Are you thinking of getting a Brussels Griffon pup? The Griff is one of the small dog breeds that’s a delight to have and are very smart too. They love the attention and are one of the low energy dog breeds out there. Is this dog for you? Check out this Brussels Griffon guide below!
Is A Brussels Griffon Dog the Right One for You?
Brussels Griffon Personality:
- Fearless and smart
- Easily attached
- Very stubborn
- Excessive barking problem
- Hard to train
The Brussels Griffon is a dog that easily gets attached to his owner. They love the attention and the affection. This is why the Griff can develop separation anxiety when left alone for long hours. Although small in build, the Bruss is just as sturdy and fearless. Do you know that this dog is a great climber and can give cats a run for their money? Also, if you have kids at home, it is ideal to get a young puppy so the kids and the dog can be raised together–the Bruss prefers this.
A common problem among small dog breeds is their excessive barking. The Brussels Griffon is no different and will bark at anything and everything they see… even the rain! The best way to prevent this behavior is to socialize your Bruss while they are young. It is also very important to train them at a young age.
However, do know that training the Griffon isn’t an easy feat. While they are smart dogs, they can be pretty stubborn too. They like to be the boss and do not like to be ordered around. They don’t like leashes and will flip and leap to get away from it.
The trick to establishing your position as the leader is to use a confident tone during training and utilize a positive reinforcement system. When the Bruss does well, do not hesitate to reward your pup with a yummy treat. As mentioned, they are very intelligent dogs so they do well with agility and advanced obedience training.
Size & Color:
- Short, sturdy body
- Ewok-looking
- Coats come in four colors
- Proportional body is important
Brussels Griffons are classified under the toy dog breed of the American Kennel Club. They are described as:
A toy dog, intelligent, alert, sturdy, with a thickset, short body, a smart carriage and set-up, attracting attention by an almost human expression. There are two distinct types of coat: rough or smooth. Except for coat, there is no difference between the two.
In terms of size, the average height for the Griffons is 8 inches at the withers. They usually weigh around 6 to 12 pounds. Proportion is much more important in Griffons compared to their height and weight.
This dog breed has a domed head, shiny eyes, short nose, docked tail, and an underbite. They are often described as looking like Ewoks from the Star Wars movie trilogy. They come in different colors: red, black, black and tan, and red-brown and black.
For Griffons with rough coats, the hair is usually wiry and dense, while those with smooth coats have short, straight, and shiny hair. Both types do not shed a lot.
Health:
- Low physical activity requirement
- Likes obstacle training
What you’ll love about the Brussels Griffon is that it’s a low maintenance pet when it comes to physical activity. Being a small dog, it doesn’t have too much energy to burn off. They can live anywhere even in apartments and condominiums. They don’t need daily exercise, but it will be good to give them enough space to walk and run around. If you do take them out for physical activity, they love doing obstacles!
Someone doesn’t like his picture taken. He still looks so cute, doesn’t he?
Feeding a Brussels Griffon:
For young puppies, you can start with 1/2 cup of food a day divided into three or four meals. When they reach six months, you can give two meals a day. As for the quantity, this will differ from one dog to another. You will have to check your dog’s size, build, activity level, and metabolism. To best determine how much to feed your dog, consult a veterinarian.
Life Span of a Brussels Griffon
- Long life expectancy
- Female Griffons have difficulty conceiving
The average life span of a Brussels Griffon is between 10 to 15 years. However, health issues can start early on especially for female Griffons. This dog breed has difficulty in conceiving and giving birth. When a female Griff gets pregnant, she is more likely to give birth through a caesarean delivery. Even with that, the puppies are still in a delicate state. The average mortality rate for a puppy is 60%. Other health problems for Griffons include patellar luxation, cataracts, hip dysplasia, and refractory corneal ulceration.
Brussels Griffon Grooming:
Since there are rough and smooth coated Griffons, take note that these dogs have individual grooming needs. For the rough coated ones, weekly brushing is required to remove the loose hair. They must also be hand stripped at least twice a year to promote coat growth. For the smooth coated Griffons, weekly hair brushing will suffice.
Bathing the Griffon can only be done when the dog starts to emit an odor. However, perform weekly tooth brushing to prevent tar and plaque buildup and also do monthly nail trimming.
The price of a Brussels Griffon Puppy:
A purebred Brussels Griffon puppy will cost between $800 to $1000. Given that this dog breed has difficulty in conceiving, it is best to buy from a reputable breeder to make sure that the puppy is in good health.
History of a Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is also known as the Griff, Bruss, Stable Griffon, Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, Petit Brabancon, and the Griffon d’Ecurie. In the 1800s, this dog breed is a popular ratter in horse stables. When King Charles mixed the Griff with Ruby varieties of the English Toy Spaniel, the ratter turned into a companion pet.
Henrietta Maria, the Belgian Queen loved the Griffons. In the 1870s, they instantly became the most loved pets of the Belgian elite. As royal pets, they were bred to have flatter faces and smaller bodies for better appearance. In 1945, the American Brussels Griffon Association was formed and it was accepted into the AKC membership in 1982.
Fun Fact:
Have you seen the movie As Good As It Gets? Jack Nicholson’s dog in the film was actually a Brussels Griffon! Verdell got the role because of his human-like facial expressions!
Are you still confused as to what kind of dog to get? Maybe this video from Zac George’s Dog Training Evolution can help!
Could the Brussels Griffon be the dog you’ve been looking for? It is a lively and lovable dog to have. It’s a great lap dog and is usually a one-person dog. If you’re someone who can devote a lot of time, love, and affection to your pooch, then you’ll easily enjoy the company of the Griff!
Why do you want to have a companion pet? Feel free to share with us in the comments section below!
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