Brussels Griffon

Only the coat. Rough Griffons have wiry, dense hair and a beard and eyebrows, while smooth Griffons have a short, flat coat with no beard. Both types can appear in the same litter. In some countries the smooth dog is registered separately as the Petit Brabancon. Rough dogs need more grooming but shed less; smooth dogs are low maintenance but drop more hair.

They are better with older children than toddlers. A Griffon weighs only a few kilograms and can be hurt or frightened by grabbing, squeezing or being dropped. When that happens, some respond by snapping. In a home with calm children over about 8 who understand how to handle a small dog, many Griffons become affectionate playmates. Always supervise early interactions.

The breed has been a close companion for well over a century, and most Griffons bond intensely with one or two people. Following you from room to room is typical. It becomes a problem only if the dog panics when separated. Teach short, calm absences early, reward relaxed behavior on a bed or mat, and avoid making departures and returns dramatic.

Most rough Griffons are stripped two or three times a year, with some tidying between sessions. The process removes dead hair and lets a new wiry coat grow in with its rich color. Show dogs are often rolled, meaning stripped a little every few weeks. If you do not show, clipping every eight to ten weeks is an acceptable, easier option.

They are moderate barkers who notice everything. A Griffon will usually announce the postman, a knock or a dog passing the window. With little to do, that can become frequent. Plenty of company, short daily walks and teaching a quiet cue, rewarding silence after a bark or two, keep it manageable. They are rarely the nonstop yappers some toy breeds are known to be.