Learn More About Belgian Griffon

Discover Belgian Griffon's history, temperament, and key traits – essential knowledge for future owners and breed enthusiasts.

Summary

The Belgian Griffon is a small but proud dog that originated in Belgium. Its striking appearance, with its prominent lower jawline and large, round eyes, gives it an unmistakable charm. In FCI Group 9 they are classified as companion and companion dogs. In terms of lines, there is no distinction between performance and show lines for the Belgian Griffon, as the breed is primarily kept as a companion dog.

Height21 - 26 cm (Female), 23 - 28 cm (Male)
Weight3 - 4 kg (Female), 3 - 4 kg (Male)
Life Expectancy12 - 15 years
CharacterCurious, confident, affectionate
CoatRough, medium length, without undercoat
Coat ColorBlack, black and beige, red, reddish brown
Price1200 - 2500 € €

History

The Belgian Griffon breed originally comes from Belgium and was bred mainly in Brussels and the surrounding area in the 19th century. It was created from a mix of Affenpinscher and probably other small dog breeds. They were originally kept in stables to catch rats and mice, but their charming looks and affectionate nature quickly made them popular companion dogs. The breed has been recognized as independent since 1883.

Original Use

The Belgian Griffon was originally bred to hunt rats, but is now a popular companion dog with a lively nature.

Origin

Belgium

Date

1800

Character

Although the Belgian Griffon is a small dog, don't be fooled. You have a big character and a big heart. They are curious, confident and very affectionate. Their use as a companion dog reflects their close bond with their people. They love being the center of attention and are always ready for a cuddle session. Their temperament is active rather than calm. They love to play and explore, but are also happy just being near you. They adapt well to different lifestyles and can live in both an apartment in the city and a house in the country. The Belgian Griffon is a very people-oriented dog. They are loving and loyal to their family and usually get along well with strangers if they have been properly socialized. They are often playful and enjoy interactive games and activities. Belgian Griffons are typically independent and can learn to stay alone, but they prefer the company of their humans. They are not dogs that like to be left alone for long periods of time and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too often or for too long. Despite their small size and charming appearance, Belgian Griffons have a strong prey drive, which stems from their original use as rat catchers. They can have a tendency to chase small animals and should always be well supervised, especially around small pets. Although they were not originally bred to be guard dogs, Belgian Griffons are alert and alert. They will probably warn you if they hear or see something suspicious, although they probably wouldn't make good guard dogs since they aren't particularly large or threatening. Despite their small size, Belgian Griffons have a lot of energy and need daily exercise and mental stimulation to be healthy and happy. They love walks, games, and other activities that help them burn off their energy. Overall, the Belgian Griffon is a small dog with a big heart and a charming personality that is perfect for people looking for an affectionate, lively and curious companion.

Trainability
Alertness
Openness to Strangers
Hunting or Herding Drive

A fun fact about the Belgian Griffon is that due to its appearance and friendly nature, this breed has appeared in several films and television series, including the well-known film 'As Good as It Gets'. with Jack Nicholson.

Fun Fact!

What to Expect

Care

Belgian Griffons are adaptable dogs that can adapt well to different living conditions, including city life. While they require regular exercise, their small size makes them well suited to apartment or city living. They are generally friendly with other pets and can get along well with children, although it is always important to monitor interactions between dogs and small children.

Family-Friendly
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Suitable as a City Dog

Owning a dog is not only a privilege but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you need to be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails.!

Training & Education

Raising and training a Belgian Griffon can be a rewarding task as these dogs are intelligent and willing to learn. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can learn a variety of commands and tricks. Because of their energy and agility, Belgian Griffons can excel in dog sports such as agility and obedience. They have a natural need to work and please, which makes training a joy. However, it is important to balance work and training and be careful not to overuse the dog. Because this breed has high frustration tolerance and impulse control, too much or too intense training can lead to stress and behavior problems.

Nutrition & Grooming

The Belgian Griffon's diet should be balanced and nutritious to support their health and well-being. Because of their small size, they require less food than larger breeds, but their diet should be rich in high-quality proteins and healthy fats to meet their energy needs. It's important to keep an eye on portion sizes and the amount of treats to avoid gaining weight. In terms of care, the Belgian Griffon is relatively easy to care for. They have a coarse, medium-length coat with no undercoat that should be brushed regularly to keep it clean and healthy. They don't shed heavily, which can make them a good choice for people with allergies. The climate in Germany should not be a problem for a Belgian Griffon as they are adapted to different weather conditions. However, in very cold or hot weather, you should make sure that your dog is adequately protected.

Grooming Effort
Exercise Needs
Shedding
Trainability

This information is currently being peer-reviewed. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de.!

Gesundsheitstests

Loading...

About HonestDog

HonestDog is your partner in finding your new best friend. We help you adopt a dog from trusted shelters or discover Belgian Griffon puppies from responsible breeders you can trust. Browse our extensive listings, connect with trusted breeders and shelters near you, and start your journey as a dog owner with us by your side.

Trusted Network

Connecting reputable breeders and shelters with loving homes.

Quality Standards

We uphold the highest standards for animal health and welfare.

Personalized Matching

Finding the right match between dogs and families.

(In)box full of puppies

Get helpful tips, cute puppy pics, and more sent to your inbox

By joining, you agree to our

Cookie Settings

We use cookies and similar technologies to provide, protect, and improve our services. This includes personalizing content and ads. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to these uses.

Belgian Griffon Dog Breed Information – History, Temperament & Health