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Brussels Griffon

Images, Health, Breed Information and MORE!

All about the Brussels Griffon:

	Watch Dogs- They make keen watch dogs! Brussels Griffons can be yappers and should be discouraged from nervous vocalization at every little noise. But if you're looking for an alarm dog, a griffon could be the breed for you.
	Size- Toy Breed- Show dogs stand about 7 or 8" high at the shoulders and weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. Like most toy breeds, their exercise needs are minimal, but some play time is necessary for good mental and physical health. Looking for a teacup pup? Check here first.
	Friendly- Brussels Griffons are loving dogs in family life and enjoy the company of people, but may attach to one person more than others. Griffons are guard dogs at heart and nervous snapping would not be unheard of with a Griffie, so use caution around unknown people and children.
	Trainability- Griffons are quick learners who want to please. They possess the intelligence to be competetive in agility and obediance trials. Toy breeds (if we had to list one caveat) are usually the most difficult to house train. Click here for helpful training tips for tricks and housebreaking.
	Loyalty- Brussels Griffons are faithful, affectionate and loyal companions in family life. They make the perfect dog for those who appreciate a nice warm lap.
	Excitability- Use caution around small children and strangers. Especially if your dog has neverous tendencies.
	General Breed Health- High risk of poorly bred and puppy mill dogs with this breed. Learn more about this in Health Issues, below.
	Non Shedding- The rough coated Brussels Griffon sheds very little to no hair through any season. Shedding does occur, however, in smooth-coated Griffons. Check out other  non shedding small breed dogs to learn more.
	Other Pets and Children- Socializing early and often is recommended if possible. Adopting an adult dog means you'll already know if the dog is tolerant of other animals. Where Children are involved, toy breed does NOT mean 'kid-sized'. Never allow a child to mistreat or mishandle this fragile little dog.

Griffons do better with other animals and new people when socialization is started early. Having a less-nervous dog who adapts better to the introduction of other pets and new people is better for the dog and your family. Socializing really works and does pay off over and over again.

Side Note: If you're looking to make a BG the next member of your family, why not consider adoption first? There are probably several near you in need of rescue. To find a "barely used" dog near you, search petfinder.com, click on your chosen breed, then type in your zip code.

Even More About The Brussels Griffon

Seperation Anxiety is common- He will show you his frustration by destructive and barking or by having "accidents" on your furniture. This is probably not the breed for you if you work long hours and would have to leave him home alone for extended periods of time.

Shedding- Seasonal shedding does occur in smooth coated Griffons. Rough coated Griffons don't typically shed as much, but nothing is guaranteed. Those who suffer with dog allergies should test their tolerance with a few visits before making a commitment to own a Brussels Griffon. Non-shedding does not necessarily mean hypoallergenic

Willfulness- Griffons are known to have a mind of their own and do not respond well to punishment or harsh training methods. Positive reinforcement will go much further with all aspects of training. This is especially true for house training.

Housebreaking Difficulties- Toy breeds are notoriously hard to housebreak. A Brussels Griffon is no exception. Successful housebreaking is most easily acheived with consistency and patience and several trips outside to accomoadate their small bladders. Crate training or paper training is a good place to start with a Brussels Griffon puppy. Read more about this and learn other helpful training tips for tricks and housebreaking. 

Maintenance- Rough coats need regular brushing and grooming. For smooth coats and rough coats alike, regular brushing and attention to his nails, teeth and ears starting when he's young will accustom your dog to these necessary practices. 

If you plan to be a DIY Groomer, invest in a professional grooming kit. A cheap set of clippers will not do the job. Trust me. Investing in a good clipper set will save you money in the long run.

Chasing Instincts- Griffons need to be leash trained early and should never be left unsupervised or unharnessed in open areas. Their chasing instincts are very terrier-like. A lot of dogs get lost or stolen (or worse) this way.

Emotional Sensitivity- Griffons are very receptive little dogs with fragile personalities. They respond negatively in chaotic households. Loud noises, yelling and fighting will have adverse emotional effects on these little dogs. 

Temperature Sensitivity- Because of their short muzzles, BG's do not regulate body temperature well. They can easily become overheated and even die when exposed to temperatures, hot or cold, for any length of time. It's never a good idea to leave any dog in a hot car. If you live in a colder climate, a coat will keep your puppy warm.

Brussels Griffon- Known Health Issues:

Most of the health issues listed here occur more often when puppies are bought from puppy mills and pet stores. Learn more about how to avoid puppy mill puppies and avoid many of the known health issues listed below.

Hydrocephalus affects the Brussels Griffon as well as other dogs with shortened heads. This condition, a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain often leads to an early death. The condition can be treated when caught early, but affected dogs rarely recover fully.

Luxating patellas-A joint condition in which kneecaps dislocate. This is very painful for your dog and very expensive to correct. This is a common complication among many small breed dogs.

Shoulder Abnormalities- A group of many disorders of the shoulder joint due to malformation or subluxation can affect Griffons and cause severe pain.

The use of pet steps has been shown to significantly reduce wear and tear on joints. Please consider making pet stairs a part of your home if you plan to make a small breed dog a part of your family.

Distichiasis-Eyelashes grow on the edge of the eyelid with the condition and can rub against the eye causing mild to severe irritation. Any abnormal blinking or rubbing of the eye should be checked by a vet. Left untreated, this very uncomfortable condition can lead to infection, corneal ulcers and blindness.

Stenotic Nares- A softening of the cartilage in the nasal cavity which makes it hard for a dog to inhale air. This can cause enlarging of the heart and flattening of the chest. It's miserable for the dog and surgery is the only way of correcting it. Symptoms include; nasal discharge, labored breathing followed by snorting and lethargy due to lack of oxygen.

Another condition that can cause breathing difficulty with this and other short nosed dogs is elongated soft palate and cleft palate both of which can be treated with surgery.

Trachea collapse, commonly thought to be partially genetic, could also be caused by an energetic Griffie straining on her collar during grooming. While walking your Brussels Griffon, a harness is more comfortable.

The health conditions listed are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian.

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