wonderfully funny dog. A reputation for naughtiness precedes the Brussels Griffon. That naughty nature probably comes from the terrier influence in this relatively young toy breed’s background. Created in Belgium about 200 years ago from a blend of English toy spaniel, pug, and an Affenpinscher type of German stable ratter, the Brussels Griffon is an extremely intelligent dog with a sense of humor and a wonderful air of self-importance.