Brussels Griffon
Find Brussels Griffon Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Brussels Griffon puppies available.
Find Brussels Griffon BreedersGet to Know Brussels Griffons
- “Almost Human” Expression: Brussels Griffons are famous for their expressive faces and soulful eyes, often described as having a nearly human look.
- Two Distinct Coats: The breed comes in two coat types: rough (wire-haired) and smooth (short-haired), each giving them a slightly different appearance and grooming need.
- Star Power: The breed gained fame after starring as “Verdell” in the movie As Good As It Gets (1997), leading to a spike in popularity.
- Strong Emotional Bonds: These dogs form deep attachments to their people and are known for “shadowing” their owners from room to room.
- Tiny but Fearless: Despite their small size, Griffons have a big-dog attitude. They're confident, curious, and often protective of their families.
Breed History
The Brussels Griffon (also known as the Griffon Bruxellois) originated in Brussels, Belgium, in the early 19th century. Originally bred to hunt and eliminate rats in stables, they were created by crossing small terrier-type dogs with toy breeds like the Pug and King Charles Spaniel. This blend gave them their expressive, human-like faces and charming personalities. The breed became popular among European nobility in the late 1800s, particularly after Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium took an interest in them. Their royal popularity helped them spread throughout Europe and later to North America, where they remain cherished as companion dogs rather than working animals.
Personality and Behaviour
- Loyal Companions: Brussels Griffons thrive on human attention and form intense bonds with their owners. They love being involved in daily activities and don’t do well with long hours of solitude.
- Intelligent & Sensitive: They are bright and quick learners but also emotionally sensitive—harsh corrections can easily upset them. They respond best to gentle, positive reinforcement.
- Spirited & Playful: Though small, they have a lively, almost comedic personality. They enjoy interactive play and mental stimulation but are just as happy cuddling on the couch.
Care
- Exercise: Moderate activity is enough for a Brussels Griffon. Daily walks and short play sessions keep them fit and content. They are well-suited for apartment living but need mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
- Grooming: Rough-coated Griffons require regular brushing (2–3 times per week) and occasional hand-stripping to maintain coat texture. Smooth-coated Griffons need weekly brushing and minimal trimming. All require regular facial cleaning due to their short muzzles and expressive wrinkles.
- Training: Training should focus on positive reinforcement—they respond best to praise and treats. Early socialization helps manage their bold, sometimes stubborn streak. They’re intelligent but may test boundaries, so consistency is key.
Brussels Griffon Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Brussels Griffon Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Patellar Luxation | OFA evaluation, one time after the age of 2 |
| Hip Dysplasia | (Optional) OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | (Optional) Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA. |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy | (Optional) PRA - ERG (Electroretinography) recommended - no database registration |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Brussels Griffon Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Brussels Griffon is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Brussels Griffon
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Brussels Griffon puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Brussels Griffon, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Brussels Griffon is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
