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Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon was developed in 19th-century Brussels from Affenpinscher × Pug × small spaniel crosses, originally bred as a stable ratter for Belgian coachmen.

Calculate Brussels Griffon age
Lifespan13.3 yrrange 12–14
SizeToyToy Group
Weight8–10 lb3.6–4.5 kg
Senior at9 yrgeriatric at 13

Gallery (3)

About

About the Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon was developed in 19th-century Brussels from Affenpinscher × Pug × small spaniel crosses, originally bred as a stable ratter for Belgian coachmen. AKC recognition dates to 1910; rough and smooth coat varieties are shown as a single breed.

Aging

How Brussels Griffons age

RVC VetCompass gives a median 13.3 years (n=417). Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and Chiari-like malformation (shared with the Cavalier) are the defining breed welfare concerns; cataracts and hip dysplasia are secondary OFA findings.

Lifespan deep-diveAvg 13.3 yr · range 12–14Senior careSenior at 9 · geriatric at 13Common health issues3 tracked conditions
Physical

Physical characteristics

Weight
8–10 lb(3.6–4.5 kg)
Height
7–10 in(17.8–25.4 cm)
Coat type
Wire
Colors
BelgeBlackBlack & TanRedBrownTanWheatenBlue
Temperament

Temperament

How Brussels Griffons tend to show up around their people, other dogs, and the world.

loyalalertcuriouscomical
  • Energy
  • Trainability
  • Good with kids
  • Good with other dogs
  • Shedding
Health

Common health issues

Full health profile
  • Moderatetypical onset ~7 yr

    Cataracts

    Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr

    Patellar Luxation

    Description and veterinary guidance for Patellar Luxation land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~1 yr

    Congenital Cardiac Defect

    Description and veterinary guidance for Congenital Cardiac Defect land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

Exercise
45min
per day

Brussels Griffons are satisfied by around 45 minutes of daily activity (energy level 3/5). Short, regular outings beat one long session.

Related

Related breeds

Breeds with a similar size and group profile, for readers comparing options.

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References

Sources

Lifespan and health figures on this page are drawn from the peer-reviewed and organizational sources below.

  1. AKC breed standardAmerican Kennel Club breed page

    Breed size, weight range, height, AKC group, origin, coat type, and temperament baseline.

  2. RVC VetCompassRoyal Veterinary College VetCompass life-table research (McMillan et al. 2024)

    UK primary-care records; source for the median-lifespan and mortality figures.