The Brussels Griffon
The Ewok You Didn't Know You Needed
What's Breed Got to Do With It: Vol. 19
For whatever reason, Facebook keeps showing me reels of Ewoks. And, of course, I don't mean actual Ewoks — although it's social media in 2026, so I suppose I can't completely rule that out. In this case, though, I'm talking about the Brussels Griffon. And, reader, I have fallen in love. To the point where I would almost be willing to drive cross-country to get one and add it to the pack. I won't, though, because Ted would be furious, I would become homeless, and it would just be a whole thing. So instead, I'm going to live vicariously through my deep dive into the breed and tuck the idea of having one someday into the back of my brain. Let's see what these adorable little creatures are all about — welcome to another edition of What's Breed Got to Do With It?
First things first: Yes, they really do look like Ewoks
There's a reason the comparison keeps coming up. The Brussels Griffon's combination of enormous dark eyes, a domed head, a short muzzle, and a scruffy beard gives it an almost comically human expression. And while the rough-coated red Griffon is probably the image most of us picture, there are actually two coat varieties recognized in the United States: rough and smooth. The rough coat is the full Ewok experience. The smooth-coated variety is more of a tiny, serious-looking alien who has arrived to audit your household.
Both are Brussels Griffons. Both are approximately 97 percent face. The remaining 3 percent is apparently devoted to having opinions.
But here's where things get interesting, because the Brussels Griffon isn't simply an adorable little companion dog that looks like it wandered out of Return of the Jedi. There's a real dog underneath all that face. And a surprisingly interesting one.
This little Ewok used to kill rats
The Brussels Griffon originated in Brussels, Belgium, in the early 1800s. Small terrier-type dogs were kept by coachmen to control rats in stables, known as griffons d'ecurie, or wire-coated stable dogs. So yes — underneath that adorable little beard is a ratter.
Over time, breeders refined the dogs, incorporating other breeds, including Pugs and English Toy Spaniels, and the Griffon gradually transitioned from working stable dog to fashionable companion. Royal patronage helped accelerate that transformation after Henrietta Maria, Queen of the Belgians, became a fan of the breed in the 1870s. Which means the Brussels Griffon went from "please deal with the rats in the stable" to "would you care to accompany me to this very exclusive Belgian social engagement?" That is quite the career pivot.
The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1910, but its history nearly came to an end more than once. World War I and World War II devastated European populations, and the breed's relatively limited gene pool created additional challenges as breeders worked to rebuild it. So the Brussels Griffon isn't some newly manufactured internet novelty — it's a little dog with a surprisingly complicated history. And that former working-dog heritage still matters.
What's a Brussels Griffon actually like?
The AKC describes the Brussels Griffon as intelligent, devoted, and sensitive. And then there's the personality, because this breed may weigh no more than about 12 pounds, but nobody apparently told the dog that. This is a breed with opinions. They're intelligent, affectionate, curious, lively, sensitive, and often deeply attached to their people — and not necessarily interested in doing something simply because you've asked them nicely. In other words, they are dogs, but they have thoughts. Strong thoughts.
The Brussels Griffon is a terrier at heart, and that heritage can show up as confidence, curiosity, determination, and a willingness to investigate things that perhaps would have been better left alone. They're also sensitive dogs, which means training needs to be thoughtful — positive reinforcement is generally the way to go, and harsh correction can undermine confidence rather than produce the behavior you're looking for.
This is not the dog you bully into compliance. This is the dog you negotiate with. And you'd better bring snacks.
Tiny doesn't mean inactive
Here's another assumption worth kicking to the curb: a Brussels Griffon is not a decorative throw pillow. They're small, but they're active, athletic little dogs who need regular physical activity and mental stimulation, and they can enjoy walks, tricks, obedience, and even agility. That tracks when you remember where they came from — a dog originally selected to notice and dispatch rats in a stable wasn't bred to spend its entire existence waiting for someone to put it on the couch.
Although, to be fair, the modern Griffon has apparently decided that after the day's activities are complete, the couch is exactly where it belongs. Preferably touching you.
The Velcro factor
This might be the single biggest thing a prospective Brussels Griffon person needs to understand: these dogs aren't merely affectionate, they're often deeply attached to their people. The Brussels Griffon is a companion dog in the truest sense. It wants to be involved in family life. It may follow you from room to room, want to sit beside you while you're working, or decide that whatever you're doing is automatically more interesting if it's doing it with you. The breed can also be sensitive or reserved in unfamiliar situations, which makes thoughtful early socialization especially important.
And there's an important distinction here: being a companion breed doesn't automatically mean every Brussels Griffon will develop separation anxiety. Individual dogs vary. But their strong social attachment means independence should be deliberately taught rather than assumed. If you're looking for a dog who is perfectly content to spend eight hours alone while you go to work, this might not be your ideal candidate. If you're looking for a dog who wants to be part of the action? Well. Hello, tiny Ewok.
What would it actually be like to live with one?
Probably hilarious. Also possibly exhausting. A Brussels Griffon seems to be one of those dogs where the sheer amount of personality packed into the package makes it easy to forget that you're dealing with an actual dog who has actual needs.
The face says, "I am a tiny woodland creature. Please protect me." The brain says, "I have considered your proposal and rejected it." The terrier says, "What's that noise?" The companion dog says, "Why are you in the bathroom without me?" And the human-like expression says, "I'm disappointed in you."
It's a lot. And yet that's probably exactly why people become completely obsessed with them.
The single-dog household
If you have one dog and are looking for a little companion who is going to be very involved in your life, a Brussels Griffon could make tremendous sense. They don't need a huge house, a massive yard, or hours of running every day. But they do need interaction, stimulation, training, exercise, and, perhaps most importantly, connection. They can be wonderful companions for someone who enjoys having a dog involved in the daily routine rather than simply sharing the house, and their intelligence can make training genuinely fun.
There are some caveats. They're small enough that rough play can be dangerous, especially around much larger dogs. They may be reserved or nervous around strangers and unfamiliar situations, which makes early, thoughtful socialization particularly important. And like many small breeds, house-training may require patience.
So the single-dog household gets the benefit of having the Griffon's considerable attention directed toward one human family, which can be lovely. Or, depending on the dog, you may eventually discover that you have accidentally acquired a 12-pound supervisor.
But what if you already have a pack?
Ah. Now we're getting to the good stuff, because when I first started falling down the Brussels Griffon rabbit hole, I naturally wondered: would one actually work with a household full of bigger dogs?
The short answer is potentially, yes. The longer answer is please remember that a Brussels Griffon is a very small dog who may not have received the memo about being small. Brussels Griffons can do well with other dogs when appropriately socialized, and many enjoy canine companionship. But there are two completely different questions here: does the Griffon like other dogs — often, yes — and can the other dogs safely live with a 10-pound Griffon, which is a different question entirely.
A Griffon's confidence can exceed its physical dimensions. That can be adorable when a tiny dog struts around the house as though it owns the place. It becomes less adorable when the tiny dog decides to challenge a much larger dog who has approximately 50 more pounds and significantly more jaw. This is why introductions, supervision, socialization, and management matter so much. A well-socialized Griffon who understands how to interact with larger dogs can potentially become a delightful member of a multi-dog household, but the larger dogs also need to be comfortable around small dogs. And that means the human has to be the grown-up in the room.
So what about adding one to an existing pack?
Let's imagine, purely hypothetically, that someone had a household containing two larger sporting dogs. Let's imagine those dogs were active, accustomed to training, used to living together, and comfortable with each other. And let's imagine that person was suddenly overcome by the irresistible urge to add a tiny Belgian Ewok to the household.
Would I say, absolutely not? No. Would I say, go get the dog immediately? Also no. I'd say: meet the individual dog. Breed tendencies are useful, but they aren't a personality guarantee — individual temperament can vary enormously, even within the same breed.
For a household with larger dogs, I'd want a Griffon with a confident, resilient temperament rather than an extremely timid puppy. I'd want the existing dogs to have good social skills and to be capable of respecting a smaller dog's boundaries. I'd want introductions to be slow and thoughtful. And I'd want to be very conscious of the physical mismatch, because a large dog doesn't have to be aggressive to accidentally hurt a tiny one. One enthusiastic play bow can become a medical emergency. One game of chase can become too rough. One accidental paw can do considerably more damage to a 10-pound dog than to a 60-pound one.
So the goal wouldn't be to throw everyone together and hope they become a pack. It would be to build a relationship between individuals. There could be some advantages, too — a Griffon who genuinely enjoys canine companionship might appreciate having another dog around. But I would never get a second dog as a solution for separation anxiety, or assume another dog will satisfy a Griffon's need for human companionship. The human relationship is still the big deal.
The health conversation
And now we have to put down the Ewok goggles for a minute, because those faces come with some anatomical considerations. Brussels Griffons are short-nosed dogs, and their eyes, teeth, and facial structure deserve attention. The breed is also prone to certain orthopedic and eye problems.
The American Brussels Griffon Association recommends that breeding dogs receive OFA screening for eyes, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia. Those screenings don't guarantee a puppy will never develop a health problem, but they are important indicators that a breeder is taking genetic health seriously. The breed club also identifies concerns including heart problems, cataracts, and orthopedic issues.
And that means the most important question isn't simply "where can I find a Brussels Griffon puppy?" It's "who is producing these puppies, and what are they doing to protect the health and temperament of the breed?" That's a much less glamorous question. It's also the one that matters.
If you're considering a puppy, ask about health testing. Ask about temperament. Ask how puppies are raised and socialized. And pay attention to whether the breeder asks you questions, too. A good breeder isn't simply trying to sell you a puppy — they're trying to figure out whether their puppy belongs in your life.
Grooming: how much Ewok maintenance are we talking about?
There are two answers. The smooth coat is much easier — the smooth-coated Griffon generally needs relatively modest grooming as a companion dog, with regular brushing, bathing as needed, and routine care such as nails, ears, and teeth.
The rough coat, on the other hand, has us entering the beard department. The rough coat is wiry and dense, and show dogs are traditionally hand-stripped to maintain that characteristic texture. Companion dogs don't necessarily require show-level coat preparation, but the rough coat still needs regular care. So if your dream is "I want an Ewok, and I want him to remain fluffy and adorable with no maintenance whatsoever," I have unfortunate news. The Ewok requires upkeep.
Training: smart, sensitive, and just a little opinionated
This may actually be one of the breed's most appealing qualities. They're smart, they're engaged with their people, and they can learn. But they're also sensitive and independent enough to make training an exercise in relationship-building rather than simple obedience. Positive reinforcement is the way to go, and because these dogs can be both clever and determined, training isn't something I'd consider optional.
I'd want a Brussels Griffon to know how to walk politely on a leash, come when called, settle, tolerate handling, leave things alone, greet people appropriately, navigate other dogs calmly, and — perhaps most importantly — understand that being tiny does not make you invincible. That last one may require a whole curriculum.
What does a Brussels Griffon cost?
Let's address the question that inevitably comes after: okay, but how much would one of these tiny Belgian goblins actually cost? Because a 10-pound dog sounds inexpensive. A 10-pound dog with a 12- to 15-year potential lifespan, regular veterinary care, grooming, quality food, training, and the occasional ability to discover creative new ways to spend your money? Less so.
Buying from a responsible breeder
Brussels Griffons are an uncommon breed in the United States, and responsible breeders aren't producing enormous numbers of puppies. The American Brussels Griffon Association recommends that prospective owners be prepared to wait for a well-raised puppy. Current breeder pricing varies considerably — I've found breeder listings around $3,750–$4,000, while other veterinary sources cite lower averages. In other words, there isn't one magic "Brussels Griffon price." Location, breeder reputation, pedigree, show potential, coat, health testing, and what's included with the puppy can all affect it.
For budgeting purposes, I'd personally go into this expecting roughly $2,500–$4,000+ for a responsibly bred puppy. And I would be suspicious of anyone selling a supposedly well-bred Brussels Griffon for dramatically less without a very good explanation. The puppy price isn't simply paying for a cute little face — a responsible breeder is investing in health screening, veterinary care, raising and socializing the litter, appropriate nutrition, and years of work toward maintaining the breed's health and temperament. So if you're shopping for a Griffon, cheap should not be your primary goal. Healthy, well-socialized, and responsibly bred should be.
And then there's the annual bill
Here's where the tiny-dog math gets interesting. Routine ownership costs vary considerably depending on where you live and what you choose for your dog — grooming, pet insurance, training, boarding, and veterinary care can all move the needle. For planning purposes, I'd budget approximately $1,500–$3,000 per year for routine ownership, before major unexpected medical expenses.
Expense | Rough annual range |
Food & treats | $250–$450 |
Routine veterinary care & preventives | $400–$800 |
Grooming | $250–$700 |
Training & enrichment | $100–$350 |
Toys, chews & miscellaneous supplies | $100–$250 |
Estimated routine total | $1,100–$2,550 |
The range is deliberately broad, because your actual expenses could look very different, and that doesn't include things like pet insurance, boarding, professional training beyond the basics, dental procedures, or emergency veterinary care. The rough-coated Griffon may also cost more to maintain than the smooth-coated variety because of grooming requirements.
And then there's the expense every responsible dog guardian needs to acknowledge: stuff happens. A routine annual budget isn't an emergency fund. If you're considering a Brussels Griffon, or any dog, have a plan for unexpected veterinary expenses, whether that's pet insurance, a dedicated savings account, or some combination of the two. Because nothing says "I have fallen in love with this tiny dog" quite like discovering that the tiny dog has somehow turned a Tuesday afternoon into a $2,000 veterinary adventure.
Before you fall completely in love …
You should probably take the quiz. Yes, the quiz — because this is the whole point of What's Breed Got to Do With It? A breed can be adorable. A breed can be fascinating. A breed can look exactly like the love child of an Ewok and a Victorian gentleman. None of that necessarily means it's the right dog for your life.
The Brussels Griffon is especially worth thinking about because that tiny package comes with some very specific lifestyle considerations: companionship needs, sensitivity, training requirements, grooming, health considerations, and the realities of living with a dog who may believe that your personal space is a completely unnecessary concept. So before you start Googling breeders at 11:47 p.m., take a few minutes and see how your lifestyle stacks up.
And remember: the quiz isn't going to tell you whether you are worthy of an Ewok. It is merely going to help you figure out whether an Ewok might be worthy of you.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Curious about whether a Brussels Griffon actually fits your lifestyle? Wondering if another breed might be a better match for your household? The AKC's Dog Breed Selector quiz is a genuinely useful starting point before you fall in love with a face at the shelter or add your name to a breeder list. akc.org/breed-selector-tool
So where would you actually find one?
Here's the interesting part. If you're looking for a Brussels Griffon, you may have to look a little harder than you would for a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever. The American Brussels Griffon Association describes the breed as rare and recommends working with responsible breeders, considering older dogs, and checking rescue.
And there's an excellent reason not to search exclusively for the dog that looks exactly like the one you've been seeing on Facebook: Brussels Griffons can look surprisingly different from one another. Rough coat. Smooth coat. Red. Black and tan. Black. Different facial expressions. Different body types. And rescued Griffons can look especially different depending on coat condition, grooming, and background.
So that little dog you spotted on Petfinder who made you think, "hmm, that's not really what I picture when I hear Brussels Griffon"? Don't necessarily scroll past. It might not be a purebred Brussels Griffon. It might be a mix. Or it might simply be a Griffon who doesn't look like the Instagram version of a Griffon. Either way, the important question is whether the individual dog is the right match, not whether it passes the Ewok test.
>> IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A PUPPY
Start with the American Brussels Griffon Association, the AKC parent club for the breed. Their breeder information is a much better starting point than randomly Googling "Brussels Griffon puppies near me." The National Brussels Griffon Club is another useful breed-club resource with breeder information and education.
Those directories aren't a substitute for doing your homework — they're a place to start it. Ask about health testing. Ask about temperament. Ask how puppies are raised and socialized. Ask what happens if you can't keep the dog. And pay attention to whether the breeder asks you questions, too.
>> IF YOU'RE OPEN TO RESCUE
Now we're talking. National Brussels Griffon Rescue operates nationally and takes in Griffons from a variety of situations, including shelters, owner surrenders, and dogs coming from difficult backgrounds. Most dogs are placed in foster homes where their health and personalities can be evaluated before adoption.
And this is one place where rescue may actually give you something a puppy can't: information about the individual dog. A foster family may already know whether the dog likes other dogs, whether it likes cats, whether it can handle children, whether it's terrified of thunderstorms, whether it needs to be the only dog, or whether it thinks every sock in the house belongs to it. And, importantly for someone with an existing pack, whether it can comfortably live with other dogs. That's incredibly valuable, because if you're adding a Brussels Griffon to an established pack, temperament may matter more than age, coat, or whether the dog looks exactly like the Ewok in your Facebook feed.
A Few Places to Start
American Brussels Griffon Association — The AKC parent club for the breed. Start here for breed education, breeder information, and responsible-breeding guidance.
National Brussels Griffon Club — Another breed-club resource with breeder information and breed education.
National Brussels Griffon Rescue — A national rescue organization specifically dedicated to Brussels Griffons.
Petfinder — Worth checking if you're open to a Griffon mix or a dog who doesn't fit the textbook appearance.
And don't forget your local shelters and general rescue organizations. A rare breed doesn't necessarily mean you have to find a specialized rescue. Sometimes the dog finds the rescue first.
The bottom line
The Brussels Griffon might be for you if: you want a small but lively companion, enjoy training, want a dog who is deeply involved in your daily life, and don't mind a little personality coming with the package.
Think twice if: you need a highly independent dog, are away from home for long stretches, aren't interested in training and socialization, or want a dog that's physically robust enough to roughhouse with much larger dogs.
In a single-dog household: a Griffon can be an intensely devoted companion, but that devotion means teaching healthy independence is important.
In a multi-dog household: they can enjoy canine companionship, but size matters. Choose temperament carefully, make introductions thoughtfully, and never assume a large dog can't accidentally injure a tiny one.
Financially: think roughly $2,500–$4,000+ to responsibly acquire a puppy, followed by around $1,500–$3,000 a year for routine care, with insurance, boarding, and unexpected medical expenses potentially pushing that higher.
If you're looking for one: start with the breed clubs and National Brussels Griffon Rescue rather than random puppy listings.
The biggest surprise: this isn't a fragile little purse dog. There's a terrier and former ratter hiding underneath all that beard.
The biggest warning: that same tiny dog may believe it is approximately the size of a Great Dane.
The biggest temptation: the face. Oh, good Lord. The face.
And that, my friends, is how Facebook gets you.
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What's Breed Got to Do With It is part of our ongoing series on breed realities, adoption advocacy, and finding the right fit. It drops right here on the Bark Blog every Thursday.
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