BRUSSELS GRIFFON

• Toy Group

• The result of breeding the Pug and King Charles

• Named for the city of their origin, Brussels, Belgium

• Nicknames: Griffon, Griff, Bruss

• Popular in late 1800's, almost extinct during WWII

• Used to eliminate rodents in stables

• First entered the Westminster Dog Show in 1902.  

• Lifespan  12-15 years

• Rumored to be George Lucas' inspiration for the Ewoks in Star Wars

• Generally considered an uncommon breed

• Face has human-like expression

• Can be rough coat or smooth coat

• Comes in red, a mix of red-brown and black, black and tan and solid black

• Flat face (looks like Ewok from Star Wars)

• Should be muscular and compact

• Weighs about 8-10 pounds

• Coat is dense and wiry, little or no shedding, considered one of the hypo-allergenic dogs

• Very sensitive, alert and inquisitive

• Known to have a "big heart"

• Bonds with one person usually, loves to snuggle with it's master

• Not best dog for family because of it's tendency to bond with one person

• Unhappy if left alone - a true "Velcro dog"

• A generally happy dog with a terrier personality

• Can be difficult to housebreak

• Good with other dogs and cats

• Cleft palate (can be fatal for puppies)

• Cataracts as dog ages

• Glaucoma common

• Can't be left outside for periods of time; due to their short snout, heat stroke is a major concern

• Have large, relatively unprotected eyes that can be a target for damage from foreign objects

• Can have complications giving birth and often needs Cesarean Section