Broodle Griffon

The feisty little Broodle Griffon is a fun-loving combination of the curious Brussels Griffon and the super smart Miniature Poodle. This wonderful family pooch is playful, affectionate and loves to be involved in all activities that involve his human pack. He’s well-behaved, keen to please and gets along well with kids and other pets.

The fun-loving Broodle Griffon is a combination of the curious Brussels Griffon and the super smart Miniature Poodle.

Origin

Broodle Griffons are the result of the trend towards Designer Dogs that began back in the 1980’s. Pure-bred dogs were mated to produce puppies that were not only free from many of the health issues that plagued the foundation breeds but were also often smaller, hypo-allergenic or a gentler variation on a popular breed.

Pedigree

The Broodle Griffon’s designer dog status means he is not a pure-bred and isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however both parent breeds are long-time members; the Poodle joined AKCs “non-sporting” group in 1887 while the Brussels Griffon became a member of the “toy” group in 1910.

Food/Diet

Because the Broodle Griffon isn’t an overly active dog, be sure to pick a nutrient-rich food that is designed to meet his age, size and activity level – meaning not heavy in fillers or carbohydrates. The Poodle side of this dog can be prone to digestive issues so opt for a low-fat food and plan to feed him 2 to 3 times a day versus free feeding. Poodles can also suffer from bloat so exercise should not be planned for within an hour of his meal.

The animated Broodle Griffon is a playful, good-natured little dog who loves to cuddle with his people.

Training

Your Broodle Griffon is one smart little dog and is a snap to train. He listens to commands and is quick to obey which makes for quick results. As with most pint-sized pooches, establishing yourself as pack leader is crucial in order to avoid small dog syndrome where your pet feels he is in control of the family unit. Keep training consistent, firm but always peppered with loads of verbal praise and treats of your choosing for a job well done.

Weight

Your Broodle Griffon will weigh between 7 to 15 pounds when he reaches adulthood.

Temperament/Behavior

The animated Broodle Griffon is a playful, good-natured little dog who loves to cuddle with his people. His cheerful personality and friendly disposition makes him a great fit for families with kids and other pets however he may take time to warm to strangers. His tendency to bark when he feels anxious means he has great watchdog potential but coupled with his highly social nature, he doesn’t do well when left on his own for long periods of time – especially in an apartment.

Common Health Problems

As a designer dog, the Broodle Griffon will probably side-step some of the health issues that plague his pure-bred parents. It is however important to know what your new pup could inherit down the line and with this pooch that can include the Poodle’s digestive issues as well as eye and respiratory problems from the Brussels Griffon.

Life Expectancy

Broodle Griffons have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Broodle Griffon is a great fit for small spaces because he doesn’t need much exercise to keep him fit and healthy. Short daily walks and playtime in a fenced yard or at a dog park will help him burn off energy and stay mentally stimulated. He has a fairly high tendency to wander so when letting him off lead, ensure its in a fenced or confined area.

The playful, friendly Broodle-Griffon is a great fit for families with kids and other pets.

Recognized Clubs

Also known as the Brus-A-Poo, Brussapoo, Brusapoo and Griffinpoo, the Broodle Griffon is a designer dog so isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he is a member of the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of American, Inc. (DRA) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

The Broodle Griffon is considered a low- to moderate-shedding dog depending on whether the Brussels Griffon or the Poodle is more predominant in your pup. Either way, he will require moderate maintenance including brushing 1 to 2 times per week to keep hair in check and grooming every few months to keep his curly coat looking its best. As a floppy eared dog, plan to inspect and clean his ears weekly to prevent infection.

Puppies

Broodle Griffon pups can inherit the Brussels Griffon tendency to become anxious and “barky” around strangers so socialization should begin early on. This pooch can also develop “small dog syndrome” if pack leadership is not established when he is young, so plan to begin his obedience training as soon as you bring him into your home. Remember that tiny joints can be damaged during leash-training and exercise sessions so introduce gradually.

Photo credit: Annette Shaff/Shutterstock; Utekhina Anna/Shutterstock.com; Anton Gvozdikov/Shutterstock.com