BRUSSELS GRIFFON TEMPERAMENT

Jacque Jones
Treyacres Kennels
Originally Written 1980 (est)
Revised 2005

            Inquiries about Brussels Griffons are always welcome, but none more so than those asking about the Griffon personality.  Each breed has its own distinct characteristics, but the Brussels Griffon is a truly unique animal that is in a class by itself.

             For sure, there are exceptions to the rule, but for the most part they are stubborn, sensitive, sneaky, lovable, loyal, fearless, intelligent, mischievous, snobbish and cunning.  In short, the Brussels Griffon is one of the most fascinating creatures on earth.  My favorite abbreviated description of this breed is that it is a cross between a cat and a monkey.  Having lived with all of these animals for many years, I can assure you that it is true.

             Griffons can be taught anything---provided that you can convince them that it was their idea in the first place.  It is said that the Griffon, and especially the smooth coated Brabancon, is the most difficult to lead train.

             Frankly, I do not find this to be any more so in Griffons than in any other breed.  But what is true, is that Griffons are masters at making their handlers look like a fool in the show ring.  They are experts at convincing the judge and everyone at ringside that they are whipped and beaten on a daily basis when at home.  Crawling on their bellies and flattening themselves on the table is one of their favorite acts.  Snobbishness is another reason for a poor performance in the ring.  Many Griffs think they are just too good to be paraded around the ring and be examined like a piece of meat. 

             To see a Griffon at his best, watch outside the ring just before he goes through the gate.  It is not the leash that makes the difference.  Some of them do not want to be on display.  Now if your Griffon happens to be a rare exhibitionist, then you are in luck.  This individual really believes that all of those people came to the show just to see him and nothing can dampen his spirits.  He is at his best when under the scrutiny of the judge and spectators.

             But whether your Griffon is destined for the show ring or to be a beloved pet at home, lead training is a necessary part of his life and should be started at an early age in a playful way.  Be careful not to let him think it is work.  He must believe he is the one who invented the whole thing.  Any kind of training, be it lead work, formal obedience or housebreaking on a day-by-day routine, must be accompanied by firm, consistent, but “toned-down” voice corrections and hand signals followed by lavish praise. 

              The Brussels Griffon can be a wonderful family pet, but don’t be surprised if he has his favorites and he’s not above playing one against the other for his own benefit.  Because of his way of making firm attachments, he is not a good candidate as a ring-side pickup by a handler.  He must know the handler and have complete trust in him.

             The Griffon doesn’t know he is a little dog.  Actually, he is a big dog in a small package.  He usually can live quite comfortably with larger dogs, but will get his own way by using his wits and not his size.

             Often he will become the leader of the pack.  But even so, it pays to be cautious with this arrangement of small dog/large dog, as accidents can happen even in play due to size differences.  While most Griffons get along with their own breed, it has been reported by several owners that they have had their little darlings gang up and seriously attack one of their own, and at times even result in the death of a weaker member of their pack.  This does not happen every day but when it does it is seldom reported.  But when any dogs of any breed are left alone, it is a good idea to keep them separated.  Dogs are pack animals and nature can take over when the leader exerts his dominance.  Then the young, old, and weak, are at risk and care must be taken to protect them.

            Brussels Griffons are great climbers and jumpers.  They actually seem to have no sense of fear when it comes to heights.  Open stairs and porch decks are real temptations.  We had a puppy wiggle his way through a seemingly “Griff-proof” gate leading to a deck high above the ground.  To escape capture, he jumped and appeared to soar through the air ----- not unlike a flying squirrel.  Fortunately the landing was cushioned by soft dirt and leaves.  He landed on all fours being none the worse for wear.  Within seconds he scampered up towards the deck again but was captured before he could repeat his performance.  Needless to say, the gate was immediately re-designed so he was never able to spread his wings again.  Because they like to climb and jump, be careful when holding them in your arms.  This is especially true with children and Griffons.  A jump down from a child’s arms may not seem such a long distance, but it can be disastrous to a toy dog.

             Griffons are not usually noisy dogs, but this is not to say they won’t bark at strange noises or when someone comes into the house.  If allowed to get by with it, they may bark when left alone.  But with a little training, this usually presents no real problem. 

             They can be protective of their favorite person.  This does not mean that you are the owner of a full-fledged attack dog, but I have seen these little guys put up a pretty good defense when they believed their human was being threatened by another dog or person.

             After the early and often troublesome weeks in a pups life, the Griffon is a hardy little critter, often living to be a ripe old teenager.  He is in his element running through the woods chasing chipmunks or playing in mud puddles.  The same little imp will also be at home reclining on a satin pillow --- especially if that pillow is on his master’s bed or in a car.  Griffons love to travel and are ready as soon as a suitcase is brought into sight.  They can easily be trained to jump into their own small carrying case and more than one has been smuggled into forbidden places, such as restaurants, stores, concerts, busses, etc.  I am not suggesting that you do this but the dog seems to enjoy the game and appears proud of the fact that they can go undetected.

             Much has been said and much more will be said about the breed temperament and personality, but even so, it cannot all be conveyed with words.  You must find out for yourself by living with one.  Each day is a new experience and life with a Griff is never dull.  All the interesting, exciting, fascinating, wonderful, and often exasperating traits that one would want (and perhaps not want) rolled into one, make for this exciting creature----THE BRUSSELS GRIFFON.