Yes, Brussels Griffons are believed to be related to Pugs. The Brussels Griffon shares some similarities with the Pug, especially in facial features and body structure. Both breeds are known for their charming and affectionate personalities.

Brussels Griffons were originally bred to be small ratting dogs, used to catch and exterminate mice and rats in stables in Brussels, Belgium, in the 19th century. Over time, they also became popular as companion dogs due to their affectionate and lively nature.

Brussels Griffons live between 12 to 15 years on average. With proper care, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary checkups, some Brussels Griffons can even live into their late teens.

Brussels Griffons are full-grown between nine and 12 months of age. However, they might continue to fill out until they are 18 months to two years of age.

Brussels Griffons are considered a relatively rare breed because, historically, they have had a limited population. Today, many people are not familiar with Brussels Griffons, leading to lower demand and limited breeding compared to more well-known breeds.

The Brussels Griffon is believed to have been created by crossing small Belgian street dogs with Pugs, Affenpinschers, and possibly English Toy Spaniels, although the breed’s exact ancestry is debated.

Yes, Brussels Griffons are good with older kids who understand how to interact with small dogs gently and respectfully. Due to their small size, Brussels Griffons are not the best choice for families with children younger than five, who might unintentionally injure them.

However, it's important for parents to teach children of all ages how to safely interact with dogs to help prevent any potential misunderstandings or accidents. It’s also important for pet parents to teach their dogs how to gently interact with children and supervise all interactions with them to make sure everyone stays safe.

No, Brussels Griffons are not easy to train compared to some other breeds. They are strong-willed little beings and can be quite stubborn and independent, which can make training a bit challenging.

However, training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed, and with patience, consistency, and positive training methods, Brussels Griffons can become well-behaved and obedient companions. It’s important to keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging to maintain their interest and attention.

Yes, Brussels Griffons are smart dogs. They have excellent problem-solving abilities and display a keen understanding of their environment. This makes them quite creative in finding ways to get what they want, which can be both entertaining and challenging for their pet parents.

Yes, Brussels Griffons are cuddly dogs. They love to be close to their pet parents and enjoy spending quality time snuggling and being petted. Their small size makes them perfect lap-dogs, and they seek out opportunities to curl up next to their people for warmth and comfort.

Yes, Brussels Griffons can bark a lot, but some Brussels Griffons bark more than others. The breed is alert, curious, and somewhat vocal, but whether they bark excessively varies depending on the individual dog and their training. If Brussels Griffons are left alone for long periods, they might bark due to boredom or anxiety.

Yes, most Brussels Griffons are good with other dogs, especially if they are raised together or introduced properly. However, due to their small size, they might be more vulnerable to injury during rough play or interactions with larger, more energetic dogs, so always supervise interactions.

Yes, Brussels Griffons are good apartment dogs. Their small size and low exercise requirements make them well-suited for apartment living and smaller living spaces. They are generally quiet indoors and do not require a large yard to run and play, making them a good choice for city dwellers and people living in smaller homes, such as apartments or condos.

Yes, Brussels Griffons are good dogs. They are affectionate, playful, and lively dogs who form strong bonds with their pet parents. Brussels Griffons can tend to be “one-person dogs,” which makes them great for single people or couples. These pups are known as “velcro-dogs” because they love being so close to their people, but they do not like to be left alone for long periods and might develop separation anxiety if alone too much.

Yes, Brussels Griffons are good with cats, especially if they are introduced to them and socialized together from a young age. Their friendly and playful nature can make them good companions for cats, and they often enjoy having another animal to interact with. Initially, monitor their interactions to ensure that both the Brussels Griffon and the cat are comfortable and safe around each other. Some cats are less tolerant of these pup’s playful or energetic behavior.

Yes, rough-coated Brussels Griffons are considered hypoallergenic, but smooth-coated Brussels Griffons are not. If you or someone in your family has dog allergies, spend time with adult Brussels Griffons before bringing one home.

Yes, Brussels Griffons are brachycephalic. Their short muzzles and flat faces give them a unique and charming appearance, but brachycephalic features can also cause certain health issues and respiratory problems.

Brussels Griffons might experience breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather or during strenuous exercise. They can be more susceptible to conditions like brachycephalic airway syndrome, which can cause breathing issues due to narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palate, and other anatomical abnormalities in the upper airways.

To manage and minimize the risks, avoid strenuous exercise in extreme temperatures, provide plenty of fresh water, and monitor for signs of respiratory distress.

Yes, some Brussels Griffons have breathing problems due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) features, which can contribute to a range of respiratory issues known as brachycephalic airway syndrome and include stenotic nares (narrowed or pinched nostrils), elongated soft palate (which can obstruct the airway), everted laryngeal saccules (small pouches in the larynx that can become everted or turned inside out), and tracheal collapse (weakness or collapse of the tracheal rings). 

If you suspect that your Brussels Griffon is experiencing breathing difficulties, seek veterinary care immediately. Breathing problems in Brussels Griffons can be managed by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding strenuous exercise in extreme temperatures, and providing a cool and well-ventilated environment. In severe cases, surgical procedures might be necessary to correct anatomical abnormalities and improve airflow.

Yes, Brussels Griffons are relatively healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain genetic and health issues. Some of the common health concerns associated with Brussels Griffons include:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Brussels Griffon dog, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.

• Eye problems: Brussels Griffons can be susceptible to various eye conditions, including lens luxation, a type of dislocation that occurs when the support ligaments of the lens (a sphere-shaped area of the eye that focuses light on the retina) weaken or break; cataracts; eye lacerations; distichiasis, an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, the extra eyelashes and abnormal location result in irritation to the eye; progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and glaucoma. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian can help detect and manage any potential eye issues.

• Syringomyelia: This condition affects the brain and spinal cord and is caused by a skull malformation. The result is a skull that is too small for the brain, making it difficult for spinal fluid to travel down the spine properly. The fluid eventually backs up near the neck and creates cysts. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis.

• Patellar luxation: This common orthopedic condition causes the kneecap (patella) to dislocate or move out of its normal position. Symptoms can range from intermittent lameness to severe pain. Patellar luxation might require surgical intervention to correct.