Basic Things You Should Know About The Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon (also known as the "Belgian Griffon") is a toy breed of dog. They feature wide set eyes, a flat face and rough coat. The breed first appeared in the early 1800s. They were originally bred for hunting small vermin and later guarding coaches. These days they are popular as a companion dog for less active owners. They can be recognized by their "Ewok-like" appearance and tendency to bark. They are thought to originate from the city of Brussels in Belgium and are a descendant of the Affenpinscher, Belgian street dogs and the Pug.

They are classified as a small sized dog. The recommended male size is 9-11 inches high with a weight of 8-10 pounds. Their temperament is well-known to be confident, self-important and protective. They are typically snappy with strangers, but their small size makes them mostly unsuitable as a guard dog. The breed is known to be fairly intelligent, and ranks equal 59th compared to all other breeds when learning new obedience instructions.

They are good with children, which can make them suitable (if the kids are older) as a family pet. They do get along well with other animals such as other dogs and animals they can become playmates with. Grooming them is a demanding (if their coat is kept long) task. They need regular brushing every day or two, and full grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. They enjoy having a small (though doesn't always need one) yard to run around in, but can easily be suitable for apartment life.

Like most small sized breeds, they are primarily long-lived with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Their most severe health concern is eye injuries or breathing problems, and they are also susceptible to cataracts, PRA and heat sensitivity. They enjoy hobbies like running around the house or agility. They have a low to medium level of energy, which means they need short walks each day to prevent destructive behavior.

If you own the Brussels Griffon you need to be prepared to start training them early and give them lots of attention. They are less suitable for families with smaller children, but highly suitable for less active owners or families with older children. One of the best things about this breed is that it has a low level of energy and requires little exercise to wear them out.

If you want to learn more Brussels Griffon information and other related topics take a look at this page.