The Brussels Griffon is an intelligent, alert, and sensitive dog. The breed comes from the German Affenpincher and the Belgian street dog, though there is little information available for both of these breeds. In Belgium there was a strong conformity to a distinct type in the peasants' dogs of that time. These dogs were nearly as large as our Fox Terriers, but heavily built, as are most of the Belgian animals. Covered with a shaggy, rough, muddy-colored coat, the dogs were very intelligent and interesting in disposition, they were popularly termed Griffons D'Ecurie. They paid their keep by killing the stable vermin.

At some later date, the smooth-coated Pug, already established in neighboring Holland, was used as a cross with the Griffon. This crossbreeding was responsible for the two types of coat which we have even in our present-day litters.

The Griffon's super intelligence causes him to be sensitive, and it is not uncommon for a young dog, when in the presence of strangers, to display the same self-consciousness as a child in its awkward teens. Although obedient and easily managed, Griffons are sometimes difficult to break to the leash, hence this training should always be started at a very early age.

The Brussels Griffon is a toy dog. They are alert and sturdy dogs. They usually weigh 8 to 10 pounds and should not exceed 12 pounds. Their coats can be either rough or smooth. The rough coat is wiry and dense, the smooth coat is straight, short, tight and glossy. Their colors can be Red, beige, black and tan, and black.

Griffons are a brachycephalic (large head, short nose) breed. This combined with their small size means that emergency C-sections are often needed to save the lives of the moms and puppies. Sometimes free-whelping is not even attempted. Brussels Griffon litters are usually small (2-4) and the puppy mortality rate is high because of birth defects (cleft palates, hare lips, open fontanels, water babies). The death rate is also high because such tiny puppies ( average 4 oz at birth) require a lot of special care and attention for the first few weeks of life.

Although very bright, they are extremely sensitive dogs. They can become fear-biters if handled roughly and they often neither like nor do well with children. They have a tendency toward shyness and can easily be overwhelmed. They also often cannot be reliably housetrained.

Buying from a reputable breeder will help assure that your puppy isn't affected with common health issues in the breed. Be sure the breeder checks for eye problems, luxating patella, seizures and heart murmurs.