Life span: 12 to 15 years
Availability: Rare
About Brussels Griffon:
"Monkey face" is a term often used to describe the appealing Brussels Griffon. This small, sturdy dog has an intelligent and lively look that's almost human in expression.
During the early 1800s, coachmen in Belgium kept small, wire-haired terrier-type dogs to manage the rodent population in their carriage stables. They were then known as “griffons d’ecurie”, which translates to “wire-coated stable dogs.
In the 1870s, this breed became a favorite of the Belgian queen, Henrietta Maria, which gave them royal patronage and elevated their social status. Brussels Griffons were the darlings of the Belgian elite, and efforts were undertaken to breed them to become even more exaggerated in appearance, with flatter faces and smaller stature.
The American Brussels Griffon Association was founded in 1945. The breed standard was approved by the AKC in 1960, after it went through several revisions. The parent club was accepted for AKC membership in 1982. The American Kennel Club is the only large all breed registry that recognizes only the Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffon is a small purebred known for being alert, out-going, and playful. The most common colors for Brussels Griffons are black, black and tan, blue, brown, and red. To keep it healthy, it will need to get exercise regularly.