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

• Height: 7–10 inches at the withers

• Weight: 8–10 pounds is ideal; up to 12 pounds acceptable

• Proportion: Square in build, with length of body approximately equal to height

• Substance: Compact, cobby body; well-boned for a toy breed

Head

• Expression: Alert, intelligent, and almost human

• Skull: Rounded with a domed forehead

• Eyes: Prominent, large, very dark, set well apart with black rims

• Ears: Set high; small and may be left natural (semi-erect) or cropped to stand

• Muzzle: Very short, broad, and deep, with an evident stop; the nose is black and extremely short

• Bite: Undershot jaw with even teeth; the lower jaw is prominent but not exaggerated

• Nose: Black, with large open nostrils; the nose is set back between the eyes

Neck, Topline, Body

• Neck: Medium length, gracefully arched

• Topline: Level and firm

• Back: Straight, short, and strong

• Chest: Broad and deep, with well-sprung ribs

• Tail: Set and carried high, typically docked to about one-third its length (note: docking is prohibited in some countries)

Forequarters

• Shoulders: Well laid back, muscular

• Legs: Straight with good bone, set under the body

• Feet: Small, round, compact with black toenails

Hindquarters

• Legs: Strong and muscular

• Stifles: Moderately bent

• Hocks: Straight and well let down

• Feet: Similar to front feet—compact and cat-like

Coat

• Types:

  • Rough Coat: Dense, harsh, and wiry with a characteristic beard and furnishings; longer around the head for a distinctive “monkey face” appearance

  • Smooth Coat: Short, glossy, and tight to the body with no fringe or beard

• Color:

  • Red (reddish-brown with black whiskers and mask)

  • Belge (a mix of black and reddish-brown, often with black mask)

  • Black and Tan (black with reddish markings)

  • Solid Black

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.

• Disposition: Confident, loyal, sensitive, and occasionally stubborn

• Trainability: High with positive reinforcement; may become shy if treated harshly

• Socialization: Important from a young age to avoid timidity or separation anxiety

Faults

• Shyness or aggressiveness

• Lack of breed-specific expression

• Long or narrow muzzle

• Excessive size or legginess

• Poor bite (badly misaligned teeth or excessive undershot/overshot jaw)

Disqualifications

• Dudley nose (lack of pigment)

• Blue or multicolored eyes

• Extreme deviation from standard in size or structure

• 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.

​

The Brussels Griffon is one of the most historically documented toy breeds in the world — its ancestor, the Smousje, a rough-coated stable terrier used to eliminate rodents in Belgian coachmen's stables, is depicted in the foreground of Jan van Eyck's 1434 painting "The Arnolfini Marriage," one of the most celebrated works of Early Flemish art. This makes the Brussels Griffon the only breed in the campaign with a datable artistic record predating the 15th century. In the 19th century, Belgian coachmen began crossing their Griffons d'Ecurie (wiry-coated stable dogs) with imported toy breeds including the Pug and the King Charles Spaniel, producing three recognized varieties: the Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois), the Belgian Griffon (Griffon Belge), and the Petit Brabançon. All three varieties descend from the same Smousje foundation and are considered varieties of the same breed under FCI standards. The American Kennel Club recognized the Brussels Griffon in 1910. Today, WowPooch (February 2026) documents 31 confirmed Brussels Griffon mixed breeds. Designer Kennel Club registers both purebred Brussels Griffons and every Brussels Griffon mix. WowPooch

​

The most popular Brussels Griffon designer crosses include the Broodle Griffon (Brussels Griffon × Poodle — confirmed by Dogster (January 2026) with a dedicated breed guide), the Affengriffon (Brussels Griffon × Affenpinscher — DogBreedInfo), the Bea Griffon (Brussels Griffon × Beagle — WowPooch February 2026), the Brussels Griffon Chihuahua Mix, and the Brussels Griffon Pomeranian Mix. The AKC registers purebred Brussels Griffons — but AKC cannot and does not register any Brussels Griffon mix, any Griffon cross, or any hybrid offspring of a Brussels Griffon regardless of generation. Designer Kennel Club was built for exactly this gap. DogsterWowPooch

​

Designer Kennel Club provides official registration papers for purebred Brussels Griffons in all three varieties — the Griffon Bruxellois, Griffon Belge, and Petit Brabançon — as well as Broodle Griffons, Affengriffons, Bea Griffons, Brussels Griffon Chihuahua mixes, Brussels Griffon Pomeranian mixes, and all other Brussels Griffon crosses with no AKC papers or pedigree lineage required. DKC Foundation Dog Registration ($65) accepts any Brussels Griffon or Brussels Griffon mix without existing documentation. For breeders, DKC Litter Registration ($100) gives each puppy an individual DKC registration number that new owners can use to register for $45. Papers are delivered as a PDF via email within 2–3 business days.

​

Whether you are registering a purebred Brussels Griffon — rough-coated or smooth-coated, Griffon Bruxellois or Petit Brabançon — or a first-generation Broodle Griffon or Affengriffon you bred yourself, Designer Kennel Club provides official breed and ownership documentation accepted for veterinary records, grooming services, training programs, housing requirements, and general ownership verification. Register at designerkennelclub.com/registration.