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Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon has a good bone for its size. Its movement is a purposeful trot and he is smart, alert, sensitive, and full of self-importance.

Overall Status

Height 7 to 10 inches
Temperament Loyal, Alert, Curious
Weight 8 to 12 pounds
Life Expectancy 12 to 15 years
Coat Color Black, Black and Tan, Blue, Brown, Red
Barking Level Medium

Quick Factors

Playfulness
Dog Friendly
Exercise Need
Grooming Needs
Strangers Friendly
Family Affectionate
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Daily Care

Grooming Tips Exercise Tips Feeding Tips Health Tips Trainability

Rough and smooth coated Brussels Griffons have different grooming needs. Smooth coated Griffons require very little grooming besides weekly brushing and occasional bathing when the dog begins to emit an odor.

Rough coated Griffons, on the other hand, need weekly brushing to remove dead hair and need to be combed afterward with a metal comb.

They must be hand stripped twice per year, which involves removing dead and loose hairs by hand to promote new coat growth. Some owners elect to clip their rough coated Griffon in order to avoid stripping the coat, but this is not acceptable for the show ring and alters the texture of the dog's coat and also causes more shedding.

History

The Brussels Griffon, also known as the Griffon Belge, and Griffon Bruxellois gained its name from its place of origin in Brussels, Belgium.

The Brussels Griffon is one of three variations of Griffon, the other two being the Belgian Griffon and the Petit Brabancon. He was very popular in the 17th century with cab drivers that utilized them in their stables to rid them of vermin.

Several other breeds may have contributed to the Brussels Griffon that you see today, such as theAffenpinscher, English Toy Spaniel, Belgian street dog,Yorkshire TerrierandIrish Terriers. The Brussels Griffon, while a fine companion, is not a terribly popular breed.

It has gained some popularity after the appearance of a Brussels Griffon in the film “As Good As It Gets”, however, it remains a rare breed. As a side note, this breed also had a part in the First Wives Club and Gosford Park.

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