Origins and Historical Context

The Griffon Bruxellois, also known as the Brussels Griffon, is a toy dog breed that originated in Brussels, Belgium. This breed is part of a trio of similar breeds, the Griffon Bruxellois, the Griffon Belge, and the Petit Brabançon, all of which descend from the Smousje, a rough coated, small terrier-like dog. The Smousje was utilized in stables to eliminate rodents, similar to the Dutch Smoushond.

In the 19th century, coachmen in Belgium were fond of the alert little Griffons d'Ecurie, which were wiry coated stable dogs. These Griffons were bred with imported toy dogs, such as the Pug and King Charles Spaniel, which led to the current breed type and introduced the short black coat that is now characteristic of the Petits Brabançon. The spaniels also contributed the rich red and black and tan coloration seen in the modern Griffon Bruxellois and Griffon Belge, showcasing the breed's evolution through selective breeding.

The Griffon Bruxellois gained popularity in the late 19th century, both among workers and noblemen in Belgium. The breed's first registration was in 1883 in Belgium's kennel club studbook, the Livre des Origines Saint-Hubert (LOSH), marking the official recognition of the breed. Queen Marie Henriette, a dog enthusiast and a breeder herself, further boosted the breed's popularity by attending dog shows and promoting the breed, which solidified its status as a favored companion. The breed's exportation led to the formation of Griffon Bruxellois clubs in England (1897) and Brussels Griffon clubs in the United States (1945), demonstrating the breed's growing international appeal.

The Griffon Bruxellois faced significant challenges during the First and Second World Wars, with numbers severely depleted. It was only through the dedication of breeders, particularly in the UK, that the breed survived. Despite not being numerous or popular, the Griffon Bruxellois had a brief vogue in the late 1950s and has seen a recent increase in interest in the United States, notably following the appearance of a Griffon in the movie "As Good as It Gets," which brought the breed to the attention of a wider audience.

Breed Description

The Griffon Bruxellois is a small breed with a sturdy frame, typically standing from 18 to 25 cm tall and weighing between 4 and 5 kg. They have domed heads, short noses, and an underbite, with human-like facial features that were the inspiration for the Ewok character in "Star Wars. " The breed comes in two coat variants: wiry/rough and smooth. The fur can be red, black and tan, or black and reddish in color. The smooth coat Griffon requires minimal grooming, while the rough coat variety demands weekly attention, including regular stripping to prevent mats and tangles.

Breeders often dock tails and crop ears on puppies for sale, although this practice is illegal in most of Europe and increasingly frowned upon in the United States. The Griffon Bruxellois is known for its alert demeanor and expressive face, which contribute to its distinctive appearance and personality.

Temperament and Social Behavior

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale describes the Griffon Bruxellois as a well-balanced dog with a proud and alert nature, not timid nor aggressive, and very attached to its owner. They have a low threshold for loneliness and are highly sensitive, which means they do not respond well to harsh corrections or training methods. Griffons are curious, possess a great memory, and are known for their cleanliness, which makes them a popular choice for families looking for a well-behaved companion.

This breed tends to bond strongly with one person more than others, and can be very good with children if they are not teased. They are generally friendly with other animals in the household, including cats, ferrets, and other dogs. However, Griffons have no concept of their own size and may try to dominate dogs much larger than themselves, which is a trait that owners should be aware of and manage appropriately.

Health Considerations

Common health concerns include Syringomyelia (SM) and Chiari-like malformation (CM), which are conditions affecting the brain and spine and can lead to neurological symptoms such as pain, weakness, and difficulty breathing. Lacerations are also a common issue, as the breed's large eyes and short snout leave little protection for their vision from foreign bodies.

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.3 years for the Griffon Bruxellois, which is slightly higher than the average life expectancy for purebreeds.

Birthing and Reproduction

The Griffon Bruxellois usually has no trouble giving birth on their own, but sometimes complications can necessitate a Caesarean section. Litters typically range from 1 to 10 puppies, with an average of around 4 to 5. Puppies weigh only a few ounces at birth, about 100 grams (3.5 oz), and are small enough to fit in the palm of an adult's hand, emphasizing the breed's toy dog status.

One significant health issue that can affect puppies is cleft palate, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. It is an uncommon but serious concern, and owners should be prepared for the possibility of veterinary intervention in the case of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Responsible breeders work to minimize the incidence of this condition through careful breeding practices and genetic testing.

Buying and Owning a Griffon Bruxellois

When considering purchasing a Griffon Bruxellois, potential owners should be prepared for the breed's unique needs. Here is a practical checklist to consider:

• Be prepared for the breed's sensitive nature and the importance of positive, gentle training methods.
• Be aware of the breed's small size and the risk of injury from overexertion or from being treated roughly.
• Be prepared for the financial commitment of pet ownership, including food, veterinary care, and other necessities.
• Understand the grooming requirements for both the rough and smooth coat varieties to maintain the breed's distinctive appearance.