Dog Breed Guide NZ

Griffon Bruxellois

The Griffon Bruxellois is a tiny dog with an enormous personality, often described as having a human-like expression that captivates hearts. Originating from Belgium, these intelligent, alert, and deeply affectionate companions form intense bonds with their owners, earning them the nickname 'Velcro dogs'. Despite their small stature, they possess a confident and sometimes mischievous nature. Their compact size and moderate exercise needs make them exceptionally well-suited for apartment living, fitting seamlessly into the urban Kiwi lifestyle, whether in a bustling Auckland flat or a cosy Wellington townhouse. They thrive on companionship and are perfect for those seeking a devoted, charming, and characterful canine friend in New Zealand.

Apartment FriendlyHouse with SectionRural / FarmSouth Island ReadyAuckland Climate Friendly

Breed Snapshot

Size: 3.5-6 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Temperament: The Griffon Bruxellois is smart, alert and devoted, with a famously self-important toy-dog character. It is often sensitive and people-focused, doing best with gentle training and a household that enjoys a close companion.
NZ Price: $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; SPCA adoption fees (any dog, if this breed is available): $399 for a puppy under 5 months, $149 for a dog aged 5 months to 8 years, $75 for a senior dog (9+), plus a $2.50 service charge.
Annual Vet Cost: Estimated annual vet costs in NZ for a Griffon Bruxellois typically range from $600 - $1,200 NZD. This includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, flea/worm treatments, and potential dental care. Due to their brachycephalic nature, costs could increase if they develop breathing issues requiring surgical intervention (e.g., BOAS surgery), which can be several thousand dollars. Other breed-specific concerns like patellar luxation or eye conditions may also incur additional specialist consultation or treatment fees.

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Personality Scores

Friendliness4/5

Trainability4/5

Energy3/5

Grooming3/5

Health Risk2/5

Apartment5/5

With Kids3/5

With Pets4/5

NZ Lifestyle Fit

The Griffon Bruxellois is remarkably adaptable to various New Zealand living conditions, provided their need for companionship is met. For apartment living in Auckland, they are an excellent choice due to their small size and moderate exercise requirements. However, owners must be mindful of Auckland's humid summers; their brachycephalic nature makes them prone to overheating, so air conditioning or ample shade and cool water are crucial. In a house with a section, a Griffon will enjoy supervised outdoor time but should not be left alone for extended periods. They are not suited for rural NZ farm life, as they lack the instincts for working and are vulnerable to larger animals or farm hazards. For South Island cold winters, a warm dog coat is essential for outdoor excursions, and they must always have a warm, dry indoor space. New Zealand's high UV index also means care should be taken to protect their sensitive eyes from prolonged sun exposure. There are no specific MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) restrictions on owning Griffon Bruxellois in New Zealand.

Origins & History

The Griffon Bruxellois traces its roots back to 19th-century Brussels, Belgium. Originally bred from various small terrier-type dogs, including the Affenpinscher and the Pug, their primary role was to keep stables free of rodents. Their keen intelligence and alert nature made them excellent ratters, but it was their unique, almost human-like expressions and charming personalities that soon caught the attention of the Belgian aristocracy. Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium became a notable enthusiast, further popularising the breed. Over time, their purpose shifted from working dogs to beloved companions, cherished for their distinctive looks and affectionate disposition. Today, they are admired worldwide for their unique blend of terrier spunk and companion dog devotion.

Appearance

The Griffon Bruxellois is a small, sturdy toy breed, typically weighing between 3 to 5 kilograms and standing around 18 to 20 centimetres at the shoulder. They are instantly recognisable by their distinctive 'monkey face' – a brachycephalic (short-nosed) muzzle, prominent chin, and large, expressive eyes that convey a wide range of emotions. The breed comes in two coat types: the rough coat, which is dense, wiry, and requires hand-stripping, and the smooth coat (known as the Brabancon), which is short, glossy, and lies flat. Both coat types come in a variety of colours, including red, black, black and tan, and a mix of red and black (parti-colour). Their compact, well-proportioned body, combined with their confident gait, gives them an air of self-importance despite their diminutive size.

Temperament & Personality

Griffons are renowned for their massive personalities packed into a small frame. They are intelligent, sensitive, and deeply devoted to their human families, often described as 'Velcro dogs' due to their desire to be constantly by their owner's side. This intense bond means they thrive on companionship and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They are alert and make excellent watchdogs, quick to bark at anything unusual, though they are not typically aggressive. While generally good with older, considerate children, their small size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury from boisterous play, so supervision is key. They can also get along with other pets, especially if introduced early. Griffons possess a mischievous streak and a strong will, requiring consistent, positive reinforcement training from a young age to channel their intelligence effectively.

Life in New Zealand

Living with a Griffon Bruxellois in New Zealand is a delightful experience for those seeking a devoted companion. Their small size makes them ideal for various Kiwi living situations, from inner-city apartments to suburban homes with small sections. They are not built for extreme weather, so during Auckland's humid summers or the South Island's cold winters, they appreciate indoor comfort. Their short noses mean they can overheat easily, so shade and cool water are essential during warmer months. Conversely, a warm coat is a must for winter strolls. Griffons enjoy short walks around local parks, along footpaths, or even a gentle stroll on a dog-friendly beach. They are not suited for strenuous tramping or long-distance runs but love being included in family activities, whether it's a bach holiday or a weekend outing. Their adaptability and desire for human company make them wonderful additions to many New Zealand households.

Is This the Right Breed for You?

The Griffon Bruxellois is an excellent choice for individuals or families who can offer consistent companionship and a loving, indoor environment. They are perfect for first-time dog owners who are committed to positive training and socialisation. If you work long hours away from home, a Griffon might not be the best fit due to their strong need for interaction. They thrive in homes where they are an integral part of daily life and can participate in family activities. While generally good with children, homes with very young, boisterous kids might need extra supervision due to the Griffon's delicate size. They are also suitable for older adults seeking a devoted, low-impact companion. If you're looking for a charming, intelligent, and deeply affectionate dog with a unique personality that will keep you entertained, the Griffon Bruxellois could be your perfect Kiwi canine match.

Fun Facts

Fact 1

Griffons often have a 'monkey-like' or 'owl-like' expression, making them instantly recognisable and endearing.

Fact 2

They were originally bred in Brussels, Belgium, to hunt and kill rats in stables.

Fact 3

The breed gained popularity after Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium became a devoted enthusiast in the late 19th century.

Fact 4

Griffons are often nicknamed 'Velcro dogs' due to their intense desire to be constantly close to their owners.

Fact 5

They come in two distinct coat types: rough (wiry) and smooth (short), with the smooth coat sometimes referred to as a Brabancon.

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Tibetan Spaniel

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Pekingese

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Chihuahua

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Chinese Crested

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PetMall Editorial Desk

Reviewed and curated for practical, vet-informed guidance

Every guide is edited into a consistent house style so readers can scan quickly, compare recommendations, and understand where general education stops and personal veterinary advice begins.

Updated: Recently updated
Positioning: Evidence-based pet care for NZ households

Structured Guide

Life Stage Care

Scan the most important priorities for each stage so readers can adapt routine, home setup, and monitoring as this profile matures.

Puppy · 8 weeks to 12 months

Griffon Bruxellois puppies need safe handling, toilet routines, dental handling, coat practice, confidence building, and preventing overprotective habits.

Use short reward-based sessions for name response, recall, handling, settle, and polite greetings.
Introduce grooming, tooth brushing, nail handling, ear checks, and vet-style body checks early.
Keep exercise age-appropriate and avoid repetitive high-impact activity while the body develops.
Feed a suitable puppy diet and transition foods gradually over 1-2 weeks.
Register and microchip according to local council rules.

Adult · 1 to 8 years

Adult Griffon Bruxellois care should focus on short walks, enrichment, tooth brushing, coat care, barking management, warmth, and safe handling.

Use the current profile notes as a starting point: match exercise to the individual dog's age, fitness, and temperament.
Build a daily rhythm that includes exercise, mental work, rest, and predictable household rules.
Keep grooming realistic: Grooming needs for a Griffon Bruxellois depend on their coat type. The rough-coated variety requires regular brushing, ideally 2-3 times a week, to prevent matting and remove loose hair. They also need professional hand-stripping every 3-4 months to maintain coat texture and health; clipping is not recommended as it can soften the coat. Smooth-coated Griffons are lower maintenance, needing weekly brushing to keep their coat shiny and remove shedding hair. Both types require regular nail trims (every 2-4 weeks), ear cleaning, and daily dental care to prevent periodontal disease, which is common in brachycephalic breeds. Professional dental cleaning by a vet may be necessary. Regular checks of their expressive eyes for any irritation or discharge are also important. A professional groomer familiar with the breed can be a valuable asset for rough-coated Griffons in New Zealand..
Watch body condition and adjust food before weight gain becomes obvious.
Refresh recall, lead manners, visitor routines, and calm greetings throughout adulthood.

Senior · 8 years and older

Senior Griffon Bruxellois dogs need dental, heart, eye, warmth, nail, weight, and mobility checks with gentle enrichment.

Use shorter, lower-impact exercise and add scent games, puzzle feeders, or gentle trick refreshers.
Monitor teeth, eyes, ears, skin, appetite, drinking, weight, stiffness, and behaviour changes.
Keep bedding warm and dry through damp NZ winters.
Maintain grooming so mats, soreness, lumps, or skin changes are noticed early.
Ask your vet about senior checks and pain management if activity changes.

NZ Specific Tips

New Zealand Care Notes

These local notes translate general breed guidance into climate, housing, and routine realities for New Zealand households.

NZ Fit

Verify local availability and fit before committing

Griffon Bruxellois ownership in NZ should start with a realistic check of breeder/rescue availability, council registration, housing rules, and whether the breed's needs fit your household. Do not assume every international breed is easy to find locally.

Lifestyle

Match the breed to the weekly routine

Griffon Bruxellois care should cover small-dog safety, dental care, warmth, barking management, coat care, confidence around larger dogs, and gentle handling. A good match is about the daily routine, not only the dog's size or appearance.

Training

Start with manners that protect the dog and the household

Prioritise recall, lead walking, settle, polite greetings, food manners, and safe handling. Keep sessions short, reward-based, and repeated across real-life places.

Grooming

Put coat, teeth, nails, ears, and skin on a schedule

Grooming needs for a Griffon Bruxellois depend on their coat type. The rough-coated variety requires regular brushing, ideally 2-3 times a week, to prevent matting and remove loose hair. They also need professional hand-stripping every 3-4 months to maintain coat texture and health; clipping is not recommended as it can soften the coat. Smooth-coated Griffons are lower maintenance, needing weekly brushing to keep their coat shiny and remove shedding hair. Both types require regular nail trims (every 2-4 weeks), ear cleaning, and daily dental care to prevent periodontal disease, which is common in brachycephalic breeds. Professional dental cleaning by a vet may be necessary. Regular checks of their expressive eyes for any irritation or discharge are also important. A professional groomer familiar with the breed can be a valuable asset for rough-coated Griffons in New Zealand.

Health

Use breed risks as vet and breeder questions

Discuss teeth, ears, eyes, joints, skin, weight, and inherited conditions with your vet or breeder. This is an owner-awareness prompt, not a diagnosis checklist.

Owner Questions

Common Questions

Is a Griffon Bruxellois a good dog for New Zealand homes?+

It can be, when the household can meet the breed's needs. A tiny dog with a massive personality and a human-like expression. Griffons are smart, alert, and deeply affectionate companions. They bond intensely with their owners and are perfect for apartment living. In NZ, also check council registration, housing rules, local availability, and whether daily exercise, grooming, training, and vet costs are realistic.

How much exercise does a Griffon Bruxellois need?+

Exercise needs vary by age, health, and temperament. Add mental work as well as walking, and reduce intensity for puppies, seniors, heat, injury, or poor fitness.

Can a Griffon Bruxellois live in an apartment or townhouse?+

Often yes, if toilet routines, barking, safe handling, enrichment, daily walks, and warmth are managed. Small size does not remove the need for training.

How much grooming does a Griffon Bruxellois need?+

What health issues should Griffon Bruxellois owners discuss with a vet?+

Discuss breed-specific screening, teeth, ears, eyes, joints, skin, weight, and any behaviour or mobility changes. Use this as a vet conversation prompt rather than a diagnosis checklist.

What should owners prepare before bringing home a Griffon Bruxellois puppy?+

Prepare registration and microchipping tasks, a vet plan, puppy food, safe bedding, confinement or crate options, grooming tools, chew outlets, training rewards, and a gradual socialisation plan. SPCA NZ notes food changes should be transitioned gradually.

How much does a Griffon Bruxellois cost in NZ?+

In New Zealand, a Griffon Bruxellois typically costs $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; SPCA adoption fees (any dog, if this breed is available): $399 for a puppy under 5 months, $149 for a dog aged 5 months to 8 years, $75 for a senior dog (9+), plus a $2.50 service charge. Budget for ongoing costs too — food, vet care, parasite prevention and insurance — on top of the purchase price.

Are Griffon Bruxelloiss good with children?+

In our breed profile the Griffon Bruxellois scores 3/5 for getting on with children — usually fine with kids when introduced properly. Always supervise young children with any dog and teach gentle, respectful handling.

Are Griffon Bruxelloiss easy to train?+

The Griffon Bruxellois scores 4/5 for trainability in our profile — a quick, willing learner. Early socialisation and short, positive sessions work best in NZ homes.

How big does a Griffon Bruxellois get and how long do they live?+

The Griffon Bruxellois is a 3.5-6 kg dog breed, typically living 12-15 years. Size affects food, equipment and exercise needs, so plan space and budget accordingly.

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Important Note

Information on PetMall is for education only and does not replace an in-person assessment by a veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, in pain, rapidly deteriorating, or you are unsure whether something is urgent, contact your local veterinary clinic promptly.