Brussels Griffon

Genetic Predispositions and Health

The Brussels Griffon may suffer from atopic dermatitis, cataracts, Chiari-like malformation, cleft palate, corneal dystrophy, cryptorchidism, distichiasis, ectopic ureters, elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease, optic nerve colobomas, patellar luxation, persistent hyaloid artery, persistent pupillary membranes, polydontia (retained primary teeth), progressive retinal atrophy, progressive retinal atrophy (PAP1), syringomyelia, ulcerative keratitis, and vitreous degeneration. Genetic testing for hereditary conditions can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Personality and Behavior

Brussels Griffons are known for their spunky, self-important demeanor and their high degree of intelligence. Despite their small size, they are quite sturdy and are noted for their almost human-like expressions.

They are typically good with other dogs and pets, and they can be great companions for children, but their small size makes them somewhat fragile, so play must always be supervised. They can be somewhat suspicious of strangers, which can make them good watchdogs.

Like many small breeds, Brussels Griffons can be difficult to housebreak. Early and consistent training can help mitigate this. They respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training.

Brussels Griffons tend to be quite active and will require regular exercise. They're also known for their tendency to climb and can often be found in high places.

Fun Facts

According to the AKC, the black muzzle and whiskers of the Brussels Griffon earned them the nickname 'bearded dogs' in old folk songs.

A Brussels Griffon named Jill was featured alongside Jack Nicholson in the 1997 hit movie, "As Good As It Gets".

The Brussels Griffon isn't just a single breed, but it actually consists of three variations: the Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois), the Belgian Griffon (Griffon Belge), and the Petit Brabançon. While they all share similar body structure and size, their main differences lie in their coat and color. The Brussels Griffon has a rough red coat, the Belgian Griffon can have a rough coat in a variety of colors, and the Petit Brabançon sports a smooth coat in several colors.

References

https://www.ukcdogs.com/brussels-griffon https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/brussels-griffon https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/080g09-en.pdf
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/brussels-griffon/