Brussels Griffon Guide: Temperament, Coats, Health and Adoption
Brussels Griffon overview
The AKC places the Brussels Griffon in the Toy Group and lists Belgium as its origin. The breed has two coat types, rough and smooth, which are alike apart from the coat. It is described as small, robust, alert and intelligent, with a thickset body and an almost human expression.
Where does the Brussels Griffon come from?
UKC describes it as a very old breed developed in Belgium, first used as a stable ratter and later as a guardian of horse-drawn cabs. Crosses with the Pug, the Affenpinscher and the Ruby King Charles Spaniel are thought to have shaped the breed in the early 19th century. The breed found favor with the nobility, which helped spread its popularity to England and elsewhere.
Brussels Griffon size and weight
The AKC publishes a weight of 8-10 pounds for the Brussels Griffon. The UKC likewise gives eight to ten pounds, and says the dog should not exceed twelve pounds. The AKC publishes a height of 7-10 inches.
Brussels Griffon temperament and personality
The AKC's temperament words for the breed are alert, curious and loyal. VCA describes an affectionate, intelligent breed that is sensitive to handling and tends to form very strong bonds, often preferring one primary caregiver. Lacking structure and companionship, certain dogs may turn to destructive habits or seek attention in unwanted ways. VCA suggests they do best with older, respectful children and usually get along with other pets given proper introduction.
Exercise and training
They need moderate daily activity, and short walks and interactive play are usually enough. Gentle, consistent training with positive reinforcement tends to work best.
Grooming: smooth coat and rough coat Brussels Griffon
A smooth coat Brussels Griffon has short, harsh, flat hair and generally needs only minimal brushing. A rough coat Brussels Griffon has a wiry, dense double coat with a beard, moustache and eyebrows, and often needs hand-stripping or professional grooming. On shedding, the AKC gives the breed a middling rating of 3 of 5. Regular eye cleaning, dental care, nail trimming and ear cleaning are also advised.
Brussels Griffon health issues and lifespan
VCA lists patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, inherited eye disease and cardiac disease as conditions the breed is predisposed to. The short muzzle contributes to brachycephalic airway problems and reduced heat tolerance, and dental disease is also common. On Brussels Griffon lifespan, the AKC gives a general life expectancy of 12-15 years.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Brussels Griffon as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Toy Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1910
- Height (AKC published)
- 7-10 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- 8-10 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 12-15 years
- AKC size category
- XSmall
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 4 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 3 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 4 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 4 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 4 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 4 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Patella Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Brussels Griffon | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Brussels Griffon | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Brussels Griffon - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
