Where the Brussels Griffon came from
The Brussels Griffon comes from Brussels, Belgium. All three varieties are said to come from a rough coated stable dog, called the Smousje, that kept rats away. In the 1800s, coachmen kept wiry stable dogs. Breeders then crossed them with imported toy dogs, such as the Pug and the King Charles Spaniel.
The first Griffon Bruxellois was registered in Belgium's studbook in 1883. A club was founded in England in 1897. Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium was a breeder and helped spread the breed.
The AKC recognized the Brussels Griffon in 1910. Two World Wars hit the breed hard in Belgium. Today they are known for their human like face.
- 1883 The first Griffon Bruxellois is registered in Belgium's studbook
- 1897 A Griffon Bruxellois club is founded in England
- 1910 AKC recognizes the Brussels Griffon
The job a Brussels Griffon was bred for
Griffons started as stable ratters, then became companions. That is why many are alert, curious and sensitive, and chase small animals.
What you may see at home
Alert, sensitive, clingy, chases small animals.
Give them: Barn hunt, tricks, and quiet cue practice.
Sports that fit a Brussels Griffon
- Barn hunt. A legal way to use their ratting roots
- Rally. Quick, light and eager to bond with their handler
- Trick dog. Smart and motivated by food
- Scent work. A good job for a busy small dog
Training tips for a Brussels Griffon
- Use gentle, reward based training. Griffons are sensitive to harsh handling.
- Socialize early, since some are shy or bossy with other dogs.
- Teach a quiet cue and reward silence.
- Build alone time slowly, because they bond closely to one person.
Body and health
Short noses can mean trouble with breathing and heat. Watch the eyes, knees and teeth. Ask your vet about screening.
Fun fact. The first Griffon Bruxellois was registered in the Belgian studbook in 1883.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Brussels Griffon is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Free tools for your dog
- Breed drive calculatorMixed breed? Add the other breeds and see the drives your dog was bred with.
- Dog breed quizTen photos, four names each. The same quiz our trainers take.
- Dog drive testAnswer everyday moments and find the job your dog runs on.
Looking for a different breed? See what 137 breeds were bred to do, and download any of their guides.