Small in size but big in personality, the Brussels Griffon (aka Griffon Bruxellois) is a charming, intelligent, and affectionate companion dog. With their distinctive grumpy look and almost human-like expressions, these quirky little pups win hearts wherever they go.
Whether you’re lucky enough to share your life with a Brussels Griffon or just thinking about adopting a pup, this is your go-to guide for parenting this unique breed.
From choosing the right diet to keeping their minds sharp, our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of what it takes to care for a Brussels Griffon.
Top breed takeaways
)
Breed history
Originating in Belgium, Brussels Griffons were initially bred as rat catchers in stables and homes during the 19th century. They’re the result of crossbreeding between German Affenpinschers, Pugs, and English Toy Spaniels.
Over time, they became beloved companion dogs for European aristocrats, eventually gaining popularity worldwide.
Key characteristics
Brussels Griffons are tiny dogs with huge personalities! They’re affectionate, intelligent, and stick to you like glue – think of them as your very own pint-sized shadow. Training takes patience, but their endearing nature make it all worthwhile.
Health considerations
Brussels Griffons are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to joint issues, obesity, and eye conditions. They’re also a brachycephalic breed with shortened snouts that can impact their breathing.
A gently cooked, high-protein diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support their musculoskeletal health, weight maintenance, and overall wellness.
Appearance and size
Small but sturdy, Brussels Griffons have a distinctive squashed appearance with large expressive eyes. Their coat can be either rough or smooth, and they come in colours like red, black, black and tan, and belge (a mix of red and black hairs).
Brussels Griffon personality and temperament
Playful, intelligent, and very loving, Brussels Griffons thrive on human companionship. They form strong bonds with their pack and can be quite clingy, insisting on affection and quality time on your lap. They have an alert nature and can be wary of strangers, but warm up quickly with proper socialisation and encouragement.
Their funny and mischievous antics, combined with their unusual appearance is why they’re often regarded as comical.
Despite their size, they have moderate energy levels. If they’re not given adequate stimulation, they may find other channels for their frustration, like excessive barking.
Real insights from a Brussels Griffon parent
For a real-world glimpse into life with a Brussels Griffon and the traits that make them so special, hear from April about her experience parenting Peter – a smooth-coated Griffon and Lyka pup.
Brussels Griffons are big personalities wrapped in tiny packages and their favourite place to be is right by your side – or more likely, on your lap! Even if you had a large house, they’re likely to stay close to you.
Griffons are bursting with energy and love to play. Regular walks and plenty of playtime are key to keeping them happy and content indoors!
– April, Peter’s dog parent (he's on Lyka)
)
Brussels Griffon size guide
A full-grown Brussels Griffon weighs between 3.5-5.5 kg and can grow between 18-25 cm tall, depending on their gender and genetics. They stop growing in height by 6-8 months of age but may take up to a year to fully mature.
Brussels Griffons are the ideal city dog: apartment-friendly and compact enough to fit in a pet carrier – perfect if you’re using public transport on your weekend adventures in the concrete jungle.
)
How long do Brussels Griffons live?
Brussels Griffons typically have a lifespan between 12-15 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible – and there’s lots we can easily do to help them thrive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
"Brussels Griffons can be genetically predisposed to joint issues like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. A great way to support their musculoskeletal health is with a real food diet that includes ingredients for joint support like omega-3 from fish and fish oil."
— Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
What does a Brussels Griffon eat?
Brussels Griffons need nutritious food to fuel their inquisitive minds and playful spirits.
High-quality protein supports muscle health and energy, while fresh vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Healthy fats, like omega fatty acids found in fish oil, contribute to a strong immune system, a healthy coat, and cognitive function.
While low-glycaemic index carbohydrates help maintain steady energy levels.
Lyka’s human-grade, real food meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious – perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Brussels Griffon’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect their joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your pup’s specific needs, helping you keep them in great condition.
Do Brussels Griffon puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Brussels Griffon puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Brussels Griffon health issues
Brussels Griffons from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
As a brachycephalic breed, Brussels Griffons can experience health issues like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which affects their breathing. Avoid over-exercising and over-heating (especially in the summer) to prevent respiratory distress.
Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Joint issues
Brussels Griffons can be prone to inherited developmental conditions like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation (a dislocated kneecap). Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis as a secondary condition.
Look for real, fresh food that supports joint health and contains bioavailable ingredients known for their musculoskeletal-boosting properties, like:
🐟 Sardines: a powerful source of Omega 3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties to support strong and supple joints.
🌾 Quinoa: contains manganese for bone development.
🌱 Fennel Seeds: rich in antioxidant properties to reduce the damage to joints caused by oxidative stress.
Lyka meals contain sardines, fish oil and flaxseed oil that support common joint ailments like arthritis and osteochondritis.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help →
2. Eye conditions
Brussels Griffons have distinctive, protruding eyes which can make them prone to injury and infection.
They can also be susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy: a degenerative disease that impacts the photoreceptor cells in their eyes, eventually leading to blindness.
It’s an inherited disease, so speak to your breeder about how they have mitigated the risks by selecting their breeding pairs.
Although you may not be able to change your dog’s genetics, you can support their eye health through nutrition. Meals containing ingredients with antioxidant properties may help, though more research needs to be done to confirm the benefits.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals:
🧡 Turmeric: contains curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.
🥕 Carrots: packed with beta-carotene that can promote eye health.
3. Obesity
As a toy breed, it can be easy for Brussels Griffons to gain unnecessary weight, putting additional strain on their backs and joints.
Maintain your pup's optimal weight with a portion-controlled, complete and balanced diet that keeps them nourished and in excellent shape. Pair this with regular walks and playtime to keep them active and healthy, along with regular veterinary check-ups.
Include real ingredients in their diet like quality proteins and low GI carbohydrates to maintain steady energy levels and support a healthy weight and body shape, like:
🍠 Purple sweet potato: a low-GI carbohydrate option that gradually releases energy to satisfy your pup.
🦘 Kangaroo and Chicken: low-fat, high-quality protein options for healthy weight management.
🥬 Kale: fresh, non-starchy produce with bioavailable nutrients and dietary fibre for healthy digestion and satiety.
Brussels Griffon coats, grooming, and hygiene tips
Keeping your Brussels Griffon well-groomed is about more than just a shiny coat – it’s essential for their overall health.
A consistent grooming routine helps maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. By investing a little time in their hygiene, you ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Coat types and shedding
The smooth-coated Brussels Griffon has short, sleek fur that sheds moderately. While the rough-coated Brussels Griffon has dense, wiry hair that doesn’t shed, but does need regular grooming.
Grooming
Smooth-coated Brussels Griffons shed throughout the year but more intensely twice a year when the seasons change. Use a slicker brush to keep shedding under control and remove any tangles or debris that could irritate the skin.
Rough-coated Brussels Griffons have shaggy hair and beards that may need to be trimmed every few weeks to keep them neat. This type of breed can also benefit from hand-stripping – the process of removing dead hair by hand, instead of clipping all over.
Brussels Griffons only need a bath every 4-8 weeks, unless they’ve rolled in something irresistibly stinky. Remember to use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Brussels Griffon hygiene tips
Brussels Griffon nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly can become uncomfortable and even affect how they walk.
Introduce your pup to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks are important to spot signs of infection, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
And don’t forget to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Brussels Griffon exercise requirements
Brussels Griffons are little pocket rockets: small and bursting with energy! While they don’t need extensive exercise, they do enjoy energetic walks, interactive play, and mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys. 30-60 minutes of exercise per day is enough to keep these petite pups fit and healthy.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
)
Training a Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are intelligent and eager to please but can be stubborn and bossy. Positive reinforcement training works best, along with socialisation from an early age to prevent excessive barking and nervousness around new dogs and strangers.
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them stimulated.
For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence and social skills.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Brussels Griffon breeder
So, you’ve decided that the Brussels Griffon is the perfect breed for you – how exciting! Now comes an important step: finding a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable Brussels Griffon breeders plan a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
These ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities and meet their dogs in person.
It’s also a great opportunity to ask them questions about their program and enquire about how they’ve addressed common health conditions, like scoring for hip dysplasia.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Brussels Griffon breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other Brussels Griffon dog parents – it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is a Brussels Griffon puppy?
You can expect to pay around $2,200 to $4,500 for a Brussels Griffon puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment of money and time.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
If you want to adopt a dog from a shelter, we’re right behind you. Many breed-specific clubs, rescues and shelters may have Brussels Griffons looking for their forever homes. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
FAQs
Still have questions about the Brussels Griffon breed? Check out our FAQs for more information.
Are Brussels Griffons hypoallergenic?
No, but they are low-shedding compared to other breeds.
When should I desex my Brussels Griffon?
Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, and health to determine the right time for the procedure.
Do Brussels Griffons experience anxiety?
Yes! They can be prone to separation anxiety due to their strong attachment to their humans. Proper training and a stable routine can help manage this.
Do Brussels Griffons get along with cats and other pets?
Absolutely, if they’re introduced to the cats or dogs in a positive manner. They’re a sensitive breed and can be shy or wary of other dogs, so careful supervision is recommended.
Is a Brussels Griffon a good family dog?
Brussels Griffons may be sassy, but they’re gentle, making them great family dogs. As a toy breed, playtime shouldn’t be boisterous to avoid injuries.
For how long is a Brussels Griffon pregnant?
The Brussels Griffon gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
Where should my Brussels Griffon sleep?
This is completely up to you. Be consistent in your expectations from the start as it’s much harder to change your routine later down the line. Wherever they sleep, make sure it’s a warm and comfortable bed away from cold draughts.
Do Brussels Griffons snore?
Yes, as a brachycephalic breed, they can snore. Although the volume is usually in proportion to their size.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together.
Parenting a Brussels Griffon comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Brussels Griffons across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
