Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon started life in the stables of nineteenth-century Brussels, where small, wiry dogs kept cab horses' quarters free of rats. Crosses with the Pug, English Toy Spaniel and Affenpinscher gave it a shorter face and a more companionable nature, and before long Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium had made it fashionable. Today it is best known for its face: big dark eyes, a short nose, a jutting chin and, in the rough coat, a full beard that gives it the look of a tiny, opinionated old gentleman.

In the UK the breed is shown by the Kennel Club as the Griffon Bruxellois, and the smooth-coated version is called the Petit Brabancon in some countries. In the United States both coats are the Brussels Griffon. One litter can contain both coat types, so the difference is cosmetic rather than temperamental.

Temperament is the heart of this breed. A Griffon is intensely devoted, often attaching to one person above all others, and it wants to be with that person at all times. It is sensitive, picking up on moods and reacting to harsh words. It can be funny, mischievous and a little self-important, and it has more confidence than its small size suggests. Owners often describe it as a big dog in a toy body. That loyalty means it dislikes being alone; long hours without company can lead to anxiety, barking and distress.

With children, the Griffon is best suited to calm homes with older, gentle children. It is small and can be hurt by rough handling, and its sensitive nature does not always enjoy the noise and unpredictability of toddlers. With other dogs and cats it usually manages well, though it may try to boss larger dogs around.

Exercise needs are moderate. A couple of short walks a day plus indoor play is enough for most adults, and they are happy to spend the rest of the day on a lap. This makes them excellent flat dogs, as long as barking at the door is managed early. Because of the short face, they struggle in heat: walk them in the cooler parts of the day in summer, never leave them in a warm car and watch for laboured breathing.

House training deserves a warning. Like many toy breeds, Griffons can be slow to house train. Patience, a regular routine and plenty of rewards work; punishment does not. Training in general goes well when it is gentle, short and fun. They can be stubborn, but they respond to praise from the person they love.

Coat care depends on the type. The rough coat is wiry and dense, with a beard and moustache that collect food and water. It needs brushing a couple of times a week, a daily beard wipe and either hand-stripping a few times a year or clipping for a softer, easier pet trim. The smooth coat is short and glossy, sheds more than the rough and needs only a weekly brush. Both need daily attention to the teeth, as toy breeds develop dental disease early, and the prominent eyes need checking for scratches and irritation.

Health concerns reflect the breed's face and size. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome can cause noisy breathing and heat intolerance, though Griffons are usually less severely affected than flatter-faced breeds; choose puppies from parents with open nostrils and easy breathing. Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia, where the skull is too small for the brain, occur in the breed and can cause pain, scratching at the neck and sensitivity to touch; ask breeders whether they MRI scan their dogs. Eye injuries, progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia and dental disease complete the picture. Litters are small, and caesarean births are common, which partly explains why puppies are scarce and waiting lists long.

The Brussels Griffon is a superb companion for retired people, couples who work from home or anyone wanting a small, devoted dog with big personality. It does not suit homes where everyone is out all day, very boisterous households or people who want an independent dog. Choose a health-focused breeder, protect the face from heat and knocks, and you will have a loyal little shadow that seems to understand far more than a dog should.