A day in the life told by a Griffon Bruxellois
I wake up on my human's lap, which is my favorite place. I give a little chirp to say good morning, and she smiles. We have a quiet breakfast, well, I watch her eat, but I get a scratch behind the ears. Then we go for a short walk around the block. I inspect every lamppost and greet my doggy friends with a proud little bow. Back home, I sit by the window and keep an eye on the street. When my human returns from the kitchen, I hop up and do my happy dance. We cuddle on the couch, and I feel like the king of the castle.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Griffon Bruxellois tipBecause of their flat face and crowded teeth, choose small, irregular kibble and VOHC-approved dental chews sized for toy dogs, counting every treat toward their daily calories to avoid weight gain. Their sensitive tummies often do best with a novel or hydrolysed protein diet, so ask your vet before introducing new treats.
Source: petmd.com purina.com
Simple Carrot Crunchies
Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.
You need
- 1 large carrot, washed and peeled
How
- Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
- Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
- Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.
How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.
Recipe from The Kennel Club
Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup
Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.
You need
- 1 cooking pumpkin
- ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
- ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
- Cinnamon, to sprinkle
How
- Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
- Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
- Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
- Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.
How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.
Recipe from Dogs Trust
Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)
A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.
You need
- 1 egg
- 170g boiled chicken breast
- 100g cooked plain rice
- 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
- 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)
How
- Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
- Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
- Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.
Recipe from Blue Cross
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Griffon Bruxellois, and at what times?
Feed your Griffon Bruxellois at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. The exact times can be set to suit your routine, but aim for consistent meal times. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Griffon Bruxellois eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.6
How often should I bathe a Griffon Bruxellois?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues. At least once every three months is a good general rule.7 Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Griffon Bruxellois need brushing?
Brush your Griffon Bruxellois more than once a week. For the rough coat, hand-stripping every 12 weeks helps keep its texture; the smooth coat just needs regular brushing. Pet Wiki's plan recommends weekly brushing.4 Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Griffon Bruxellois's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.7 Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Griffon Bruxellois need?
This breed needs modest exercise, about half an hour a day, plus play and company. Daily walks and playtime are perfect. Its small size makes it easy to keep in a flat or house.4 Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Griffon Bruxellois's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. For floppy ears, dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks.7 Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Griffon Bruxellois live?
The Griffon Bruxellois typically lives 12 years or more. Senior years usually start around age 10, so regular vet check-ups become even more important then.42 Pet Wiki plan
Is a Griffon Bruxellois good with children and other pets?
This breed is self-assured and bright, attaching strongly to its person. It can be good with children and other pets if properly socialized, but it should be neither shy nor snappy. Always supervise interactions.134
Can a Griffon Bruxellois be left alone?
This is a people-focused companion that likes to be close to its owner and does best when not left alone for long. If you must leave it, provide company or enrichment, but it's happiest with you.13
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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