Griffons are charming small dogs with big eyes, a signature beard, and an intelligent expression. Known for their loyalty, energy, and dignified appearance, they’re beloved by owners of small breeds. But behind that sweet look lies a bold personality and rich history.
Originating from Belgium, Griffons descended from rat-hunting dogs used in stables and docks as early as the 16th century. They quickly gained popularity across all social classes — from workers to royalty.
The breed’s fame grew in the 19th century when Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium began breeding Griffons. Thanks to her, they were crossed with Pugs and Spaniels, giving them their modern appearance: large expressive eyes and a flat face.
There are three main types of Griffons, mainly differing in coat texture and color:
Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois) – a wiry-haired dog with a reddish coat and signature beard.
Belgian Griffon (Griffon Belge) – also wiry-haired, but usually black or black and tan.
Petit Brabançon – a smooth-coated variety without a beard but with the same expressive face.
Despite their differences, all types share the same curious and cheerful personality.
Griffon puppies are tiny at birth but quickly show a bold, lively spirit. They bond closely with humans, love to play, and are eager to explore. They are very social and dislike being alone. They learn quickly but can be stubborn — a gentle yet firm approach is best. Regular grooming is needed, especially for wiry-coated varieties.
These dogs adore people, crave attention, adapt well to apartment life, and get along great with families. With their intelligence, energy, and charm, Griffons become true family members.
This breed is ideal for those seeking a smart, playful, and loyal companion who will be a true friend!
Griffons need proper grooming, nutrition, and overall health care. Brussels and Belgian Griffons require hand-stripping every 8–12 weeks to maintain healthy coat texture, while the smooth-coated Petit Brabançon just needs brushing. Pay close attention to the beard and facial folds to prevent irritation and keep eyes and nails clean. Griffons tend to gain weight, so they need a balanced diet — high-quality dry food or natural meals with the right mix of meat, vegetables, and grains. Avoid frequent treats and monitor water intake. Though small in size, Griffons are energetic and need daily walks and playtime. In cold weather, they may get chilly, so warm clothing is a must for winter outings. Due to their jaw structure, dental care is essential — brushing or cleaning plaque regularly. With proper care, a Griffon stays healthy, active, and brings endless joy and love to their owner.
✅ Griffon Hand-Stripping:
This essential procedure for Brussels and Belgian Griffons helps preserve the correct coat texture. Unlike clipping, hand-stripping involves manually removing dead hairs, which stimulates the growth of new, healthy fur. This keeps the coat coarse and protective, rather than soft or curly. The procedure is recommended every 8–12 weeks to prevent excessive shedding and maintain a neat appearance.
✅ Griffon Brushing:
The Petit Brabançon, unlike its wiry-coated relatives, does not require stripping but does need regular brushing. This helps remove dead hairs, reduce shedding, and keep the coat shiny. Brushing should be done 1–2 times per week using a soft brush or grooming glove.
✅ Griffon Facial Care:
Griffons have a distinctive beard and facial folds that can trap food particles, dust, and moisture. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria, which can cause irritation and unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning with special wipes or lotions helps prevent these issues and keeps the face clean.
✅ Eye Cleaning:
Due to their large, expressive eyes, Griffons are prone to tear staining and mucus buildup in the corners. To prevent irritation and infections, it’s important to wipe the eyes daily with special lotions or wipes that moisturize the area and relieve discomfort.
✅ Ear Cleaning:
Griffons have closed ear shapes, which promote the buildup of wax and dirt. Without regular care, inflammation and infections may develop. To prevent problems, ears should be cleaned regularly with special products that dissolve impurities and maintain ear canal health.
✅ Griffon Nail Trimming:
Griffons often don’t wear down their nails naturally, which can cause discomfort or even paw deformities. Nails should be trimmed every 3–4 weeks to maintain the correct length and prevent injury.
✅ Paw Care:
Griffon paw pads can dry out and crack, especially in cold weather or on hot pavement. This can cause pain and discomfort. Using special paw balms or oils helps keep them soft and protected.
✅ Bathing and Coat Care:
Griffons require regular bathing, but only with hypoallergenic shampoos that won’t dry out the skin. For wiry-coated breeds, special products are used to maintain coat texture, while Brabançons benefit from gentle shampoos that add shine. After bathing, it’s important to thoroughly dry the coat, especially around the face and folds.
Wiry-coated Griffons (Brussels and Belgian) do not need haircuts, as clipping can alter the texture and make the coat soft. Instead, they require hand-stripping — a process of removing dead hairs that maintains healthy skin and a natural look. The Petit Brabançon doesn't need trimming but should be brushed regularly.
The optimal frequency is every 8–12 weeks. Without regular hand-stripping, a Griffon’s coat can start shedding in clumps, mats may form, and the skin can become dry and irritated.
Due to their beard and facial folds, Griffons can accumulate food residue and dirt around the face, leading to unpleasant odor and irritation. To prevent this, it’s important to wipe the face after each meal using wet wipes or specialized cleaning products.
Yes, Griffons have closed ears, which can trap wax and dirt. Regular cleaning (every 1–2 weeks) helps prevent infections and unpleasant odors.
Wiry-coated Griffons shed very little if regularly hand-stripped. The Petit Brabançon sheds moderately, and brushing once a week helps reduce loose hairs.
The ideal bathing frequency is once every 3–4 weeks or as needed. It’s important to use hypoallergenic shampoos to avoid drying out the skin. Wiry-coated Griffons require special shampoos that preserve the coat’s texture.
This may indicate blocked tear ducts, allergies, or dirty facial folds. It’s important to regularly clean the folds and eyes, and if your dog does this constantly — consult a veterinarian.
Paw pads can dry out and crack, especially in winter or during hot weather. Using special paw balms helps prevent discomfort and protects the skin.
Yes, due to their small size and short coat, they can get cold in low temperatures. In winter, it's best to dress your Griffon in a warm jumpsuit or sweater, especially when the temperature drops below freezing.
This breed is highly social and doesn’t handle long periods alone well. If left alone for too many hours, a Griffon may get bored and start damaging things. They need plenty of attention and playtime, so it’s a good idea to leave toys or arrange for short visits from family members.
The Brussels Griffon is a long-lived breed among small dogs. With proper care and a healthy diet, they can live from 12 to 15 years, and sometimes even longer. Lifespan depends on genetics, activity level, and quality of care.
The price of a Griffon puppy depends on its pedigree, the titles of the parents, and the breeder's reputation. In Ukraine, the average cost ranges from 25,000 to 50,000 UAH, while show-class puppies may cost more. It’s essential to buy from reputable breeders who provide documentation and guarantee the puppy’s health.
No, Belgian Griffons should not be clipped, just like Brussels Griffons. These breeds have a wiry coat that requires hand-stripping, not shaving. Clipping with a machine softens the coat, reduces its natural protection, and alters the breed’s distinctive appearance.
An adult Brussels Griffon, Belgian Griffon, or Petit Brabançon typically weighs between 3.5 and 6 kg. Males are usually slightly larger than females, but overall, it’s a compact breed well-suited for apartment living.
Griffons require a balanced diet to stay active and healthy. You can feed them high-quality super-premium dry food or a natural diet that includes meat, vegetables, and grains. Avoid table scraps, fatty foods, smoked products, bones, and sweets. Griffons tend to gain weight, so portion control is essential to avoid overfeeding.
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