Breeds
Brussels Griffon: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Brussels Griffon is a bold, affectionate, almost human-faced toy dog that bonds strongly with its people and has plenty of opinions. Griffs are clever and easy to train, love to play and suit apartments, but they are flat-faced, prone to dental disease and happiest with company most of the day. They come in smooth and rough coats with different grooming needs. Here is what to expect on size, lifespan, health and daily care.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Brussels Griffon temperament and personality
The AKC says Griffs have a high degree of intelligence and bond strongly with their owners, and rates them four out of five for affection, playfulness, openness to strangers and trainability. Their big, human-like eyes and expressive face are a large part of their charm.
Barking is four out of five on the AKC scale, so many Griffs are alert little doorbells. VCA notes limited tolerance for being left alone and a preference for close companionship, so they suit homes where someone is often around.
How big do Brussels Griffons get?
The AKC lists the Brussels Griffon at 7 to 10 inches tall and 8 to 10 pounds, with no separate figures by sex, and elsewhere describes a big personality in a 5-to-15-pound package. Griffs come in four colors: red, belge, black and tan, and black.
There are two coat types, smooth like a Pug and rough like a Schnauzer. The black muzzle and whiskers give the breed its bearded look. At this size, falls and rough play are real risks, so handle gently.
Brussels Griffon lifespan and common health issues
The AKC gives a Brussels Griffon lifespan of 12 to 15 years and calls Griffs generally healthy. Responsible breeders screen for heart problems, eye defects such as cataracts, and orthopedic problems such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia; recommended tests are patella, hip and eye evaluations.
Like all flat-faced breeds, the AKC says Griffs can have breathing problems in sunny, hot or humid weather, and usually snore. VCA describes brachycephalic airway syndrome as noisy breathing and tiring quickly, worse in heat, and says dental disease is common, making daily home care important. Labored breathing or collapse is an emergency.
Exercise needs
The AKC says Griffons need at least half an hour of moderate exercise a day. They love to romp and play, and are happiest doing things together with their people; a game of chasing a ball is fun for both.
Many Griffs excel at obedience, agility and other canine events, according to the AKC. Keep walks cool and gentle in summer, stop at the first sign of heavy panting, and use a harness to keep pressure off the throat.
Grooming and shedding
Grooming depends on the coat. The AKC says smooth Griffs need weekly brushing, daily during their short spring and fall sheds, plus an occasional bath. Rough-coated Griffs do not shed, the AKC says, and many have their hair clipped short, except for the distinctive beard, by their owner or a groomer.
Shedding is three out of five on the AKC scale. Clean around the eyes and beard, trim nails regularly and brush the teeth daily, since VCA flags dental disease as a common problem in the breed.
Training a Brussels Griffon
The AKC says Griffs are easy to train because they are intelligent and bond strongly with their owners, but notes that, as with many toy breeds, housebreaking may take extra time and effort. Early socialization and puppy classes are recommended.
Use short, positive sessions with small treats. Teach a quiet cue to balance the alert bark, and practice short periods alone from puppyhood. Gentle handling of the face, eyes and mouth makes grooming and dental care much easier.
Are Brussels Griffons good with kids and other pets?
The AKC rates the Griffon three out of five with young children, and VCA says they do best with older, respectful children. A small child can easily hurt a Griff by accident, and a frightened Griff may snap, so supervise and teach gentle handling.
With other dogs the AKC rating is three out of five, and VCA says they are usually compatible with proper introduction. Choose gentle, similar-sized companions and supervise play with larger dogs.
What a Brussels Griffon needs at home
Useful kit includes a lightweight harness and leash, a soft bed, a cooling mat for warm weather and a sweater for cold, a soft brush or a stripping comb for rough coats, nail clippers, a dog toothbrush and gentle face wipes. Pet steps help with furniture.
Keep the home cool in summer and gate off stairs. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Griff home and ask about dental care, breathing and the kneecap check.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Brussels Griffons live?
The AKC lists a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Daily dental care, protection from heat, a lean weight and regular vet checks help a Griff reach the upper end of that range.
How big does a Brussels Griffon get?
The AKC lists a height of 7 to 10 inches and a weight of 8 to 10 pounds. Griffs are small but sturdy toy dogs with big, expressive faces.
What is a Brussels Griffon's temperament like?
Affectionate, clever, alert and full of personality. Griffs bond strongly with their owners, bark readily and dislike being left alone for long. Individual dogs vary, so meeting the parents, or the adult dog itself, is the best guide.
Do Brussels Griffons shed?
Smooth-coated Griffs shed moderately, mostly in short spring and fall sheds. Rough-coated Griffs do not shed, according to the AKC, but most are clipped short, apart from the beard, to keep the coat tidy.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
