General Appearance
The Brussels Griffon is a sturdy, toy-sized dog with a thickset body and a short, smartly turned-up face. Its almost human expression is its hallmark. It comes in two coat varieties: rough and smooth. Despite its size, the Brussels Griffon is not delicate—it is lively, confident, and robust.
Size, Proportion, Substance
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Height: 7–10 inches at the withers
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Weight: 8–10 pounds is ideal; up to 12 pounds acceptable
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Proportion: Square in build, with length of body approximately equal to height
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Substance: Compact, cobby body; well-boned for a toy breed
Head
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Expression: Alert, intelligent, and almost human
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Skull: Rounded with a domed forehead
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Eyes: Prominent, large, very dark, set well apart with black rims
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Ears: Set high; small and may be left natural (semi-erect) or cropped to stand
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Muzzle: Very short, broad, and deep, with an evident stop; the nose is black and extremely short
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Bite: Undershot jaw with even teeth; the lower jaw is prominent but not exaggerated
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Nose: Black, with large open nostrils; the nose is set back between the eyes
Neck, Topline, Body
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Neck: Medium length, gracefully arched
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Topline: Level and firm
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Back: Straight, short, and strong
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Chest: Broad and deep, with well-sprung ribs
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Tail: Set and carried high, typically docked to about one-third its length (note: docking is prohibited in some countries)
Forequarters
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Shoulders: Well laid back, muscular
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Legs: Straight with good bone, set under the body
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Feet: Small, round, compact with black toenails
Hindquarters
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Legs: Strong and muscular
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Stifles: Moderately bent
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Hocks: Straight and well let down
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Feet: Similar to front feet—compact and cat-like
Coat
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Types:
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Rough Coat: Dense, harsh, and wiry with a characteristic beard and furnishings; longer around the head for a distinctive “monkey face” appearance
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Smooth Coat: Short, glossy, and tight to the body with no fringe or beard
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Color:
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Red (reddish-brown with black whiskers and mask)
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Belge (a mix of black and reddish-brown, often with black mask)
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Black and Tan (black with reddish markings)
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Solid Black
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All colors are equally acceptable; clarity of color and richness of coat is desirable.
Gait / Movement
Movement is purposeful and straight, with good reach and drive. The Brussels Griffon moves confidently, covering ground effortlessly despite its size. Tail is carried high and the head is held proudly.
Temperament
Brussels Griffons are affectionate, curious, and devoted. They form tight bonds with their people and often exhibit a sensitive, almost comedic personality. They are alert watchdogs and typically good with other pets when socialized early. They thrive on attention and companionship.
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Disposition: Confident, loyal, sensitive, and occasionally stubborn
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Trainability: High with positive reinforcement; may become shy if treated harshly
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Socialization: Important from a young age to avoid timidity or separation anxiety
Faults
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Shyness or aggressiveness
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Lack of breed-specific expression
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Long or narrow muzzle
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Excessive size or legginess
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Poor bite (badly misaligned teeth or excessive undershot/overshot jaw)
Disqualifications
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Dudley nose (lack of pigment)
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Blue or multicolored eyes
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Extreme deviation from standard in size or structure
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Aggressive behavior or extreme timidity
Ideal Owner
The Brussels Griffon is ideal for individuals or families looking for a small companion with a big personality. They do best in homes where they’re not left alone for long periods and where they’re treated as full family members. They do well in apartments with adequate daily play and walks.