At a glance the quick version
FCI 3.5-6 kg; Wikipedia gives a typical 4-5 kg; AKC says no more than 12 lb (about 5.4 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
rough (wiry, with undercoat) or smooth
A small, square, sturdy dog with a big round head, short nose and a strikingly human-looking face. The Bruxellois proper wears a harsh, bearded coat; the smooth-coated form has short hair of up to about 2 cm.12
Personality what they are like
Self-assured and bright, with a proud, slightly comic air. It attaches strongly to its person, keeps a close eye on its surroundings, and should be neither shy nor snappy.142
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Modest: around half an hour of exercise a day suits it, plus play and company.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Grooming more than once a week. The rough coat is usually hand-stripped to keep its texture; the smooth coat just needs a brush.2
Home where they are happiest
Its small size makes it easy to keep in a flat or house, as long as it is with its people.2
Company who they like around
A people-focused companion that likes to be close to its owner and does best when not left alone for long.14
The story where it all began
It grew out of the Smousje, a scruffy little dog kept in Brussels stables to catch rats. In the 1800s breeders added Pug and toy spaniel blood, which gave the flat face and the smooth coat. Queen Marie Henriette's fondness for the breed made it fashionable, and British breeders helped it survive after the Second World War.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Dogs of this type appear in Flemish paintings as far back as the 15th century.2
- 2
The first Griffons were entered in the Belgian studbook in 1883.1
- 3
The Griffon's face is said to have helped inspire the look of the Ewoks in Star Wars.3
- 4
A Brussels Griffon co-starred in the 1997 film As Good as It Gets, which boosted its popularity in the US.3
- 5
Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium championed the breed in the late 1800s.3
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 80, Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs, Section 3 Small Belgian Dogs. FCI lists the Griffon Belge (81) and Petit Brabançon (82) as separate breeds.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Toy group; one breed with rough and smooth coats in red, black, and black and tan.2
- AKC
- Recognised as the Brussels Griffon.4
- UKC
- Recognised.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Griffon Bruxellois. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Griffon Bruxellois, and at what times?
Feed your Griffon Bruxellois at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. The exact times can be set to suit your routine, but aim for consistent meal times. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Griffon Bruxellois eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.6
How often should I bathe a Griffon Bruxellois?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues. At least once every three months is a good general rule.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Griffon Bruxellois need brushing?
Brush your Griffon Bruxellois more than once a week. For the rough coat, hand-stripping every 12 weeks helps keep its texture; the smooth coat just needs regular brushing. Furry Diary's plan recommends weekly brushing.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Griffon Bruxellois's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Griffon Bruxellois need?
This breed needs modest exercise, about half an hour a day, plus play and company. Daily walks and playtime are perfect. Its small size makes it easy to keep in a flat or house.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Griffon Bruxellois's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. For floppy ears, dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Griffon Bruxellois live?
The Griffon Bruxellois typically lives 12 years or more. Senior years usually start around age 10, so regular vet check-ups become even more important then.23 Furry Diary plan
Is a Griffon Bruxellois good with children and other pets?
This breed is self-assured and bright, attaching strongly to its person. It can be good with children and other pets if properly socialized, but it should be neither shy nor snappy. Always supervise interactions.142
Can a Griffon Bruxellois be left alone?
This is a people-focused companion that likes to be close to its owner and does best when not left alone for long. If you must leave it, provide company or enrichment, but it's happiest with you.14
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI standard no. 80 Griffon Bruxellois fci.beused for origin, recognition, weight, coat, colour, temperament, history
- The Royal Kennel Club: Griffon Bruxellois royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, grooming, lifespan, colours, history
- Griffon Bruxellois (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for height, weight, lifespan, history, facts
- AKC: Brussels Griffon akc.orgused for weight, temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.