Before you live with any breed, it is wise to learn about them.  To decide which breed is for you, research saves grief!  If you already own a Brussels Griffon, you can empathize with stories from other griff owners.  If you are a new owner:  Welcome! Your knowledge might avert some 'disasters' for your Griffon family member!

If you don't live with a Brussels Griffon, familiarizing yourself with this intelligent breed may help you decide if it is right for you.  They certainly aren't for everybody. 

TIME:  This breed demands attention.  They need people to be with them.  This often precludes many from owning one.  It would be inconsiderate, psychologically harmful, or even cruel to leave the dog home alone for a work week or more hours a week. 

SENSITIVE:  They are sensitive dogs.  Rowdy homes, or families with little or loud children often aren't suitable.  My Brussels Griffon is a peacful, normally quiet fellow.   He has brought a new peaceful love into our home - when he's not rebounding off the furniture.

BARKING:  I've heard and read that this breed barks a lot.  We're lucky that our griff has a soft, low bark that doesn't irritate our ears like some dog voices can.  An almost deafening, high-pitched bark could challenge an owner.  Another reason we appreciate our guy!

BE INTUITIVE:   You have to be connected to the feeling side of the Brussels Griffon.  They are compassionate creatures.  They deserve ours.  My griff visibly sulks when he has hurt feelings.  For example: If he doesn't get noticed as quickly as he needs, he might go into his kennel.  You can almost see his lower lip pushed out in a pout.

BEYOND SMART:  Brussels Griffons often do not consider the consequences of their actions.  They are apt to jump from their owner's arms, almost like flying.  Many have hurt themselves, breaking limbs in the process.  As a Griffon-owner friend said, they are "pure emotion, not rationalization." 

Humans are supposed to not act on their feelings.  That is what makes us different than the animals.