Depending on the hair growth at their chins and ears, along with their general facial structure, the Brussels Griffon can be a majestic-looking pet or a lovable mutant. In nearly every case, they have prominent whiskers and large, human-like eyes. Along with their toy size, this social, easily-trained, and hypoallergenic breed one of the best for pet travel. If you like dogs that are sometimes so-ugly-they’re-cute, as well as a great travel companion for the next decade or more, the Brussels Griffon might just be the perfect pet for you.
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Size and Travel Options
Standing at 7-11 inches tall and weighing between 8-12 pounds at most, the Brussels Griffon typically has no trouble fitting inside airline-approved carriers, but larger Griffs will need a soft-sided carrier with the maximum space allowance to travel comfortably. This breed should also do well with most modes of transportation, so long as you don’t ask them to travel alone. One of the reasons they’re easily trained is because they become quite devoted to their owners. Most will calm down before too long, but these dogs sometimes struggle when separated from their owner and are known for comic displays of self-importance.
Personality as a Travel Companion
The good news is that this social, energetic dog is usually easy to be around. Ideally, this dog likes about a half-hour of exercise each day but can certainly go longer distances or be a couch potato with you on select days. So, while you probably need to hire a dog-sitter for strenuous outdoor adventures in tropical climates, there are a lot of trips in which you can bring along the dog. Plus, the Brussels Griffon will absolutely love the holidays and family trips with lots of people to give them love. As a social breed, these animals do best with training based on positive reinforcement. Just make sure no small children manhandle your potentially sensitive Griff.
The other thing you’ll want to think about is grooming and appearance. The Brussels Griffon can have either a smooth coat of fur that sheds seasonally and requires semi-weekly brushing or a rough coat that doesn’t shed at all. Some owners will also keep their dog’s coat of fur clipped short to maximize their adorableness.
Health and Longevity
Brussels Griffons share health characteristics with other toy-sized, flat-faced dog breeds. There is some risk of patella luxation, hip dysplasia, and eye irritation and infection. Their flat-face also makes theme prone to respiratory distress especially in hot and humid weather, as well as stressful situations. Like all flat-faced breeds, Brussels Griffons can experience breathing problems in sunny, hot, or humid weather, and usually snore. With a healthy animal and modest accommodations, many animals go their entire adult life with little-to-no-need for veterinary care. Their life expectancy is about 12-15 years.
Brussels Griffon Breeders and Adoption Centers
That oddly-shaped face with perfectly-disheveled hair is common to the breed, and these animals including Brussels Griffon mixes are not too difficult to find in animal shelters and adoption centers around the U.S. You might also think about contacting a breeder who can minimize the chances that your beloved pet will develop a hip, knee, heart, or breathing condition, as well as the type of fur coat you’d prefer. They can also help you choose a Brussels Griffon that is likely to do okay with separation anxiety, especially when reinforced with a training program. The average cost of a Brussels Griffon is also in line, if not a touch cheaper, than most toy-sized breeds. You can find a puppy from a friend, neighbor, or adoption center for about $300-$500. A travel-friendly puppy from a reputable breeder is more likely to cost $800-$1,500. Some top-of-the-line breeders might charge $2,500+.