Griffonland

Home
Dog Breeds
Griffonland

12-15 lbs

9-10"

United States

Brussels Griffon

West Highland White Terrier

Brussels White Terrier

A spritely dog with plenty of love to share, the Griffonland is a solid little companion ready for action. Though affectionate, this hybrid is independent and will not want to spend all of her time in your lap. A mix between the Brussels Griffon and the West Highland White Terrier, a beautiful coat and an expressive face makes this hybrid a favorite. This addition to your family will be smart and will enjoy training classes and family interaction. Her coat may tangle, so be prepared to gently brush her a few times a week.

Purpose
Companion


Date of Origin
1990s


Ancestry
Brussels Griffon and West Highland White Terrier

Griffonland Health

Average Size

Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 14-16 lbs

Height: 9-10 inches Weight: 12-15 lbs

Major Concerns

Syringomyelia
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)
Craniomandibular Osteopathy (Lion Jaw)

Minor Concerns

Cataracts
Seborrhea
Hip Dysplasia
Corneal Dystrophy
Atopy Dermatitis

Occasional Diagnoses

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Allergies
Heart Problems
Addison’s Disease

Occasional Tests

X-Rays
MRI
Eye Examination
Skin Evaluation
Ultrasound
Urinalysis
Blood Tests

Griffonland Breed History

The Brussels Griffon dates back to the 1800s where this small terrier-like breed was used for hunting and killing mice and rats in Brussels, Belgium. They were especially prevalent in stables where the horses of horse drawn cabs were kept and the cab drivers kept the dogs with them when riding to use as theft deterrents. The breed was created from the English Toy Spaniel, where it got its large eyes, the Affenpinscher, where it got its wiry coat, and the Pug, where it got its dark muzzle and funny expressions. The smooth coated Brussels Griffon is thought to be related to the Yorkshire Terrier as well. The standard for this breed was developed in Europe in 1883 and they started being shown in competitions in 1889. The queen of Belgium, Marie Henriette, really loved the breed and owned several of her own. The American Kennel Club (AKC) started recognizing the Brussels Griffon in 1910, where they are the 97th most popular breed of dog. The West Highland White Terrier started out in Scotland in the 1800s from the Cairn Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Skye Terrier, and Scottish Terrier. They were originally popular for their hunting ability and were especially adept at hunting vermin, badgers, otters, and foxes. The reason the dog was bred to be white is due to owner Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch, after his dog was accidentally shot when mistaken for a fox. The English Kennel Club (EKC) acknowledged the little white Terrier in 1906 and was then noticed and accepted by the AKC in 1908, where they are the 41st most popular dog breed.

Griffonland Breed Appearance

The Griffonland may be gray, cream, or white in color, depending on the coloring of each parent breed and which traits are the most prominent. Their coat may not be all one color and is likely to have traces of gray or gold underneath the main color. The fur is usually medium long, dense, and may be soft or rough, but is usually straight. They have a small head, furry, triangular ears that hang down when relaxed and perk up when listening, a black nose, and large brown eyes. They have short but well-muscled legs and a long, solid body.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

White

Cream

Gray

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Griffonland Breed Maintenance

Grooming of the Griffonland may take a bit of time but the results will be worth the effort. Their long, thick fur requires brushing at least three or four times a week with a pin brush and metal comb. You should be careful to loosen any mats or tangles with your fingers before trying to comb out to reduce damage to the hair. Once a week, you should clean their ears thoroughly with damp cotton balls and look for any signs of wax buildup, ear mites, or redness and irritation. To prevent dental issues, you should also brush your dog’s teeth with toothpaste made specially for dogs. Also, be sure to trim your dog’s toenails when it is needed as cracks or breaks can be painful.

Brushes for Griffonland

Pin Brush

Slicker Brush

Dematter

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Griffonland Temperament

This breed is full of spunk and feistiness but is also lovable and friendly to most everyone. They get along well with your other pets but must be trained socially to get along with other animals and strangers. They should be supervised with children since they may become snappish when agitated. Do not squeeze or hold her too much or she may get irritated with you as well. Training should not be difficult since the Griffonland is eager to please and they like to learn. While they do not bark excessively, if left alone too long they can become bored and get into things.

Griffonland Activity Requirements

The Griffonland has a moderate activity level with high energy levels so she needs to get at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise per day. This can include taking her for a walk, letting her jog alongside your bike, taking her to play at the dog park, swimming, and even hiking in your local park. If your dog does not get as much exercise as she needs, she can develop behavioral issues like excessive scratching, aggression, and barking. This breed is also good at agility training and may enjoy being in competitions or playing Frisbee or flyball. Since they are small, playing fetch in the house can be a good activity on rainy or cold days.

Activity Level

Low
Medium
High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Griffonland

Similarly Sized Breeds to Griffonland

Griffonland Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1.5 cups
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.30
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00

Written by Loreziel Ortega

Published: 10/26/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

Griffonland Owner Experiences

Book me a walkiee?

Pweeeze!

Book My Walk!