This dog may be small, but what they lack in size they certainly make up for in personality. The Brussels Griffon is quite a unique breed. While they may appear to be calm lap dogs, these little guys are packed with energy and absolutely require daily exercise. These pups have a high-strung personality and are not the right fit for just any owner. They will require a lot of their owner's attention, whether it be taking them out to play or just giving them plenty of belly rubs.
The Griffon originated in Belgium and was used for hunting and killing rats in stables. While they are a purebred dog today, they were initially some form of a mix between the Affenpinscher, Pug, and English Toy Spaniel. It was the combination of these three dogs that produced the gritty Griffon that we know today. This breed is not used as much for hunting anymore however they maintained their fearless hunting nature in a different form, they are always on high alert and will bark at any potential sign of trouble. This makes them great watchdogs, but not such great neighbor dogs.
The Griffon has a very distinct physical appearance. They have a flat face, prominent chin, and large wide-set eyes. Their physical features have earned them the nickname “monkey face”. While these monkeys come across as very bossy sometimes, all Griffon owners know how sensitive they are on the inside. They do not respond well to screaming and yelling and will even sometimes “fear bite” in a tense situation. This is not an act of aggression, it is simply a natural response when they get very nervous.
This breed is fairly difficult to come across these days. They do make amazing companions and are very lovable, but they tend to be quite needy which is not suitable for every owner. You can be sure that your Brussels Griffon will be entirely attached to you and will display a lot of affection. It is sure to never be a dull moment with these pups around and they will certainly liven up your day. A fun fact - the Brussels Griffon was also a movie star in the Jack Nicholson movie “As good as it gets”!
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