How to Groom a Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is an aristocratic little dog. Alert and aware, they walk with a steady, determined trot. In the 1800s, people used Brussels Griffons to catch rats in stables. The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1910. The Brussels Griffon is a low maintenance dog, requiring a full grooming every 6 to 8 weeks and a general grooming twice a month.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slicker brush
• Comb
• Blending shears
• Shears

1. Brush the dog lightly to remove shed hair and matting from the coat.

2. Remove hair from the outside ear leather using blending shears. Begin at the base of the ear and work your way to the tip. The Brussels Griffon should have long hair on the head. The eyebrows and beard should frame the face. The hair on the ears should be kept short.

3. Remove any hairs which have collected in the inner eye.

4. Remove extra water after a bath by using a modern high velocity dryer.

5. Bathe your Brussels Griffon. For damaged coats, use a pH-alkaline balanced shampoo.

Tips & Warnings

• The wiry coat of the Brussels Griffon must be hand stripped if the dog is put in show.
• If styled properly, the face should have a rounded look. The body and legs should be trimmed but maintain a natural look.
• Brussels Griffons usually weigh approximately 8 to 10 lbs. and should not weigh more than 12 lbs.
• Expected life span of a Brussels Griffon is twelve to fifteen years.
• Don't leave your Brussels Griffon outside for extended periods of time. Heat stroke is a big health hazard for this breed due to their shortened snouts. Extreme heat can also cause respiratory problems because of their flattened faces.
• Eye lacerations and slipped stifle are other common afflictions of this breed.