Brussels Griffon

What is Brussels griffon?

The Brussels griffon is a breed of toy dog that originated in late 19th-century Belgium. It was developed by crossing the affenpinscher with local street dogs.¹

This breed is characterized by a sturdy build, standing approximately 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm) tall and weighing between 8 and 10 pounds (4 to 5 kg). Physically, the Brussels griffon is known for its alert expression, domed head, large dark eyes, short face, and upturned nose.¹

The breed features two coat varieties:

• Rough: A wiry coat.
• Smooth: Known specifically as the petit Brabançon.

These dogs are recognized for their intelligent and affectionate temperaments, with coats appearing in black, reddish brown, or a combination of both colors.¹

What is an affenpinscher?

The affenpinscher is a breed of toy dog that originated in Germany and has been known since the 17th century. Originally bred as a ratter to control rats, mice, and other vermin, the breed is known for being lively and playful.²

The name is derived from the German word Affen (meaning “monkey”) and Pinscher, reflecting the dog’s distinct monkeylike expression caused by its wiry coat, which is longer on the face.²³

Key characteristics include:

• Size: Stands 9.5 to 11.5 inches (24 to 29 cm) tall and weighs 7 to 8 pounds (3 to 3.5 kg).²
• Appearance: Features small erect ears, round black eyes, and a short, docked tail.²
• Coat: Typically black, though it can also be gray, silver, red, black and tan, or beige.²³

The affenpinscher is also historically significant for its role in the development of other breeds, including the Brussels griffon.¹

What are the main differences between rough and smooth coats?

The primary difference between rough and smooth coats lies in their texture and length, which often correlate with the historical function of the dog breed.

• Rough Coats: These are characterized by a thick, wiry, or straight texture. In breeds like the collie, the rough coat is dense and often forms a heavy ruff around the neck and throat, providing protection for dogs historically used to guard and herd livestock.⁴ In the Brussels griffon, the rough variety is specifically described as wiry.¹
• Smooth Coats: These consist of dense, short hair that lies flat against the body. For example, the smooth-coated collie was historically favored for driving livestock to market, where a shorter coat was more practical. In the case of the Brussels griffon, the smooth-coated variety is known as the petit Brabançon.⁴¹

While these coat types differ significantly in appearance and maintenance, they are often found within the same breed, where the dogs remain identical in physical form and temperament.¹⁴

What does it mean for a dog to be a toy breed?

A “toy breed” refers to a category of dogs specifically developed to serve as small, portable, and good-natured companion animals. Historically, these dogs were often treasured and pampered by aristocracy and royalty around the world, with some breeds being so exclusive that only members of the ruling class were permitted to own them.⁵⁶

While the group is highly diverse—ranging from hairless varieties like the Chinese Crested to profusely coated breeds like the Shih Tzu—they generally share several common traits:

• Size and Portability: They are small and lightweight, making them ideal for apartment living or accompanying owners in carriers.⁶⁷
• Temperament: Despite their small stature, toy breeds are typically alert, vigorous, and spirited.⁶⁷
• Function: Unlike working or herding dogs, their primary historical purpose was companionship.⁶

Because of their small size, these dogs can be vulnerable to larger animals and household hazards, requiring attentive care from their owners.⁷