Toy group

Brussels Griffon

A bearded, big-eyed Belgian toy with an almost human expression.

Brussels Griffons are small, sturdy toy dogs with expressive faces and huge personalities. They are loving and loyal, often to one person, but sensitive, vocal and better suited to adult homes.

Height
7–10 in18–25 cm
Weight
8–10 lb4–5 kg
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
Toy
Group
Toy
Origin
Brussels, Belgium

Coat: Rough (wiry) or smooth (short) coat. Colours: Red, Belge (red and black), Black and tan, Black.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level5.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety2.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive2.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level2.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability5.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Griffs are affectionate, curious and self-important. They bond intensely with their owners, follow them everywhere and dislike being left out.

They are sensitive and can be shy or snappy if handled roughly, so they are better with adults or older children. Many are vocal and slow to house-train.

Living with a Brussels Griffon

Exercise

About 30 minutes of walks and play daily. Avoid heat and hard exercise because of the short muzzle.

Grooming

Rough coats need brushing and hand-stripping a few times a year; smooth coats need weekly brushing. Clean the face and beard daily.

Training

Clever but sensitive; short, positive sessions work best. House-training takes consistency.

Kids & other pets

Best with adults or older children. Usually good with other pets they know.

Time alone

Griffs bond closely and can develop separation anxiety; build alone time gradually.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Brussels Griffon right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Brussels Griffon matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Brussels Griffon typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Brachycephalic airway problems

    The short muzzle can restrict breathing; avoid heat and overexertion.

  • Eye problems

    Prominent eyes are prone to injury, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

  • Syringomyelia

    Fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord causing pain; MRI screening of breeding dogs helps.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps occur in toy breeds.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Reported more often than expected for a toy breed.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip evaluation
  • Patella evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • Cardiac examination

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Brussels Griffon; American Brussels Griffon Association. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $900–$1,800 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Flat-faced breeds often need airway surgery or specialist care; insurance premiums are higher.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Griffons worked as ratters in the stables of Brussels in the 1800s, where cab drivers kept them. Crosses with the Pug and English Toy Spaniel produced the short face and smooth coat variety.

Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium made the breed fashionable. The AKC recognised the Brussels Griffon in 1910. A Griff named Verdell co-starred in the 1997 film “As Good as It Gets”.

Did you know?

  • A Griffon named Verdell co-starred with Jack Nicholson in “As Good as It Gets”.
  • Griffons were said to inspire the look of Chewbacca in Star Wars.
  • The breed was once a ratter for Brussels cab drivers.

Library guides for Brussels Griffon owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs?
Better for adults or families with older children. They are loving but sensitive.
Do Brussels Griffons shed?
Rough coats shed very little; smooth coats shed moderately.
Do Griffons bark a lot?
They can be vocal; training helps.