Brussels Griffon (Smooth)

Behavior

The Brussels Griffon is a friendly, energetic breed. Very affectionate towards owners, this breed wants to be around his owner at all times. Luckily, the dogs small size makes the breed a very nice lap dog! Due to the breeds high energy and affinity toward owners, these dogs often require a lot of attention and playtime. Neglecting this breed is simply not an option, and the Brussels Griffon can quickly grow unhappy if left alone for long periods of time. In fact, they have a reputation for being a tad mischievous and can cause slight trouble if they are upset or have been punished. At the same time, the dog also does not need extensive exercise and can actually be hurt by the rough play activities larger dogs enjoy indulging in. As a watchdog, the breed will remain alert and bark to notify owners of approaching strangers.

This breed makes for a great family dog because they love attention! The breed is typically great around other people and pets. This breed should be watched around children, though, as its small size can cause it to become injured if handled roughly. Like any dog, proper training and socialization is a must in order for the dog to behave around other animals and humans. This dog can be a challenge to train due to a short attention span, so short, playful lessons are typically the most effective.

Appearance

This small breed grows to a mere 7 to 8 inches in height. The Brussels Griffon weighs only 8 to 12 pounds, placing the breed in the toy category. The dogs can have rough or smooth coats in red, reddish-brown and black, black and tan, or black. A short, sturdy body, high, small ears, and large eyes are characteristic of the breed.

Grooming

Whether the Brussels Griffons coat is smooth or rough, grooming this breed is relatively easy. The coat doesnt shed heavily, so occasional brushing will do just fine unless the owner chooses to brush more often to prevent shedding. Rough coats are properly attended to through hand stripping, a method where dead hair is removed from the coat by hand or with a stripping knife. Like all dogs, nails will need to be clipped and proper dental care is required. Regular vet visits will also help keep pets healthy and happy.

History

The Brussels Griffon is a blend of the English Toy Spaniel, Pug, and the Affenpinscher. This dog became popular in farming communities where members of the breed served as adept ratters. They often lived on the streets or in stables in Belgium, and appeared so often that they were even featured in 16th century artwork. Today, the Brussels Griffon remains a poplar choice for a family pet.