Contact Verified Brussels Griffon Breeders

Originally from Belgium, the Brussels Griffon was once bred as a fearless ratter and is now loved as a lively, intelligent and extremely people-oriented companion dog. With a height at the withers of 24 to 28 cm and a weight of 3 to 5 kg, this compact little character has a lot to offer for city life and family routines. At the same time, its short-faced anatomy and small size mean the Brussels Griffon faces markedly higher health risks – particularly affecting breathing, the eyes and the knees, as well as specific neurological conditions.

This is exactly where your choice of breeder determines how good your puppy’s health prospects are at the start of life. A health-focused Brussels Griffon breeder doesn’t simply pair dogs for looks, but selects parent dogs specifically for clear airways, sound joints and unremarkable neurological findings. Even careful selection cannot completely eliminate the breed’s fundamental risks, but well-considered breeding planning considerably reduces the risk of serious illness. For you as an owner, choosing this breed still means this: strictly limit heat and physical exertion in everyday life, check your dog’s eyes regularly and be honest with yourself about budgeting for higher vet costs for possible treatment.

When buying a puppy, never rely on blanket statements such as “the vet said the parents are healthy”. A reputable breeder will show you written results from specialist vets for both parent dogs. With the Brussels Griffon, look out for the following in particular:

• Patellar luxation (PL): In toy breeds, the kneecap can easily slip out of its groove. A clinical examination of the knee joints for patellar luxation is part of the breed’s recommended health standard. Ask to see the official examination report – ideally, the parent dogs should be grade 0 (clear) to minimise the risk of painful joint problems in their offspring.
• Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM): The shortened skull shape can lead to a mismatch between brain volume and the bones of the skull (CM), which results in fluid-filled cavities forming in the spinal cord (SM) and severe neurological pain. Responsible breeders have their breeding dogs’ nervous systems checked (usually by MRI) so that affected dogs are not used for breeding and the risk to the puppies is reduced.
• Eye examinations for cataracts and PRA: Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA, a progressive degeneration of the retina) are among the risks typical of the breed. As there is no simple, all-encompassing DNA test for the Griffon that covers every form, a regular clinical eye examination by a veterinary ophthalmology specialist (e.g. DOK) before the dog is used for breeding is essential.
• Breathing and nostrils: When you visit, take a look at the mother yourself. She must be able to breathe freely and quietly even when moving, and have wide-open nostrils.

As the Brussels Griffon forms a very close bond with its people and likes to be at the centre of things, isolated kennel housing is absolutely unsuitable. With a good breeder, the puppies grow up in the middle of the living area, get used to everyday noises and are lovingly socialised. The breeder will also advise you in detail on caring for the smooth or rough, medium-length coat (which has no undercoat) and will ask you probing questions of their own to check whether your lifestyle suits this affectionate companion dog. For a puppy from responsible breeding, budget for a purchase price of 1,500 to 2,500 euros.

6 specific questions to ask the Brussels Griffon breeder

• “Can you show me the official patellar luxation results for both parent dogs?”
• “Were the parent dogs neurologically examined for Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM), and what were the results?”
• “Are there current specialist eye examination results for cataracts and PRA?”
• “Has your breeding line had any problems in the past with narrowed airways, eye injuries or neurological symptoms?”
• “What criteria did you use to choose the stud dog for this particular bitch?”
• “How do you get the puppies used to being left alone, given that the breed tends to be extremely attached to its people?”