Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffons do well on a high-quality dog food matched to their life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior, and a formula made for small breeds is worth considering. The food can be commercially manufactured or home-prepared under your veterinarian's supervision and approval, and clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Because Griffs are small and can pack on pounds easily, use a measuring cup to serve correct portions. They usually appreciate a few smaller feedings a day, typically two or three meals total. Some can be a little picky, so a highly palatable food or a topper may help.

When deciding how much to feed, read the instructions on the bag or can, since caloric content varies a lot between foods. Use the label together with your vet's advice, and discuss your Griffon's ideal weight with your veterinarian so you can adjust the amount based on ideal weight rather than current weight. Treats count as calories too, so keep them to no more than 10% of daily calories.

Always talk to your veterinarian before starting any supplement. Brussels Griffons may benefit from omega-3 fatty acids to support a healthy, shiny coat, and from joint supplements with omega-3s, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support healthy cartilage.

Grooming depends on which of the two coats your Griffon has. The smooth coat needs weekly brushing and the occasional bath to remove dirt and loose hair, with brushing moving to daily during shedding season, which usually runs a week or two in spring and again in fall. Expect a smooth coat to shed a moderate amount.

The rough, wiry coat does not shed. It needs weekly brushing, occasional baths, and professional grooming every four to eight weeks. Many owners or groomers clip the hair short, leaving the distinctive beard.

Trim the nails regularly, since overly long nails can be painful and make walking and running harder. If you can hear nails clicking on the floor, it is time for a trim. Brush the teeth with dog-safe toothpaste, never human toothpaste, which can be toxic. Start dental care at home while they are young, and ask your veterinarian about professional cleanings for good oral hygiene over their lifetime.

Clean the ears regularly, especially after a bath, to keep them dry, and contact your veterinarian if you notice debris, redness, or odor, which can signal an ear infection. As a brachycephalic breed, the Griffon also has a nose fold and face folds. Clean the folds about once a week with a warm, wet washcloth or a dog-safe face wipe, then dry the area to discourage buildup of bacteria or yeast.

The Brussels Griffon is a moderately active breed that needs at least a half-hour of moderate activity a day, such as play or neighborhood walks, to stay healthy and content. Griffs love to romp, and they are happiest doing things alongside their people, so a game of chasing the ball suits dog and owner alike.

Their intelligence and trainability mean many Griffs do well in canine events such as obedience, agility, rally, and tracking. These events combine physical exercise with mental stimulation.

Keep the brachycephalic face in mind when planning activity. The short snout makes it harder to pant effectively, so Griffons can overheat. Limit exercise and time outside during the summer months and on poor air quality days.

Two traits make the Brussels Griffon easy to train: intelligence and a strong bond with its owner. Routine training helps a Griff respond to commands, learn new tricks, and gain confidence. Early socialization and puppy classes are a good idea, and most Griffs also enjoy trick training, with some doing very well in agility.

This is a sensitive breed that does not respond well to harsh corrections, so use positive, reward-based methods. As with many toy breeds, housebreaking can be a challenge and takes extra time and patience. Socialization also helps a Griff overcome wariness around strangers and feel more confident in new situations.

Brussels Griffons usually do well in families with children, other dogs, or cats, but their small size and sensitive nature mean they are not built for roughhousing, so supervise interactions and expect a bark when someone is at the door. Brussels Griffons form close bonds and often follow their owners from room to room. Long periods alone can lead to unwanted behavior, so the breed suits a household with substantial time for companionship.