Griffon Belge
GRIFF-on BELJ
Belgium· Brussels and Brabant
The Griffon Belge is the black or black-and-tan wirehaired member of the Brussels Griffon family, closely related to the Griffon Bruxellois and Petit Brabançon.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Small
Exercise needs
30-60 minutes per day
Home size suited to
Small or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush, hand-stripping twice yearly
Coat length
Medium, wiry
Sheds
Low
Lifespan
12-15 years
Town or country
Well suited to town or city living
Garden size needed
Small garden sufficient
Where it comes from
Origins of the Griffon Belge
Descended from the same Brussels stable-ratting stock as the Griffon Bruxellois, the Griffon Belge is distinguished chiefly by its solid black or black-and-tan coat, a colouring preserved from the original working street and stable dogs of Brussels before crosses with the Griffon Bruxellois introduced red tones.
- Region
- Brussels and Brabant
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate, urban and rural stable-yard settings
- Original job
- Ratting in stables and companionship, black-coated wiry variety of the Griffon family
The long read
About the breed
Its working origin as a ratting dog in Brussels stables and shops produced a bold, tenacious small dog, later refined for companionship while keeping its harsh, wiry coat and lively character.
As a pet it is spirited, affectionate and often quite vocal, forming close bonds with its owners and doing well in smaller homes, though it needs regular grooming to maintain its coat and does not like being left alone.
It remains a minority breed even within the Griffon family, most established in Belgium and among specialist toy dog fanciers elsewhere, valued for its distinctive dark coat and characterful expression.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Griffon Belge greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Griffon Belge is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Griffon Belge's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Brussels stable dogs
Small black wirehaired ratters worked stables and shops across Brussels.
1883
Griffon club founded
A Belgian club was formed to standardise the Griffon family, including the black-coated variety.
1905
FCI recognition
The Griffon Belge was recognised by the FCI as a distinct colour variety within the Griffon group.
1950s
Post-war revival
Breeders rebuilt numbers after wartime disruption to Belgian toy dog breeding.
2000s
Niche following maintained
The breed continues as a specialist variety kept by dedicated Griffon enthusiasts.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Short and thickset with a level back.
- coat
- Harsh and wiry, longer on the face forming a beard and moustache.
- ears
- Small, set high, semi-erect or rose-shaped.
- eyes
- Large, dark and round, set well apart.
- head
- Large and round with a pronounced stop, undershot jaw and short muzzle framed by a beard and moustache.
- size
- 18-20cm, weight 3.5-6kg
- colour
- Solid black or black with tan (rust) markings.
- temperament
- Bold, alert and affectionate, often quite vocal.
- general appearance
- A small, sturdy wirehaired toy dog with a solid black or black-and-tan coat and a lively, alert bearing.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Griffon Belges added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
Loading the wall…
Made for the Griffon Belge
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Griffon Belge illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Griffon Belge Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Griffon Belge illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Griffon Belge Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Griffon Belge illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Griffon Belge Mug
Ceramic mug with the Griffon Belge illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Waste Bag Dispenser
Clips to the lead, holds one standard roll.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Griffon Belge video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
Watch now