7-9 lbs
7-9"
United States
The Griffonshire is an adorable mix of the Brussels Griffon and the Yorkshire Terrier, which are both toy breeds. They range in size from 8 to 10 pounds and stand about 8 to 10 inches high. This breed can have a rough and wiry coat like the Brussels Griffon or long and silky straight hair like the Yorkie. It is important to socialize your Griffonshire early in life so they get along well with children and other pets. However, they should not be left alone with small children due to their small size. They may need a little extra patience when training and you should seek help if needed.
The Brussels Griffon originated in the 1800s in Brussels, Belgium, which is how it got its name. They were bred to eliminate the vermin from stables and homes. Their relatives are believed to be the Griffon d’Ecurie, Affenpinscher, Pug, English Toy Spaniel, and possibly the Yorkshire Terrier. Even though they are no longer used for ratting, they still have the fearless courage that makes them great hunting dogs and excellent guard dogs. The Brussels Griffon is a lovable and loyal breed that likes to be within a few feet of their humans at all times. They may have rough or smooth coats in beige, tan, black, red and have three different varieties, which include the Brussels Griffon, Petit Brabancon, and the Belgium Griffon. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes the Brussels Griffon. In fact, the AKC officially recognized both the smooth and rough varieties in 1910 and they are now the 97th most popular breed of dog in the United States. The Yorkshire Terrier started out in England in the 1800s as a vermin hunter. They are believed to be the descendants of the Waterside, Manchester, Paisley, Skye, and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The Yorkie was used to hunt rats and other vermin in factories and mills until their beauty made them popular in shows in the late 1800s. In fact, it was fashionable during that time for Victorian women to carry these beautiful little dogs in their purse or under their arms. They were officially accepted by the AKC in 1885 and are now the 9th most popular breed of dog in the United States.
The Griffonshire is a toy breed that is less than 10 inches tall and typically weighs less than 10 pounds. They have large brown eyes that are usually energetic and curious. Due to their small features, they look like puppies for most of their lives. The Griffonshire has a black nose, short muzzle, and a small but stocky body that is not delicate. They may have long, silky, straight hair like a Yorkie or they can have a rough, medium length coat like a rough-coated Bichon Griffon. Since there are two types of coats for the Bichon Griffon, it depends on which type the parent breed had. They can come in many different colors but the most common include black, brown, cream, and blue.
Both the Brussels Griffon and Yorkshire Terrier require a lot of maintenance and your Griffonshire will require quite a bit as well. This actually depends on which type of coat your dog ends up with. If your dog has long, silky hair, daily brushing with a pin brush and metal comb are needed but with a wiry coat, you may only need to brush them with a pin brush a few times a week. A dematter or deshedder may be needed with some coats and some require grooming with a clipper every few months to keep their coat manageable. Also, clean their ears once a week and trim their nails when needed.
Your Griffonshire is an intelligent and energetic dog with a lot of happy and excited energy. Some say they are almost as smart as humans and can have a bit of sass in them but they are usually very loyal and lovable. They may be difficult to train and some owners decide to enrol their Griffonshire in obedience school to help with that problem. However, if you have the time and patience, you can do it yourself with positive reinforcement. They do not like to be left alone for long periods of time so you may need to make some adjustments or make sure your dog has a friend to play with while you are gone.
The activity level depends on your individual dog but all Griffonshires need at least moderate exercise for 45 to 60 minutes per day. Because they have a lot of energy at times, you should choose their activities to suit your dog’s energy levels. For example, if she is energetic in the mornings and evenings, take her for a brisk walk or jog in the morning and then you could take her out to the dog park or for a hike in the local park in the evening. They enjoy any kind of dog games like Frisbee, fetch, and flyball as well as agility training, which she could be quite good at, despite her size.
Written by Loreziel Ortega
Published: 10/26/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
More articles by Loreziel Ortega
