Griffon Bruxellois
A small, expressive Belgian toy dog with a near-human face. Affectionate, confident and devoted to its owner, making a charming companion but rather demanding of attention.
Overview
A small, expressive Belgian toy dog with a near-human face. Affectionate, confident and devoted to its owner, making a charming companion but rather demanding of attention.
Good to know — a Griffon Bruxellois is flat-friendly and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Griffon Bruxellois is fine with sensible, older children and generally fine with other dogs. They tend to be a moderate barker, and as a guide they are good for first-time owners. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Griffon Bruxellois typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is low. Brush regularly (a few times a week) to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Griffon Bruxellois should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a toy breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Charming, affectionate lap companion
- Apartment-friendly and very people-bonded
Things to consider
- Sensitive and can be clingy or fretful
- Brachycephalic, so watch heat and breathing
Similar breeds
Yorkshire Terrier
A tiny, feisty toy terrier with a big personality — ideal for flats but delicate around small children.
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Chihuahua
The world’s smallest breed — devoted, sassy and perfect for flats, but not the easiest with young children.
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Pomeranian
A lively, fox-faced toy dog with a luxurious coat — bold and fun, but tiny and quite vocal.
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Italian Greyhound
A tiny, elegant sighthound — affectionate, clean and quiet, but delicate and sensitive.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Griffon Bruxelloises good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Griffon Bruxelloiss tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Griffon Bruxellois need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Griffon Bruxellois needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Griffon Bruxelloises shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Griffon Bruxelloises easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Griffon Bruxelloiss are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Griffon Bruxelloises bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Griffon Bruxelloises good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Griffon Bruxelloises suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Griffon Bruxellois can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.