30/07/2026
🏴 THE TARTAN ARCHIVES | Griffon Bruxellois
We are in the Toy Group this week with a breed we seldom see often up here in the North. Small in size but overflowing with personality, the Griffon Bruxellois is often described as having “almost human” expressions. Behind that charming face, however, is a little dog with a big working history.
Originating in Belgium during the 1800s, Griffons were bred as stable dogs, where their job was to hunt rats and vermin among horse-drawn carriages and stables. Agile, intelligent and surprisingly fearless, they quickly proved themselves to be excellent little hunters before later becoming beloved companions of European nobility.
🐭 Their harsh, wiry coat helped protect them from scratches, dirt and the weather while working around stables and outbuildings.
👁 Their distinctive beard, moustache and eyebrows helped shield their face from dust, debris and the occasional scratch while chasing vermin.
💪 Their compact, square build gave them the agility and confidence to squeeze into tight spaces while remaining sturdy enough for a hard day’s work.
Traditionally, the coat is hand stripped, which removes the dead outer hairs and encourages a new harsh coat to grow through, maintaining the rich colour and weather-resistant texture the breed was designed to have.
✂️ Breed-appropriate grooming focuses on preserving the Griffon’s unique outline and expression. The furnishings on the face are carefully shaped to frame those unmistakable eyes, while the body coat is maintained to showcase the breed’s compact, square silhouette. The result should never look overly sculpted, just a tidy, natural version of the hardworking little dog the breed was always meant to be.
💡 Did You Know?
The Griffon Bruxellois became internationally famous after starring as “Verdell” in the 1997 film As Good as It Gets alongside Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt. The movie introduced many people to this charming little breed.
🏴 What breed would you like to see featured in the next edition of The Tartan Archives? Let me know below 👇
