The Brussels Griffon (or Rough-Coated Griffon) and Petit Brabancon (or Smooth-Coated Griffon) are considered variants of the same breed here in the US; The Brussels Griffon has a harsh, wiry coat, while the Petit Brabancon’s coat is shorter and glossier. With its grave expression, bushy eyebrows and mustachio’d underbite, the Brussels Griffon seems at times to resemble nothing so much as a cranky old man. This spunky and charming toy terrier belies its looks, however, and, although puppies are quite rare and hard to find, the Brusseld Griffon has charmed many dog lovers to become the 63rd most popular breed registered with the AKC in the United States.

History and Origin

Originally prized by coach drivers of 17th-century Brusselsfor its fine skills at keeping the horse stables free of vermin, the alert and comical little Brussels Griffon soon won the hearts of many dog lovers as a companion pet as well. Over the next century, the Griffon was bred to a variety of imported toy dogs, such as the Pug and the King Charles Spaniel , bringing about the variants in coat type and color that we see today.

By the late 1800's, both the common folk and the nobility were crazy about this clever little dog; after the breed was exhibited at the Brussels Exhibition of 1880, Queen Marie Henriette herself became a breeder of the Brussels Griffon, bringing the breed international fame and popularity. The First and Second World Wars nearly saw the extinction of this rare breed; it was only through the determined efforts of a handful of English breeders that the Brussels Griffon survived.

General Information

An intelligent dog with a cheerful personality, this “big dog in a little dog’s body” makes a wonderful companion pet. The Griffon wears an air of grave self-importance, often with hilarious results. Alert and curious, the big-hearted Griffon loves everybody and especially loves to be spoiled by its favorite human. Affectionate, yet willful and high-strung, this little dog can be moody and demanding at times. The Griffon’s world revolves around you – it wants and expects to go everywhere you go. If your lifestyle doesn’t permit constant doggy companionship, then you may want to consider a different breed. The Griffon is good with other dogs, kids and even with cats, although be aware that this dog can easily get itself into danger because it has no concept of its small size – it will march right up and attempt to boss around much bigger dogs, sometimes with disastrous results.

The Griffon tends to bark, and can become overly shy and suspicious of everyone and everything, if left to its own devices; the sensitive Griffon needs careful, patient obedience training and socialization from early puppyhood in order to become a good citizen with a confident, stable temperament. A Brussels Griffon stole the show in the 1998 movie "As Good as it Gets".

The Griffon sheds little to no hair; to keep the wiry coat free of mats, the Rough Brussels Griffon needs regular brushing, and should be clipped and trimmed every few months as needed.

Health Ailments

Notoriously difficult to breed (which contributes to the rarity and expense), Cesarean section is often required for safe birth. The Brussels Griffon is prone to potential eye problems, luxating patellas and respiratory problems.

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