The Griff tends to be a social, sensitive companion dog that bonds closely with their families. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Well-socialized, they are even open to meeting strangers.

Although not known as a patient breed, they are known to get along well with children provided they are not teased. They love to play, so as long as their playmates treat them well, they are happy to spend time with them. This also makes them a better fit for families with older children who have mastered motor control and know how to properly interact with dogs, especially small ones.

These little dogs can attempt to take on a dominant role with other dogs no matter the size. Griffs should not be aggressive, but this tendency can result in a small dog with a big attitude, which only makes socialization early and often even more important.

This also makes them prone to barking a lot, so it’s not a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on to keep it from becoming a nuisance. Beyond barking, Griffs are also known to make vocalizations and are known for climbing with cat-like tendencies.

Brussels Griffon are moderately adaptable dogs. Although their size makes them a good fit for all types of homes, including apartments, they are less adaptable when it comes to weather and are very sensitive to their surroundings.

As a flat-faced breed, Griffs are particularly sensitive to heat and are at a higher risk of overheating than dogs with longer muzzles. Although their coat gives them some protection against the cold, they are small dogs and get cold easily. Because of this, it’s a good idea to have some winter dog products on hand to keep them warm while out on walks in the cold.

These little dogs are also true companion breeds that bond closely with their families and do not like to be left alone. They thrive on attention from their people and are dogs that choose a favorite person. This, along with their sensitive nature, can make them prone to developing separation anxiety, so it’s important to work with them on it early on.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Brussels Griffon can include syringomyelia, Chiari-like malformation, cataracts, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and glaucoma. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Brussels Griffon puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing avoidable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health of the parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The American Brussels Griffon Association recommends a hip evaluation, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a thyroid test.

These dogs may be little, but they have big personalities and a bit of a stubborn streak. Although they are intelligent, can pick up on things quickly, and can be eager to please, they can also be stubborn and mischievous.

This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners to handle alone, so puppy training classes are recommended. Not only can these classes help reinforce training and keep things consistent, but you can also get the other benefits of puppy training classes, like extra bonding and socialization.

One of the facts about the Brussels Griffon, or Griffon Bruxellois, can refer to three different breeds, which are identical in breed standards, but vary by coat and color. They are the Griffon Bruxellois, Petit Brabançon, and Griffon Belge. The Griffon dog coat type comes in two variations – wire and smooth.

The Griffon Bruxellois tends to have a wire coat in black and tan color variations along with a bearded look. The Griffon Belge has a similar coat, but tends to be all black. The Petit Brabançon has a short, smooth coat that is usually reddish with a dark face. They tend to look more like they are a cousin to Pugs than a shaggy Terrier.

There can be color variations across types for the Brussels Griffon. Either coat type will shed a little bit year-round. The smooth coat only needs to be brushed weekly while the wire coat needs to be brushed a few times a week with professional grooming every three months. Bathing beyond that is on an as-needed basis.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Brussels Griffon’s nails, ears, facial wrinkles, and teeth. Trimming nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections.

This is also a good time to check and clean their facial wrinkles and wipe their eyes if needed. As a small dog, the Griff is even more prone to developing dental disease, which only makes good dental care for dogs early and throughout their life even more important. Daily brushing with toothpaste made for dogs along with cleanings at the vet when needed is a good start.

These little dogs may be very playful, but they are not high-energy dogs. They tend to sit in a more low-to-moderate range. They will play hard, but will also tire out quickly and don’t need a lot of activity to be happy and healthy. Usually, daily walks plus some playtime throughout the day are enough for these dogs.

Fully-grown Brussels Griffon usually stand 9-11 inches tall and weigh 8-10 pounds.

Brussels Griffon generally live for 12-15 years on average.

Jill, the dog actor who played Verdell from the movie As Good As It Gets, was a Brussels Griffon. Her performance in the movie led to a surge in popularity for the Griff in 1997. These dogs were also one of the inspirations for the Ewok in the Star Wars universe.