Basic Information To Know About The Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon (also called the "Belgian Griffon") is a toy breed that is often said to resemble a monkey, an elf or an Ewok from Star Wars and features wide set eyes, a flat face, a prominent chin as well as a rough or smooth coat in colors such as red, beige, black and tan or pure black. The breed has origins dating back to the early 1800s in Belgium, and they were first bred for the main purpose of hunting small vermin.<

A few of their most recognizable features include their tendency to bark at almost anything as well as their high sense of self-importance - which help make the Brussels Griffon a suitable choice for less active owners with plenty of time to care for and train a sensitive companion dog.

The Brussels Griffon was originally created in the city of Brussels in Belgium during the early 1800s and was initially bred for the purpose of catching small vermin but later became popular with coach drivers who used them as a guard dog to deter robbers and attract customers. They were originally created by crossing the Affenpinscher with Belgian street dogs, and later on the Pug was introduced into the breeding program during the late 1800s.

Brussels Griffons are classed as a small-sized dog. The recommended standard size for the Brussels Griffon male and female is 9-11 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 8-10 pounds.

The Brussels Griffon is well-known for their confident, self-important and protective temperament. They are generally wary and sometimes even snappy with strangers, which makes it very important to socialize them early and can make them mildly suitable as a guard dog but their protection is limited due to their size.

The Brussels Griffon is also known to be fairly intelligent - ranking equal 59th compared to other dogs based on their ability to learn obedience commands. They are also known to be good with older children who will treat them gently - making them somewhat suitable as a family pet. The Brussels Griffon is usually very compatible with other dogs or smaller animals and they will often become very good playmates.

The Brussels Griffon don't always need a yard to run around in, so they can be very suitable for apartment living if they are exercised enough. They can be sensitive to the heat so care should be taken to keep them cool.

The Brussels Griffon enjoys activities such as running around the house or sometimes taking part in obstacle courses. They have a low to medium level of energy and need to be given daily exercise in the form of short walks to keep them happy and healthy.

The Brussels Griffon can make the perfect dog for a less active owner or family that will provide them with patient and upbeat training. They are suitable for anyone who is willing to commit to a regular amount of grooming and take time to give them early socialization, patient housebreaking and gentle obedience training as well as take them for short daily walks and give a high amount of companionship and attention. Though they might be somewhat unsuitable with smaller children, if you are able to meet their need for gentle care and training then the Brussels Griffon could make the ideal dog breed for you.

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