Find Your Perfect Breed Match

Is the Brussels Griffon or the Pembroke Welsh Corgi the dog for you?

The Brussels Griffon Alert, curious & loyal

• Energy level: Somewhat Active: The AKC describes Griffs as a spunky breed that loves to play and share long, daily walks.

• Barks when necessary

This intelligent, cheerful, and determined breed is loaded with personality, a trait evidenced by its humanlike facial expressions. A member of the Toy group, the Brussels Griffon nonetheless has many typical terrier characteristics and makes a good watchdog.

Appearance-wise, the breed is compact and sturdy. The Brussels Griffon weighs between eight and ten pounds and the breed’s coat comes in both rough and smooth varieties; allowable colours include red, black, black and tan, or beige.

This breed has roots as a ratter—Belgian coachmen sought small terriers to control rat populations in stables so Belgian street dogs were bred with the German Affenpinscher to create a wire-coated stable dog known as the Griffons d’Ecurier. Over time, those Griffons were crossed with a variety of breeds, including the Pug, the black and tan King Charles Spaniel, and the English Toy Spaniel. The end result: the Brussels Griffon.

Today, the Griffon's singular purpose is to serve as a loyal companion, and they are well suited to the task, given how closely they bond with their owners. This Velcro dog will be stuck right to your side.

The compact Brussels Griffon does not require a lot of exercise, but those interested in pursuing other activities will find this intelligent breed responds well to training and can excel at learning tricks, conformation, obedience, agility, and flyball, among other activities.

Is the Brussels Griffon right for you? Find out more at: moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/brusselsgriffon