You’re lying on the couch and have drifted off to sleep after watching Return of the Jedi for the 632nd time. You find yourself zipping through the forest moon of Endor on a mission to blow up the power generators to destroy the force field of the Death Star. Along the way, you meet a furry creature named Wicket, an Ewok, who looks like he’s no threat with his primitive tools. However, your judgment turns into surprise and gratitude as you fight alongside the Ewoks and ultimately defeat the Empire.
You go to hug Wicket in celebration but wake up to a real-live Ewok licking your face instead. You quickly remember your own Brussels Griffon named Wicket after the Ewok’s bravery and determination – not to mention your Brussels Griffon’s physical appearance is a dead ringer for a tiny Ewok.
Brussels Griffon puppies are small dogs, but their size is the only thing small about them. With big hearts and larger-than-life personalities, these feisty little dogs provide laughter and companionship to owners ready to love these special dogs.
Affectionately called Griffs, they go by some other names as well to describe three different types of one breed: the Brussels Griffon Bruxellois, the Griffon Belge, and Petit Brabançon. We’ll focus on the Brussels Griffon Bruxellois as we learn about this alert, curious little dog.
From a stable ratter to a beloved, lively companion, the Brussels Griffon has charmed people for centuries. Find out what it’s like to own one with our ultimate Brussels Griffon puppy ownership guide.
The Arnolfini Portrait, painted in 1434 by Jan van Eyck
The History & Origin of Brussels Griffon Puppies
Brussels Griffons originated in Brussels, Belgium. Small wire-coated ratter dogs called Smousje were thought to be a larger predecessor of Brussels Griffons and have existed for centuries. These Smousje were called “griffons d'ecurie” or “wire-coated stable dogs.” One of these dogs is depicted as early as the 15th century in a painting by Jan van Eyck called “The Arnolfini Portrait.”
For centuries, Brussels Griffons were thought to be a mix of Affenpinschers, Belgian street dogs called Brabançons, Pug, Yorkshire Terriers, and English Toy Spaniels. These dogs had longer muzzles and stout bodies and were primarily used to drive out rats in stables. Stable owners and coachmen diligently bred these dogs together to create the ultimate working companion to keep their barns free of rats which brought filth and diseases.
However, Brussels Griffons were not always banished to life in the barn. In 1870, the Queen of the Belgians, Henrietta Maria, fell in love with the breed and made them quite popular. It was during this time Brussels Griffons were bred to be the smaller dogs with a human-like face we know today. Once known as a common sight in stables, they rose to the top of the social ladder as lap dogs for royalty and the aristocracy. They continued to gain popularity in several countries thanks to their royal favor and joined the AKC in 1910.
Like several other dog breeds, the two World Wars threatened the existence of Brussels Griffons, and a dedicated group of breeders slowly brought the breed back to life.
While those larger barn ratters of the 1800s are no longer in existence, the modern Brussels Griffon dog breed stems from a surprising finding. One amazing discovery shed light on the origin of modern Brussels Griffons thanks to a serendipitous find at an auction. Jeff Bazell, the president of the American Brussels Griffon Association, purchased some items belonging to an influential early English Brussels Griffon breeder named Lady Muriel Handley Spicer, one of which was a small steamer full of papers. Upon inspection, these papers turned out to be the entire breeding history of the modern-day Brussels Griffon breed, down to the details of each dog bred together. These papers, along with DNA genetic testing, proved the modern Brussels Griffon breed came to be after three crosses to Pugs and eight crosses to English Toy Spaniels.
Today, Brussels Griffons are number 97 out of 199 dog breeds in popularity on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2022, coming in solidly in the middle of the pack before the Bouviers des Flandres and after the Pekingese.
While they are not quite in the spotlight in modern culture, one Brussels Griffon named Jill was responsible for a surge in the breed’s popularity playing the canine character “Verdell” alongside Jack Nicolson in the 1997 hit As Good As It Gets. Verdell helps Nicolson’s uptight character Melvin soften his heart.
What Do Brussels Griffon Puppies Look Like?
The short answer: A little Ewok!
Ewoks are “the small woodland mammaloid bipeds” featured in the classic film Return of the Jedi. It is widely thought that George Lucas testified in court that Ewoks were inspired by Brussels Griffons during a legal dispute of origin. Lucas kept them as beloved family dogs up to five at one time. It’s easy to see from a side-by-side comparison why his Brussels Griffons contributed to the Ewok characters.
Brussels Griffon puppies are a member of the Toy Group. They weigh no more than 12 pounds and stand 8-10 inches tall. They have a flat face like a Pug, pouty lips, and a disgruntled expression that Brussels Griffon owners attribute to the “Grumpy cat” meme. Other people have described them as looking like a gargoyle or a monkey!
The coat of a Brussels Griffon puppy can either be smooth like a Pug’s or rough like a Mini Schnauzer’s. They come in four colors and combinations: black and tan, red, black-and-reddish-brown (called belge), and black. Old folk songs note their little fringed black beards and whiskers covering their short muzzles. Some people opt to crop their ears that stand straight up on their head or can hang naturally, folding over like inverted triangles. Their round, protruding black eyes look like they’re either judging you or staring straight into your soul.
Fun Facts Brussels Griffon Puppy Owners Want You to Know
When it comes to being a Brussels Griffon puppy owner, those who know this breed will agree that potential owners need to understand their quirky characteristics before adopting one.
Get to know your Brussels Griffon
Keep in mind that not all Brussels Griffon puppies have the same temperament. Some are lively while others have a laid-back, shy personality. Make sure to spend a lot of time in those early weeks getting to know your Brussels Griffon puppy so you can cater to what it needs physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Accidental comedians
Because they look so expressive and think highly of themselves, Brussels Griffon puppies will get into situations where you can’t help but laugh at them. They act like they know exactly what they want, but you will know otherwise and watch them figure it out themselves. Be prepared to laugh for several minutes straight when you dress them up! How could you not?
Versatile housemates
Brussels Griffon puppies can live anywhere. Their size and tidy nature make them a great fit for apartment dwellers and suburban houses alike. Brussels Griffons do not need a lot of room to be happy and healthy. They will need access to a small yard or be able to walk around the block to do their business. Otherwise, they are equally happy in a condo or on the farm.
They’ll attract attention
Be prepared for people to give your Brussels Griffon puppy a lot of attention when out and about running errands or at the dog park. They will turn heads wherever they go since people don’t encounter many Brussels Griffons. It will be a great opportunity to educate people on this delightful dog breed.
Velcro puppies
Brussels Griffons do not like to be lonely and will stick to you like glue. Be aware you will have a live shadow following you around everywhere you go! If you are gone from home for a long time, a Brussels Griffon might not be the best fit for you.
Sturdy and active
A Brussels Griffon puppy won’t need more than about 30-45 minutes of exercise a day, but they can be surprisingly athletic with their sturdy, hardy bodies. Agility and other dog sports would be a fun way to bond with your puppy while meeting their exercise requirements. They also love to play fetch and other games.
Socialization needs
Brussels Griffon puppies will often grow up preferring one special person in the household but are loyal to their pack. They’re friendly to other people and dogs when raised with them or socialized early, getting along with just about anyone. However, they can be fearful of or aggressive with other dogs if you do not take the time to socialize these little, assertive canine companions. Due to their ratting instincts, Brussels Griffons should not be in a household with small pets like rodents, reptiles, or birds.
Cheerful…most of the time
Despite their grumpy-looking faces, Brussels Griffon puppies have a cheerful temperament. They are curious and will investigate to see what all the fun is about. They love to snuggle although on a Brussels Griffon’s terms.
Living with children
Brussels Griffon puppies do best in a household with older children or teens and may get tired of being a playmate to boisterous children. If you teach kids how to interact with your Brussels Griffon properly, they can be lifelong friends and playmates. However, they do not tolerate poking or rough play and may get snippy if not left alone or treated gently.
Training requirements
Training Brussels Griffon puppies can be a rewarding experience because they are very intelligent and eager to please. In contrast, training can also be a frustrating experience because they could be stubborn and do things their way – it all depends on their personalities. Brussels Griffon puppies respond best to positive reinforcement instead of harsh training methods. Be sure to exhibit lots of patience, and be consistent in your efforts because it will pay off in the long run.
@welcometowaffles Waffles is back! She clearly missed you #fyp #brusselsgriffon ♬ original sound - Waffles 🧇🐶🥰
Brussels Griffons are big barkers and can make a series of sounds you wouldn’t expect from a dog. They make excellent watchdogs but terrible guard dogs due to their hilarious appearance and small bodies. However, don’t tell that to a Brussels Griffon! They take their protective efforts very seriously.
While they are affectionate with their families, they can also be moody and sensitive and demand your attention. In addition to basic obedience training, Brussels Griffons will need to learn manners, like when not to bark, how to respect your space, and how to occupy themselves.
Speaking of being occupied, mental stimulation in dogs is a must for a Brussels Griffon puppy. They’re smart and will get bored easily, especially if you are not around. Reduce separation anxiety and boost their brain power with interactive toys, puzzles, and opportunities to get their minds working.
Grooming & Caring For Brussels Griffon Puppies
Like most small breeds, Brussels Griffon puppies enjoy a long life and can live 12-15 years. You will need to be financially prepared to own a dog to care for a Brussels Griffon puppy properly to give it a fantastic life.
Brussels Griffon grooming recommendations
If you take one look at a Brussels Griffon’s coat, you can probably tell these pups will need regular grooming even though they don’t need as much pampering as other small dogs.
If you have a smooth-coated Brussels Griffon puppy, you can bathe it when it gets stinky and brush them every few days. However, if you have a rough-coated Brussels Griffon, they will sometimes look like they just woke up or put their little paws in a socket with all that hair sticking out every which way!
Wiry, rough-coated Brussels Griffon puppies don’t shed that much, which is a positive aspect for owners who do not want to vacuum up dog hair regularly. Instead of regular haircuts, their coats will need hand-stripping, where you pluck dead hairs from their coats and ears to keep their vibrant color and proper texture. Groomers can also use textured scissors to trim them after hand-stripping.
Possible health concerns of Brussels Griffons
While a relatively healthy breed, Brussels Griffon puppy owners will need to watch for signs of potential health concerns. They can experience cherry eye, patellar luxation, or corneal ulcers.
The best protection you can do is to take preventative measures to ensure none of these problems escalate into major health issues. Some ways to do so are:
- Stay up-to-date on vaccinations on a schedule recommended by your licensed veterinarian
- Give preventative flea, tick, and heartworm medications
- Provide adequate exercise
- Feed a nutritious diet
- Don’t skip dental care - their small mouths can experience dental issues
- Trim their nails and check their eyes and ears
Where Can I Find Brussels Griffon Puppies?
Brussels Griffon puppies are rarer than popular dogs like a Labrador Retriever or Mini Goldendoodle, so you may search far and wide for a trustworthy breeder. But why do all the work yourself?
Tap into our network of reputable Brussels Griffin breeders who are hand-selected and vetted by our staff at Pawrade. We only choose the best Brussels Griffon breeders who adhere to our rigorous standards.
A huge advantage of going through Pawrade to find your Brussels Griffon puppy is that we offer a scam-free, secure transaction management platform that protects both you and your breeder from fraud. All of your important documents are hosted in an easy-to-use format.
Another reason to utilize Pawrade’s services is we offer a 3-year health guarantee on all our Brussels Griffon puppies, placing the well-being of puppies above all else. Our breeders care so much for their puppies just like you do, ensuring they are up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccines. To give them the best start in life, Brussels Griffon puppies stay with their mama and littermates until they are 2 pounds or 12 weeks old, whichever comes first.
We can’t wait for you to own a spunky “Ewok” of your own! Contact our Puppy Concierge team to search our Brussels Griffon puppies for sale to see which one speaks to you as your lifelong companion.
