History

This kind of dog was first seen on the walls of Van Eyck’s portraits of the Arnolfini’s marriage and these fine, muzzle-faced and rough-coated dogs were originally bred to chase away rodents from stables. In early 1800, these dogs began to grow in fame and gradually left the rodent-ridden stalls to royalty. 

During the middle of 1800, it was believed that the pug, the Brabancon (old Belgian dog) English toy spaniel, and Yorkshire terrier were crossed to produce the present-day Brussels griffon, taking the name of its hometown. 

Around 1870, luck shone its way and the Belgian queen, Queen Henrietta Marie couldn’t get enough of the dog and from there, griffs became a welcome and most adored pet in the Belgian court and the royals went further to refine its rugby appearance to something more appealing and lovable. 

The breed later made its royal entry into the U.S and got registered on the American Kennel Club in 1910 and almost became endangered but for the collective zeal of Britain and American to preserve its existence. And in 1997, Brussels Griffon landed a breakthrough with its featuring in the screen fantasy “as good as it gets.”

Temperament

This toy dog is a wrap of confidence, devotion, courage, headstrong, and mischief, yet cutely adorable, the kind that invites lovable stroking from your hands each time it welcomes you at the door. Brussels griffons are very tolerable of other animals, pets and older children. 

But for toddlers and small children, it may not be a good idea considering their small nature, as the kids may mistake them for actual toys an action that may get misinterpreted by the dogs. They are also given to much barking and climbing, griffs love the company of their family members greatly and cannot cope being left alone. 

They are sensitive dogs especially if treated roughly they may bite on fear-impulse, they are also a bit difficult to housebreak owing to their stubborn nature but once you patiently aid them through you end up with a smart chubby and lovable pal.

Environment

Griffs are lap dogs and love to live with its family members if you are living in an apartment, you can have your pet with you as it can cope finely as long as your lap is free for it to coil itself on it at the end of the day. They are good in houses too and loves to hop around as it likes. 

Being left alone is among the things your terrier-looking pet dislikes, so if you are always busy, getting a Brussels Griffon is not a fun idea. Griffs are not fans of cold or hot weather and are a little friendly with strangers, they also have the potential of straying which means you will need to have your house fenced. And when you go on a walk with your pal remember to use its leash.

Exercise

Brussels Griffons are active dogs and require moderate exercises to maintain good mental health and to remain your lovable companion the whole day. At least half an hour of minimal activity every day is enough to get your buddy vibrant all over again. 

Because Brussels Griffs are happy dogs and they have a liking for romping, chasing the ball and kite, and running around the garden or the park are among the things they love and look forward to every day. 

Grooming

Brussels come in two kinds and they both have different coat types, one is rough and the other smooth. The rough-coated dogs are non-shedders and most of them have their hair cropped leaving the distinctive beards only. 

While the rough-coated griffs require weekly brushing of the coat with a pin-brush or metal comb to prevent mat formation and daily brushing on shedding days to remove the dead hair. The nails need to be trimmed often to avoid pains when they are walking or playing, the ears checked and cleaned regularly to prevent wax buildup and regular brushing of the teeth to keep good dental health.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Brussels Griffon