Brussels Griffon Puppies for Sale

Country of Origin:

Belgium

Available Puppies

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Breed Characteristics

Average Size: Small

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Kid/Pet Friendly: Sometimes

Registry: aca,akc,other

Activity Level: moderate

Shedding Level: low

Grooming Level: moderate

Trainability: moderate

Good For Novice Owners: moderate

Adaptability: moderate

Prey Drive: moderate

Watchdog: very alert

Breed Information

Overview

Although Griffon-type dogs can be traced back further, the modern Brussels Griffon originated in Belgium in the early 1800s. Originally used as rat catchers by coachmen in Brussels, these small dogs quickly moved from working dogs to fashion-forward lapdogs.

Due to a noted lack of written records, the exact origins of the Griff are unknown. Based on the information available, it is thought that Griffon-type dogs were crossed with Pugs, Brabançon, which was an old Belgian breed, English Toy Spaniels, and perhaps even Yorkies to create the modern Griff.

In the 1870s, the Queen of the Belgians, Henrietta Maria, started supporting the breed. This kickstarted the Griff’s move from working dog to noble companion. Popular with royals and upper-class nobles, the upper-class kennel keepers got involved and further refined the breed. This also put the Brussels Griffon on the global stage.

These little dogs were soon exported from Belgium to the United States and to England. This international popularity would contribute to saving the dog breed after both world wars made the Griff practically nonexistent. The AKC recognized the Brussels Griffon in 1910. They are a member of the Toy Group.

Temperament

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.

Did You Know?

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.