The breed
From the cobblestone stables of 19th-century Brussels to royal drawing rooms across Europe — and now, champion bloodlines bred in Brazil.
Origin
The Brussels Griffon is one of the most instantly recognisable dogs in the world — and one of the least understood. That flat, almost human face, those wide expressive eyes, that impossibly confident personality packed into three to six kilograms. But where did it come from?
The answer begins on the cobblestone streets of 19th-century Brussels, in the stables of the Belgian working class. Coachmen kept small, wiry, rough-coated dogs to hunt rats in the hay. These sturdy little terrier types were no one's glamour breed — they were working dogs, tough and fearless despite their size.
Everything changed when Belgian breeders began crossing these stable dogs with two imported breeds: the Pug, brought from China through the Netherlands, and the English Toy Spaniel (King Charles). The Pug introduced the brachycephalic flat face and, in some offspring, a smooth coat. The King Charles softened the temperament and added refinement. Within a generation, the result was a dog unlike anything that had existed before — and the Belgian aristocracy noticed immediately.
Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium became the breed's most prominent patron, exhibiting Griffons at the Brussels Salon du Chien in the 1880s and introducing them to the royal courts of Europe. Britain's nobility fell in love with them, and by the turn of the century the Brussels Griffon was fashionable from London to Vienna.
A history in milestones
Belgian coachmen kept small rough-coated dogs in their stables as ratters. Tough, alert, and fearless. These are the original ancestors of today's Griffon — before any breeding refinement.
Belgian breeders cross the stable dogs with imported Pugs and English Toy Spaniels. The Pug introduces the flat face and smooth-coat variety. The King Charles adds elegance and a calmer temperament. The modern Brussels Griffon begins to emerge.
Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium becomes the breed's most prominent patron. Griffons are shown at the Brussels Salon du Chien and quickly attract international attention. British aristocracy begins importing them, and the breed becomes fashionable across Europe.
The Club du Griffon Bruxellois is founded in Belgium. The first written breed standard is published, formally recognising the three varieties — Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, and Petit Brabançon — under a single umbrella.
Both World Wars devastate Belgian breeding programmes. The Griffon comes close to disappearing entirely. British breeders — who had imported the dogs during the royal popularity wave — play a critical role in keeping bloodlines alive. After 1945, they help rebuild the breed in Belgium.
The breed gradually spreads to North America, South America, Eastern Europe, and Asia through dedicated breeders and dog show circuits. The FCI standardises the breed under Group 9, Section 3 (Small Belgian Dogs), breed number 80.
The Brussels Griffon remains uncommon worldwide, which makes breeders with verified champion bloodlines especially valuable. The breed is shown actively in Brazil under the CBKC (affiliated with the FCI), and demand from international buyers continues to grow.
The three varieties
All three are the same breed — same FCI standard, same character, same bone structure. The only differences are coat type and permitted colours. They can and do appear in the same litter.
Wiry, dense outer coat with the characteristic beard and eyebrows that give the Griffon its distinctive expression. The most common variety shown in Brazil and internationally. Requires hand-stripping or professional trimming to maintain a correct show coat.
The same wiry coat as the Belge but in rich reddish-brown. This is the original variety — the one that first attracted Queen Marie Henriette and the one most people picture when they hear "Brussels Griffon." The colour is officially described as reddish-brown with a black mask.
Identical to the other two varieties in bone structure, character, and FCI standard — but with a short, close, flat smooth coat. This variety is the direct result of the original Pug cross in the 19th century. Lower grooming demands than the rough-coated varieties.
Temperament
Brussels Griffons are not for everyone — and that's part of what makes their owners so devoted. Here is an honest picture of the breed's character, from people who live with them daily.
Griffons typically choose a primary person and follow them everywhere. They are intensely affectionate and emotionally sensitive. This is not a breed that does well left alone for long hours. They need presence.
Small size, moderate exercise needs, and a natural adaptability to indoor environments make Griffons excellent urban companions. They do not need a garden — they need your company and a daily walk.
Confident, curious, occasionally wilful, and always entertaining. Griffons are famously described as "the dog that thinks it's a person." Their expressions are remarkably readable — and their opinions are loudly expressed.
As a brachycephalic breed, Griffons can struggle in high temperatures and do not cope well with stress or extreme physical exertion. Owners in warm climates — including Brazil and the Middle East — must manage heat carefully.
Generally compatible with other dogs and cats when properly socialised from puppyhood. Their original terrier instinct means small animals (rodents, birds) should be introduced carefully. With dogs, they tend to forget their size.
Intelligent and quick to understand what you want, but not always motivated to comply. Harsh methods fail completely with this breed. Positive reinforcement, short sessions, and early socialisation are non-negotiable for a well-adjusted Griffon.
Health transparency
The Brussels Griffon's flat face is the direct result of selective breeding with Pugs in the 19th century. This brachycephalic (short-skull) structure is central to the breed's expression and character — but it comes with health considerations that every prospective owner deserves to understand before making a decision.
Brachycephalic dogs can experience breathing challenges in extreme heat, stress, or during strenuous exercise. Some individuals also have narrow nostrils (stenotic nares) that may require a minor surgical correction in early life. Not all Griffons are affected — selective breeding for open nares and good respiratory function reduces the risk significantly.
At Griffon Kennel, all breeding stock is observed for respiratory health and nare quality before being included in our programme. We discuss this openly with every buyer. A Griffon bred responsibly from health-conscious parents lives a full, comfortable life — but we will never tell a buyer there is nothing to consider. Informed owners make the best owners.
Official classification
All puppies from Griffon Kennel are registered with the CBKC — the Brazilian kennel club affiliated with the FCI — and carry international pedigree documentation.
All puppies from our current litter carry FCI-recognised pedigree from champion bloodlines with imported European lineage. CBKC registered, health-documented, and export-ready.