Clownish, cute, and impossibly pouty, the Brussels griffon has taken the internet by storm with his antics and infamous expression. People can’t seem to get enough of this little pooch, and while the breed can make a fantastic pet, plenty of adorable Brussels griffon mixes are also deserving of consideration.
Below, we’ll share some of our favorite Brussels griffon mixes and what’s what about each.
Brussels Griffon Basics
Before diving into our list of mighty mixes, we must meet their star parent: the Brussels griffon! Known as the “Griff” to fanciers, this comedic canine has a cool backstory and loads of personality to explore.
Let’s get after it!
History of the Brussels Griffon
The Brussels griffon gets its moniker from Belgium’s capital city, where the breed originated in the 1870s, while “griffon” is a term used for scruffy terrier breeds in Europe.
The pup’s exact breed lineage is a mystery, but it’s believed that small terriers were bred with a menagerie of mutts, including pugs and English toy spaniels, to form a primitive version of the Brussels griffon we know and love today.
Originally, these small scruff balls performed double duty as ratters and companions for commoners. But these mutts soon caught the eye of Belgian Queen Henrietta Maria, elevating them to royal circles, where they underwent selective breeding. The result was a smaller, cuter critter.
From there, this little woofer went abroad, arriving in England and America, and eventually joining the AKC registry in 1910.
Brussels Griffon Size
This member of the AKC Toy Group weighs between 8 and 10 pounds and stands 7 to 10 inches at the shoulder.
Being petite comes in handy, as this portable pooch is a top-notch choice for traveling, but his size has drawbacks, too. For example, he’s just not big enough to handle roughhousing with larger doggos or children.
Temperament of Brussels Griffons
Don’t let this pup’s small size fool you; he’s jam-packed with personality!
Naturally inquisitive and playful, the Brussels griffon is not afraid to sniff out fun in any form, making him an excellent match for pet parents looking for a tiny doggo with a big love of adventure. Lapdog lovers will also rejoice, as this pooch is a big fan of his people, generally preferring a spot at your side over anywhere else.
While the Griff’s fun-loving, affectionate nature pairs well with some families, this breed will need more daily interaction than some others. If you work long hours, this need can be more than challenging to meet, even with a dog walker.
Training Your Brussels Griffon
Intelligent and charming, the Griff can be a pleasure to train. He’s typically in tune with his handler and eager to respond to commands, especially with training treats as extra encouragement for a job well done, as his somewhat sensitive spirit thrives with positive reinforcement training methods.
As always, you’ll want to start training your Griff early.
Focus on obedience and socialization to build his confidence and help avoid the dreaded small dog syndrome seen in some little sniffers. You’ll also want to practice patience with house training, as he can find it harder to master than other mutts.
Grooming a Brussels Griffon
The Brussels griffon comes in smooth and rough-coated varieties, and each has vastly different grooming needs.
The smooth griffon should be brushed weekly to remove loose hair and maintain a neat appearance, while the rough griffon requires more hands-on grooming, as his body must be clipped short and beard left long. Your bearded best buddy should also have his face fuzz wiped down frequently to remove debris and prevent odors.
Smooth-coated canines shed lightly, and their rough-coated counterparts hardly shed at all. For some people, this can be a make-or-break difference when deciding between the two. Still, regardless of coat type, all Griffs should have regular nail trims and teeth brushing for optimal health.
Brussels Griffon Health
This tiny ball of tenacity is relatively healthy and long-lived, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. He is a brachycephalic dog breed, however, so he may have eye issues or breathing difficulties in warm weather or during exercise. Heart problems and joint disorders like luxating patella and hip dysplasia are also occasionally seen in the breed.
13 Great Brussels Griffon Mixes
Now that we’ve met one of our favorite scruffy dog breeds, we can explore all the amazing Brussels griffon mixes out there looking for loving homes. Check out these cute canines!
1. Brussels Griffon x Pug
Pouty pups combine with this cutie, resulting in big eyes and a smooshed face. He’s likely to pack a fair amount of personality into his little body, too, whether he’s as gregarious as a griff or a mischief-maker like a pug.
Regardless of his fur type, we recommend starting regular grooming early on, especially nail trims, as pugs are famously finicky (and vocal!) about having their feet touched.
Health issues may plague this pooch, as both parenting pups are brachycephalic dog breeds with flat skulls that make them susceptible to breathing and eye problems. Watch this woofer in warm weather and limit his outdoor time to prevent overheating.
Check out some more pug mixes!
2. Brussels Griffon x Shih Tzu
To be fluffy or not be fluffy? That is the question with this mixed mutt. With the Shih Tzu being the quintessential teddy bear dog breed, there’s a good chance this guy will come out with a fair amount of hair to handle, so factor in regular grooming fees when considering adding this pup to your pack. You’ll also have to devote time regularly to brushing him out to prevent mats.
Shih Tzus can be a challenge to train, which may be an issue with this mix. If your doggo is difficult, focus on reward-based methods rather than aversive punishment, as he doesn’t respond to harsh treatment.
3. Brussels Griffon x Toy Poodle
Mixing a wiry or smooth griff with the curly-haired poodle can produce a variety of coat textures – all of which will need to be groomed, potentially by a professional, if you don’t have equipment like clippers. You’ll also want to start exposing your puppy to grooming early on, as it’s a lifelong process you don’t want him to fear.
Training this cutie might be easier than most of the mixes on our list, as poodles are among the smartest dog breeds, and griffs are eager to please. The secret is changing your routines to avoid repetitive lessons, which can quickly lead to boredom with this barker.
Check out some more poodle mixes!
4. Brussels Griffon x Pekingese
Grooming galore is most likely the story of this sniffer, with the Pekingese’s famously fabulous coat one requiring incredible amounts of upkeep. Brushing this Rover regularly is key to keeping him comfortable and cute, though clipping him short makes day-to-day care much easier.
The Pekingese is one of the most independent dog breeds, with his maverick mutt ways potentially showing up in this combo cutie. Training him may be challenging, so we recommend keeping training treats (and patience!) handy. Because of his potential temperament issues and grooming needs, he’s not the best choice for beginner dog owners.
5. Brussels Griffon x Yorkshire Terrier
Sauciness likely won’t be lacking in this doggo, as the ratter Yorkie and griff are both famously tenacious. This attitude may lend well to pet parents interested in a big dog in a little package. This tiny tornado might even be an agility all-star or adventure buddy!
Since the Yorkie and griff are toy breeds, this mix isn’t a good choice for families with small children or large, boisterous dogs. Special care should also be taken in protecting your pooch from birds of prey like hawks and owls.
Check out some more Yorkie mixes!
6. Brussels Griffon x Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This sweet sniffer is one of the larger mixes on our list, potentially making him a better match for families with children who know how to play with a pupper nicely. He may also be on the relaxed side since the Cavalier ranks among the calmest dog breeds. With both parenting pups being affectionate, he’ll likely fall on the lovey-dovey side and need more attention than most mutts.
Grooming this cutie might be tricky, depending on which parent’s pelt he inherits. The long locks of a Cavalier require more brushing to combat mats, for instance. You’ll also want to watch his ears and keep them clean since Cavys can have issues with recurrent infections.
7. Brussels Griffon x Miniature Schnauzer
Bearded barkers combine in this bushy-faced bambino. Schnauzers are known for being intelligent and obedient, two traits that work well with the griffon’s eagerness to please. Potentially, this pup could be among the brainiest on our list, which is great for learning new skills but a challenge to keep entertained in training sessions. This is where dog training toys can come in handy.
Grooming this growler is best left to the professionals if he gets the schnauzer coat, where clipping keeps it manageable. His beard will also need frequent cleanings; otherwise, you risk food crusties and stinky smells.
Check out some more mini schnauzer mixes!
8. Brussels Griffon x Chinese Crested
An armadillo? An avocado? No, it’s just a mashup of everyone’s favorite Belgian buddy and the pompadoured pup with one of the dog world’s most unique ‘dos. Grooming this pup is a mystery since both parenting breeds come in two different forms, giving him a whopping four coat possibilities! You may get an easy keeper or a high-maintenance diva dog.
This mix will likely be best for an adult household or one with adults and teenagers since griffons and crested canines are petite members of the Toy group. They’re also both known to be affectionate and friendly, thriving in settings where they shine all day as the apple of your eye, such as with work-from-home pawrents or retirees.
9. Brussels Griffon x Pomeranian
Personality likely won’t be in short supply with these petite pupperinos! The Pom and Griff are famously charismatic and curious, which may pass onto this pooch in spades. If so, he could be a good candidate for “big dog” sports, like agility. Still, his tiny stature won’t be a good mix for families with small children.
Prepare for a potential grooming handful with this handsome bugger, as the Pom’s plush coat needs frequent tending. Sanitary trims will likely be necessary to keep him clean, along with regular brushing to prevent matting.
Check out some more Pomeranian mixes!
10. Brussels Griffon x Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
This pooch is likely to be more sizable than other griffon mixes on our list, as the wheaten can weigh up to 40 pounds. Active families with kiddos looking for a scruffy pooch may benefit from this larger, sturdier frame and the mix’s propensity toward playfulness.
Wheatens and griffons are outgoing, curious breeds needing daily one-on-one time with family members. Coming up with a rotating list of canine enrichment activities for this pooch will also be essential in keeping him well-adjusted, as he may be prone to destructive behaviors if left unfulfilled.
11. Brussels Griffon x Maltese
Looking for one of the best lap dogs? This mixed ball of cuteness might be the pooch for you if he gets the lap-warming nature of his parenting breeds. Your pup may also be curious and playful, which, when paired with his potentially affectionate ways, would make him a prime candidate for a family with older children interested in a small pup with pep.
With the Maltese among the fluffiest dog breeds and the griff being a sometimes-wiry gremlin, this cutie’s coat is ultimately a toss-up. Still, it’s safe to assume you’ll be in for regular maintenance like clipping, brushing, or trimming, so prepare your budget and schedule!
Check out some more Maltese mixes!
12. Brussels Griffon x Border Terrier
Scruffy cuties unite in this likely-to-be shaggy-haired pooch. Dealing with that ‘do might be a little trickier than the average canine, but depending on the texture, it may only need the occasional brushing to keep your pooch handsome.
As for personality, curiosity and a zest for life will likely be front-and-center with this floof. If your four-footer takes more after his terrier side, he may be more tenacious and need more day-to-day stimulation, possibly through a canine sport like Earth Dog.
13. Brussels Griffon x Chihuahua
This blended barker might be just that — a barker, as the Chihuahua is among the most vocal dog breeds. This can mean your woof will be an epic watchdog, but it can also make life miserable if your mutt carries on at every little noise. Stopping nuisance barking early on is a must; otherwise, this little one can become quite the monstrous megaphone.
Both parents are known to be affectionate, too, with the Chihuahua especially known as a Velcro dog breed, so this pup will likely be on the sweet side with his people. This could be a great match if you spend a lot of time at home, but long work days can be stressful for your sniffer if he’s left alone.
Check out some more Chihuahua mixes!
Brussels Griffon Mixes: FAQ
Still curious about this mighty mixed breed? Check out these commonly asked questions and answers about Brussels griffons and mixes.
What is a Brussels Griffon mixed with?
The Brussels griffon was bred from small terriers that ratted Belgian stables in the 1800s. It’s believed these barkers were mixed with pugs and English toy spaniels to form the breed’s foundation. From there, royals created a smaller form with a more expressive face through selective breeding, developing the pup we all recognize today.
What are Griffons a mix of?
While the exact breeds behind him aren’t entirely known, the Brussels griffon is believed to be a mix of small terriers, the pug, and the English toy spaniel. As for what kind of small terriers helped create the breed, the Yorkie is commonly cited. Some also believe the Affenpinscher was part of the process.
What breed looks like a Brussels Griffon?
The Brussels griffon is a unique-looking little guy, but he does have a strong doppelganger in a German breed called the Affenpinscher. Some may find the border terrier and miniature schnauzer similar in appearance, too.
Are Brussels Griffons rare?
Brussels griffons aren’t super rare, but they’re less common than everyday breeds you can see at most dog parks, like Frenchies, Labs, and poodles. Over time, they have seen some leaps in popularity due to media appearances, such as trending TikTok doggos and the pup from the 1997 film As Good as It Gets.
Do you have any of these Brussels griffon mixes at home? Do you have another we didn’t list? Tell us about your Brussels baby in the comments. We’d love to hear about them!
Leave a Comment