Small Belgian dogs

Small Belgian dogs are charming companions known for their playful nature and affectionate demeanor. These breeds, including the Brussels Griffon, the Belgian Malinois, and the Tervuren, each bring their own unique traits, making them popular choices for families and individuals alike.

These dogs can adapt well to a variety of living situations, from apartments to larger homes, thanks to their striking appearances and lively personalities. They are fairly easy to train because of their intelligence and desire to please, but constant supervision is necessary to ensure their success.

Small Belgian dogs are a delightful blend of energy and charm, whether you are drawn to them for their spirited antics or their devoted companionship. Let’s investigate what makes these breeds unique and how they can improve our quality of life.

Breed	Characteristics
Brussels Griffon	Small, friendly, and affectionate, with a distinctive beard and mustache.
Belgian Malinois	Smart, energetic, and loyal; often used in police and military work.
Belgian Tervuren	Elegant and alert, with a long coat; great as a family pet.
Belgian Sheepdog	Intelligent and protective; needs regular exercise and training.

General characteristics of small Belgian dogs

Three breeds of small Belgian canines are known. They go by the name "griffons," which translates to "wire-haired" in French. They resemble affenpinschers more than the French hunting griffons, despite their differences. Given that all breeds originate in Belgium, the name of one—the Belgian griffon—is frequently applied to the others.

They were formerly known as "stable griffon." These dogs eradicated rodents while they were employed in the stables. Frequently, they were brought along in the carriage. These dogs were pets and also served as house guards. They are now kept as companions and are decorative.

Every Belgian Griffon shares the same ancestors, personality, and appearance. As a result, the field of cynology faces difficulties with classification. While they are recognized as three distinct breeds in Europe, some organizations classify them as variations of a single breed. Additionally, crossbreeding is outlawed in Belgium.

However, some puppies in a litter are still categorized as belonging to different breeds. After the first molt, when the final color appears, the smaller ones—known as brabancons—are divided from the others. Brabancons have short, smooth hair.

What makes small Belgian dogs alike and different from each other?

Parameters	Belgian Griffon	Brussels Griffon	Brabant Griffon (Pti Brabancon)
Country of origin	Belgium
FCI classification	toy and companion dogs
height	18-32 cm	18-32 cm	16-25 cm
weight	2-6 kg	4-5 kg	3-6 kg
life expectancy	12-15 years
coat	hard, gentle, with a small undercoat, whiskers and beard on the muzzle	hard, longer, with abundant, soft and thick undercoat, whiskers and beard on the muzzle	smooth, short (up to 2 cm)
color	black, black and tan	reddish-brown	black, red, brown, black and tan
character traits	friendly, affectionate	cheerful, capricious	cheerful, energetic, balanced
activity	do not like long walks	moderate physical activity is required, but long walks	physical activity is moderate, but walks should be active

Images of Griffons from Belgium:

Brussels Griffon pictures:

Pros

These dogs are balanced, obedient, and easy to handle. They don’t need long walks and get along well in an apartment in the city. They make good first pets for teenagers and the elderly. One of the most well-liked breeds for decoration is the Belgian. The owners claim that griffons offer the following benefits:

• friendly, affectionate;
• loyal;
• cheerful, playful;
• obedient, non-conflict;
• smart, quick-witted;
• unpretentious.

Disadvantages

Even though the FCI has long restored and recognized Belgian breeds, they are still extremely uncommon. However, if you are fortunate enough to locate one, be aware that it might have the following drawbacks:

• do not tolerate cold and drafts, will need clothing in winter;
• like to bark;
• wire-haired Belgians need regular trimming;
• may have breathing problems, snoring.

Small Belgian canines make wonderful companions because of their loving disposition and energetic personalities. They are intelligent and loyal, and they have a long history of being working dogs, which makes them great family pets. They are perfect for both urban and rural environments due to their manageable size and flexibility in different living situations. These adorable dogs can add happiness and coziness to any home, whether you’re searching for a companion or a playmate.

History of origin

Small Belgian dogs have been around for a while—the first records date back more than 500 years. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that they started to formally breed these breeds. According to scientists, their ancestors were tiny Belgian yard dogs who had lived for a very long time. They went by the name Smousje.

They killed rats, guarded the house, and were well-liked by the impoverished. The fact that they ate very little and didn’t need any care was convenient. However, because of their endearing, upbeat nature and humorous appearance, even wealthy people owned them.

Not much is known about these dogs’ ancestry. Because they resemble the Korthals Griffon, some researchers categorize them as griffons. However, some scientists think that they shared ancestors because they see similarities between Affenpinschers and themselves.

As these dogs gained popularity, breeds were crossed with them. Nothing is known about the people who were chosen. However, it can be inferred from appearance that the Petit Brabancon originated from pug crossing. Moreover, their forebears might have been King Charles Spaniels or terriers.

Due to the dogs’ growing differences from one another, three branches of the breed could be identified by the end of the 19th century. The country’s capital is the name of the Brussels Griffons; the province of Brabant is the name of the Petit Brabancon (abbreviated Pti for "small"), and Belgian is the name of the third variety. They started taking part in exhibitions and were sent to the USA and England. The breeds were greatly popularized by Queen Henrietta Maria.

Due to the wars, Europe had a difficult first half of the 20th century. The little dogs were on the verge of extinction. However, aficionados used the surviving members of the American breeds to restore their population. These Belgian canines, who are kept as companions, were categorized as decorative breeds.

In 1954, the FCI formally recognized them as three distinct breeds. They are not allowed to cross, and at exhibitions, they receive separate evaluations. However, they are still recognized as a single breed of Belgian Griffons in the USA and Great Britain, with the Petit Brabancon occasionally being recognized as a separate breed. They are uncommon and little known in Russia.

Appearance

These dogs were appropriately dubbed small as their average height is between 18 and 20 cm. Though Petit Brabancons are typically even lower, it can occasionally reach 32 cm. 4-5 kg is their average weight. Male and female differences are essentially undetectable.

The body is harmonious and nearly square. The legs of the Petit Brabancon are longer. These dogs’ distinctive features include their large eyes, semi-drooping ears, and short muzzle with a forward-projecting lower jaw.

Head

The head has a broad, rounded skull and is fairly large. The stop is well defined, and the forehead is convex. The muzzle is of the brachycephalic type, short, and flattened, measuring about 1.5 cm in length. The nose is small, black, and turned up. The muzzle has some shallow wrinkles.

The teeth should not be visible because the lower jaw is slightly longer than the upper. Dogs from Belgium and Brussels have hair that sticks out of their muzzles to form eyebrows, a beard, and a mustache.

The triangular ears are wide and elevated, resting on the cartilage on either side of the head. Large and round in shape, the eyes shouldn’t be convex. Iris color is dark, widely spaced, and has a kind yet mischievous appearance.

Body

Muscular, proportionately built, and strong-boned. The chest is large and deep, and the withers are clearly defined. The croup is broad and nearly non-sloping, the loin is short, and the back is level. The thick, short tail is positioned high. Commonly held up and docked at two thirds of its length.

Limbs

The limbs are parallel and straight. The toes are compressed, the paws are round and compact, and the pads are thick.

Coat and colors

The coat characteristics and color are where these dogs differ most from one another:

• The Belgian Griffons have a hard, rather short coat. There is an undercoat, but not thick. The color is black, often with a red tan.
• The Brussels Griffons have longer hair, slightly wavy, but also hard. The undercoat is thick, soft, fluffy. The color is red in different shades, a dark mask is possible.
• The Petit Brabancon has short, dense hair close-fitting. Length 1-2 cm, almost no undercoat. Color can be black or red.

Additional images of these canines:

Character and upbringing

Every Belgian is amiable, sensible, and upbeat. They are loyal, grow quite close to their owner and miss him, and adjust to new owners gradually but firmly. These animals are friendly and gregarious, they never want to be alone, and they constantly strive to be close to family members.

Despite treating each member of the family well, they are most affectionate toward one owner. They are able to approach anyone and act differently around them. They enjoy playing games with kids and are up for any jokes or good times. The pet and the child will become best friends as long as the child does not hurt it. The dog will never work as a nanny because they shy away from kids and may even see them as competitors.

Positive interactions arise with other animals. These dogs get along well with everyone and are calm. Despite their intense possessiveness, they will defend their food and toys. In an attempt to assert their superiority over other dogs, they enjoy barking at them on the street.

They are cautious and distant from strangers instead of acting aggressively. They may serve as sentries. They have an excellent sense of smell, and when they detect strangers nearby, they will loudly bark to alert their owner.

All three breeds’ representatives are highly gregarious, spirited, and unable to sit still. They can be mischievous and naughty, and they enjoy loud outdoor games. Their behaviors are slightly different. The most curious and loving of all dogs are Belgian Griffons. Brussels are lively, chatty, and mischievous, more akin to terriers. Furthermore, petit brabancons are intelligent and crafty, easier to train in new skills, and less likely to take charge.

It is possible to identify the following traits shared by all Belgians:

• loyalty;
• sociability;
• cheerfulness;
• energy;
• friendliness;
• curiosity;
• stubbornness;
• tendency to dominate.

When raised correctly, Belgians are obedient, intelligent, and do not cause trouble. But in order to do this, they must be taught early on who is in charge of the household. Such an owner will be respected and obeyed without hesitation. They require early socialization as well.

These dogs pick up new tricks and commands with ease. Their obedience and agility test results are excellent. For the pet, the classes should be consistent, regular, and engaging. The owner must be firm but not overly strict. Praise and treats are the most effective forms of education; physical punishment is not acceptable.

Belgian canines make excellent indoor pets. They don’t require a lot of room, and you can even teach them to use a diaper as a toilet in order to avoid taking them outside during inclement weather. However, they enjoy taking walks; if they do not expend their energy on these, they will become mischievous at home.

Two daily walks with them are recommended. When going for walks, you should take them off the leash in a secure area and engage in active play. Wearing warm clothing in the winter is advised because Belgians do not do well in the cold. Additionally, it is advised against taking these dogs for extended walks in the heat as their short muzzles make it difficult for them to cool down.

Belgians require little maintenance. The coat of the Petit Brabancon needs to be brushed using a silicone glove or brush several times a week. The process needs to be carried out more frequently during shedding.

Griffons’ hard coat needs more care because it doesn’t shed naturally; regular trimming is necessary to encourage hair growth. In order to prevent tangles in the hair, it is advised to comb it daily. Additionally, it’s advised to trim the whiskers because they get soiled when eating, and to shorten the hairs surrounding the eyes to prevent them from getting in the eyes.

Otherwise, taking care of these animals is typical:

• check and wipe the eyes every day;
• clean the ears weekly;
• brush the teeth several times a week;
• trim the claws a couple of times a month;
• wash the paws after walks;
• bathe once every 1-2 months.

Because Belgian Griffons are carefree eaters, you can feed them both commercial and natural foods. They typically live 12 to 15 years, and their health is fairly good. However, individuals of this breed are vulnerable to these pathologies:

• respiratory system diseases;
• thermal blow;
• allergies;
• dermatitis;
• joint dysplasia;
• eye diseases.

The breed descriptions are enhanced by the following video:

Watch Video: Tiny Belgian Dogs

Video: Four distinctions between the Belgian griffon, Brussels griffon, and Babanson bird

How to buy a puppy

Although they are quite uncommon, responsible breeders and nurseries can be found in Russia for Belgian dogs. Puppy porouses cost between 40,000 and 60,000 rubles. Examining the parents’ paperwork and all veterinary certifications is crucial.

Puppies go on sale as early as two months old. It will be evident at this point whether the dog will have smooth or hard hair. Additionally, it is preferable to hold off on breeding and exhibitions until after the first trimming and wool change if a particular breed is significant. The distinctions between Brussels and Belgian griffons only become apparent after four to five months.

It’s important to choose a puppy that is curious and active rather than timid. The infant should be healthy and fed to a moderate degree. There should be no bald patches on the coat, clear eyes, and no discharge from the nose or ears. However, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the head in particular. Puppies with a severe underbite or a very short muzzle, where the teeth are visible, should not be adopted.

Which characteristics of small Belgian dogs would you like to emphasize in particular?

Video on the topic

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