Brussels Griffon

Overview

The Little Dog with the Human Face

The Brussels Griffon is one of the most distinctive-looking dogs in the world, with a round, domed head, large dark eyes, and a short pushed-in muzzle that gives the face an almost primate-like expressiveness. This is not an accident — breed historians note that early fanciers deliberately selected for this human-like quality, and the result is a dog whose face communicates emotion with unusual clarity. Annoyance, curiosity, joy, indignation — you will see them all, and often in rapid succession.

Originating in Belgium as a ratter in the horse stables of Brussels, the Griffon was refined in the late 19th century through crosses with the Pug and the English Toy Spaniel, which introduced the short muzzle and rounded head that define the modern breed. The breed achieved significant popularity when Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium became a devoted fancier, introducing the Griffon to the European aristocracy and eventually to England and America.

The Brussels Griffon comes in two coat varieties: rough (a dense, wiry coat that requires regular stripping or trimming) and smooth (a short, flat coat similar to a Pug's). Both varieties come in four colors: red, belge (a mix of reddish-brown and black), black and tan, and black. The rough-coated dogs are more familiar to most people — the wiry face furnishings give them their characteristic bearded, monkey-faced look. The smooth variety has a cleaner, more open face and often surprises people who don't know it exists within the breed.

In temperament, the Brussels Griffon is a study in contrasts: sensitive and emotionally attuned on one hand, assertive and opinionated on the other. This is a small dog that does not accept being treated as a small dog. It wants full participation in family life, objects strenuously to being left out, and has a particular tendency to attach very deeply to one person in the household.

Appearance

Round Head, Monkey Face, Big Attitude

The Brussels Griffon is a compact, sturdy little dog with a notably large, domed head relative to its body size. The face is the breed's defining feature: the pushed-in muzzle (brachycephalic), large, prominent dark eyes, and prominent chin create the famous monkey or human-like expression. The rough variety has wiry facial furnishings — a beard, mustache, and prominent eyebrows — that amplify the expression. The smooth variety has a cleaner face with the same structural features but no furnishings.

The body is short-backed and cobby, with a level topline and a tail that is traditionally docked in countries where this is still permitted (though natural tails are increasingly common). The legs are straight and well-muscled for a toy breed. Despite the small size — typically 8–10 pounds — the Griffon has a solid, substantial feel. It is not a fragile lap dog despite the tiny frame, though it is certainly more delicate than the large guardian breeds.

Temperament

Devoted, Sensitive, and Thoroughly Self-Important

The Brussels Griffon has a personality that vastly exceeds its body weight. This is a dog that believes it is the most important entity in any room and acts accordingly. The breed is deeply affectionate with the person it has chosen as its primary person — often following them from room to room, sitting on them whenever possible, and displaying visible distress at separation. This intense attachment is endearing but can tip into separation anxiety if not managed thoughtfully.

The Griffon is sensitive in the emotional sense: it picks up on household mood and tension, does not respond well to harsh correction, and can shut down if treated roughly. But it is also sensitive in the neurotic sense: some individuals are anxious, particular about change, or reactive to loud noises and unfamiliar situations. Early socialization reduces these tendencies significantly.

With children, the Brussels Griffon is generally not recommended for households with very young or boisterous children. The breed's small size makes it physically vulnerable, and more importantly, the Griffon's emotional sensitivity and willingness to assert itself (including snapping when overwhelmed) can make interactions with unpredictable young children stressful for the dog and potentially unsafe. Calm, older children who understand how to handle small dogs are usually fine.

Mike's Take

The Most Opinionated 9 Pounds You'll Ever Meet

I have a genuine soft spot for Brussels Griffons because they are so thoroughly themselves. There is no dog less interested in performing for approval than a Griffon in a bad mood. They stare at you with that ancient, slightly judgmental face and you realize that this dog has assessed the situation and found you wanting. But when they decide they love you — and they do decide, it's very much on their terms — it's total and unequivocal. The flip side is the neurosis. Some Griffons are genuinely anxious little dogs, and you need to be the kind of owner who can provide structure and security without being controlling. It's a balance. When you find it, you have one of the most rewarding small-dog relationships going.

Care

Moderate Exercise and Coat-Specific Grooming

The Brussels Griffon has moderate exercise needs that are easily met in small spaces. Daily play sessions and short walks satisfy most individuals. The breed does not do well in extreme heat due to its brachycephalic facial structure — keep exercise to cooler parts of the day in summer and never leave the dog in a warm car.

Grooming differs significantly between coat types. The rough coat requires either hand-stripping (pulling out dead coat by hand to maintain texture and color) or clipping (easier but softens the wiry texture over time). Rough-coated Griffons should be stripped or trimmed every 6–8 weeks. The smooth coat needs only weekly brushing and monthly bathing. Both varieties need regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care — the brachycephalic muzzle can lead to crowded teeth and elevated dental disease risk.

Facial care is important for both varieties: the skin folds around the muzzle, while less dramatic than a Mastiff's, can trap moisture and need to be checked and wiped regularly. Wrinkle care is less intensive than in deeper-folded breeds but should not be neglected.

Health

Brachycephalic Concerns and Hereditary Conditions

The Brussels Griffon is generally a long-lived breed at 12–15 years, but the brachycephalic structure creates health considerations that owners must understand. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) — narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palate, and other structural issues that restrict airflow — affects many individuals to varying degrees. Mild cases require only management (avoiding heat and heavy exercise); severe cases benefit from surgical correction. Reputable breeders select for more open nostrils and less exaggerated structure to reduce BOAS severity.

Eye problems are common given the large, prominent eyes: corneal ulcers from trauma (the eyes protrude slightly and are vulnerable), dry eye (KCS), and progressive retinal atrophy all occur. Annual eye exams are recommended. Hip dysplasia, while more associated with larger breeds, does occur in Griffons. Syringomyelia — a neurological condition associated with the domed skull — is a more serious concern in the breed and reputable breeders screen for it using MRI. This condition causes significant pain and should be on every prospective buyer's radar.

Cost

Toy Breed Pricing with Ongoing Grooming Costs

Brussels Griffon puppies from health-tested, reputable breeders typically cost $1,500–$3,000. The breed is not commonly found in shelters but rescue organizations exist. Annual ongoing costs are moderate for a small breed: $1,200–$2,000 including food, routine vet care, grooming (professional stripping or trimming every 6–8 weeks for rough coats), and preventive medications. Pet insurance is recommended given the potential for eye, airway, and neurological conditions.

Right for You?

A Dog for the Right Kind of Devoted Owner

Finding a Brussels Griffon

Reputable Breeders and Rescue

The American Brussels Griffon Association (ABGA) is the AKC parent club and can assist with breeder referrals. Look for breeders who test for syringomyelia (MRI screening), hip dysplasia, and eye conditions. Rescue organizations specifically for Brussels Griffons are active and worth checking if you are open to an adult dog whose temperament is already fully expressed.

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