It would be tactless to suggest that the Brussels Griffon is a “mash up” of other breeds, but this enchanting breed really is. Pugs, English Toy Spaniels, Affenpinschers – they’re all in there.

Wiry coated ratting terriers known in the 1800s as the Griffons d’Ecurie were bred to Pugs. Resulting dogs were smooth coated Griffons called the Brabancon (after the Belgian national anthem, La Brabonconne).  Those resulting dogs were bred to the King Charles (black and tan) and the Ruby varieties of the English Toy Spaniel. So, which breed contributed what?

The Affenpinscher provided the size and wiry coat texture, while the Pug’s influence is seen in the smooth-coated variety. From the King Charles came the breed’s two distinct types and colors, while the English Toy Spaniel contributed the rounded head, large, expressive eyes, upturned under jaw, and the occasional appearance of web feet, kink tails, or a tailless Griffon puppy. This wonderful “mash up” give us the engaging “pout” that gives the Griffon its almost human expression.

Watercolor of a Griffon Bruxellois (Griffon) by Leon Danchin (1887-1939)