Longevity
Life expectancy
When it benefits from a suitable diet, good dental care, a stable weight and a lifestyle consistent with its size, this small dog can live a long time. Prevention is particularly useful to preserve its mobility, its eyes and its overall respiratory comfort.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its robustness is adequate for a small-sized dog, with good tolerance to cold and humidity compared to many other companion dogs. On the other hand, its small build requires avoiding impacts, rough handling and poorly adapted exertion.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to the eyes, joints and development of the young dog. As in many small breeds, prevention involves the selection of breeding stock, maintaining an ideal weight and prompt consultation in the event of lameness, pain, eye irritation or neurological change.
Hydrocephalus: Neurological condition linked to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the cavities of the brain, to be investigated quickly in a young dog showing suggestive signs.
Distichiasis and trichiasis: Eyelash abnormalities that can irritate the eye, cause tearing, discomfort and inflammation if they are not managed.
Luxations: Small joints can be fragile, with a risk of intermittent lameness or pain requiring a veterinary assessment.
Hip dysplasia: Rarer than in large breeds but described in the breed, it warrants attention to bloodlines and locomotion.
Skin allergies: Itching, redness or recurrent ear infections may suggest a skin sensitivity requiring appropriate management.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Griffon Bruxellois generally tolerates cool weather better than heat. In hot periods, outings should be shifted to the mildest hours, exertion limited, and access to water as well as to a shaded place ensured.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Even if it is not the breed most prone to being overweight, its small size does not forgive repeated excesses. A precisely measured ration, limited treats and regular daily activity are the best levers to preserve its joints and its comfort.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check the eyes regularly and consult if there is tearing or irritation.
- Maintain a healthy weight to limit strain on the joints.
- Monitor any limping, skipping a leg, or unusual stiffness.
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups and oral-dental follow-up.
Vaccination
Brussels Griffon vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Brussels Griffon need? Like all dogs, Brussels Griffons should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels Griffon
Before breeding or acquisition, it is relevant to inquire about the orthopedic and ophthalmological monitoring of the lines. On a daily basis, regular veterinary check-ups, an oral and dental examination, and monitoring for signs of pain or ocular irritation are recommended.
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.
