Longevity
Life expectancy
The Belgian Griffon often lives between 12 and 15 years. This longevity depends mainly on the quality of breeding, weight control, lifestyle hygiene, and veterinary follow-up, notably for the eyes and joints.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
It is a small dog that is rather robust overall, capable of adapting well to family life and to urban life. Its sturdiness does not exempt it from particular attention to its prominent eyes, its kneecaps and its hips, especially with age.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Prevention must mainly focus on the locomotor system and the eyes. Regular veterinary check-ups, a stable weight and appropriate physical exertion help to limit the most frequent complications in this breed.
Hip dysplasia: A possible joint condition, less common than in large breeds but to be monitored if the dog shows locomotor discomfort or a decrease in activity.
Patellar luxation: This orthopedic condition can cause intermittent lameness and requires veterinary follow-up depending on its severity.
Ocular sensitivity: Its prominent eyes expose it more to irritation, trauma, and other eye problems that require prompt care.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Griffon Belge tolerates cold and humidity fairly well thanks to its harsh coat, but it remains a small dog that lives better indoors than outdoors for extended periods. In hot weather, intense exertion should be avoided during the hottest hours and any sign of respiratory or ocular discomfort should be monitored.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Weight monitoring is important in this small dog, because a few hundred grams too many can quickly weigh on its joints. A measured ration, limited treats and daily walks are the basics of good body management.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor any tearing, redness, or impact to the eyes.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, even intermittent.
- Plan regular veterinary check-ups throughout life.
Vaccination
Belgian Griffon vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Belgian Griffon need? Like all dogs, Belgian Griffons should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Belgian Griffon vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Belgian Griffon booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Belgian Griffon need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Belgian Griffon
Regular veterinary follow-up with an orthopedic examination and eye check-up is recommended, particularly in breeding dogs and in dogs that show locomotor discomfort, persistent tearing or ocular sensitivity.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
