Live Life Team
This is a toy breed, originating from Brussels in Belgium. In fact there are three separate breeds that are commonly called Griffon Bruxellois. All are very similar.
The Bruxellois is descended from the Smousje, a rough-coated terrier kept in coaching stables to control rodents. In the 1800s these dogs became popular with both the nobility and the working coachmen. They were interbred with imported small toy dogs, producing various small breeds suitable as pets. The Griffon Bruxellois was developed by crossing native Smousje with Pugs and King Charles Spaniels brought over from England.
The first Griffon Bruxellois was registered in Belgium in 1883. Its popularity was boosted by Queen Henriette’s interest in the breed. The Queen went on to show and breed Bruxellois, making them popular across the world.
After WW2 the Bruxellois was extinct in its native country. However, dedicated breeders in the UK brought it back from extinction and since then it has enjoyed a modest popularity.
The dog is small and squat with a flattened face and wide eyes. Although this gives it an appealing look, it can cause breathing problems. It is a compact, muscular dog, heavy for its size with a deep chest.
The coat is typically wiry and dense. It does not moult, making this a safe breed for asthmatics. The face has a rather human-like expression with a fringe and beard, akin to the Ewoks of Star Wars.
The Griffon Bruxellois was featured in the Hollywood movie, “As Good as it Gets.”
