Rough and smooth coated Brussels Griffons have different grooming needs. Smooth coated Griffons require very little grooming besides weekly brushing and occasional bathing when the dog begins to emit an odor.
Rough coated Griffons, on the other hand, need weekly brushing to remove dead hair and need to be combed afterward with a metal comb.
They must be hand stripped twice per year, which involves removing dead and loose hairs by hand to promote new coat growth. Some owners elect to clip their rough coated Griffon in order to avoid stripping the coat, but this is not acceptable for the show ring and alters the texture of the dog's coat and also causes more shedding.
Another great reason why the Brussels breed is good for seniors is that it doesn’t require a lot of exercises. If you live in an apartment or a small home, this breed can get enough exercise indoors, no matter how small space. If you’re feeling up to it, the Brussels Griffon likes to run obstacle courses, which highlights its natural ability as ratters.
TheBrussels Griffon should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval.
Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to gettingoverweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level.
Treatscan be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about whichhuman foodsare safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
The Brussels Griffon has a relatively long life expectancy, with ten to fifteen years being usual. However, it has developed significant reproductive problems.
Bitches in this breed often do not conceive, and when they do they tend to have difficulty giving birth. Cesarean deliveries are common, litters are unusually small and newborn puppies are often delicate.
Often there is only one puppy, with an average mortality rate of 60 percent in the first few weeks. They also may have a breed predisposition to refractory corneal ulceration,cataracts,hip dysplasiaand patellar luxation.
If you’re going to be training a Brussels Griffon, you’re going to need plenty of patience. Sure, this is a pretty smart breed, but you need to treat your dog gently in order to get the job done right.
Housebreaking a Brussels Griffon will require time and patience, as well as flexibility. On the positive side, the Brussels Griffon wants to please you, so it will try its hardest during training sessions.
While training, be aware of your dog’s stress level. As the Brussels Griffon is a sensitive dog, you’ll need to be gentle with your training tactics – if you’re harsh, it will only cause your dog to fear you and you could lose ground on the progress you’ve already made. It will take consistency, sensitivity, and dedication to do the job right.
Remember that new experiences can be a bit overwhelming for the Brussels Griffon. If you’re planning to leash train your dog, start it young, between the ages of four to six weeks of age.
