English Toy Griffon
Hybrid Breed Description
The English Toy Griffon is a cross between the Brussels Griffon and the English Toy Spaniel. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing an English Toy Griffon. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon stands approximately seven to ten inches tall at the shoulder, with a compact weight range of eight to twelve pounds. Their body is square in proportion, presenting a sturdy yet refined appearance with a large, round head and a notably short muzzle that creates their distinctive facial structure. The breed's most recognizable feature is their almost human-like expression, characterized by prominent, wide-set eyes that convey intelligence and curiosity. Their ears are small and set high on the head, contributing to their alert bearing. This toy breed comes in two distinct coat varieties that significantly affect their appearance and grooming needs. The rough-coated variety features harsh, wiry, dense fur with longer fringe around the face, earning them the nickname of bearded dogs in historical Belgian folklore. Their rough coat creates a distinctive look with whiskers and facial hair that accentuates their expressive features. The smooth-coated variety presents straight, short, tight, and glossy hair that lies close to the body with minimal texture. Both coat types can appear in multiple color variations including red, black, black and tan, and belge which combines black and reddish-brown hues with characteristic black masks. Despite their diminutive stature, Brussels Griffons possess a surprisingly solid build with well-developed musculature beneath their coat. Their movement is characterized by a purposeful, confident trot that reflects their heritage as working dogs in Belgian stables. The breed's overall appearance combines elegance with substance, creating a toy dog that appears both delicate and surprisingly sturdy, with proportions that are well-balanced despite their small size.
Key Characteristics
Brussels Griffons possess remarkably large personalities within their small frames, displaying a complex temperament that ranges from outgoing and active to more reserved and cautious depending on individual breeding and socialization. Most fall somewhere between these extremes, sharing common traits of high intelligence, devotion to their families, and a comical sense of self-importance that consistently entertains their owners. These dogs are famously referred to as Velcro dogs due to their intense desire to remain constantly close to their preferred people, forming exceptionally strong bonds with one or two family members whom they follow throughout the home. The breed demonstrates considerable sensitivity coupled with a stubborn, independent streak that requires patient, consistent training using positive reinforcement methods. They respond poorly to harsh correction and may develop behavioral issues if treated roughly or left alone for extended periods. Brussels Griffons thrive on human interaction and attention, becoming anxious or destructive when isolated from their families for too long. Their alert, watchful nature makes them excellent watchdogs who bark to announce visitors, though their small size prevents them from serving as effective guard dogs. They can be initially reserved or wary around strangers but typically warm up once they assess the situation as safe. While generally good with family dogs and cats when properly introduced, Brussels Griffons may display dog aggression toward unfamiliar canines and are fearless when confronted despite their size disadvantage. Their moderate to high energy levels require daily exercise through walks and play sessions, and they excel in various canine activities including obedience, agility, and rally competitions. The breed's intelligence makes them trainable, though their independent nature means success requires making them believe that following commands was their own idea rather than a demand from their owner.
Brussels Griffons are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years, though they are predisposed to several breed-specific health conditions that potential owners should understand. As brachycephalic dogs with shortened muzzles and flat faces, they are prone to breathing difficulties and heat sensitivity, requiring careful monitoring during warm weather and limiting strenuous exercise when temperatures rise. Their prominent, protruding eyes make them vulnerable to various ocular problems including corneal injuries, progressive retinal atrophy that causes gradual blindness, and cataracts that cloud the lens and impair vision, though cataract surgery often successfully restores sight. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of proper position, commonly affects this breed and can cause lameness, discomfort, and eventual arthritis if left untreated. Management typically involves joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medications, though severe cases may require surgical correction. Hip dysplasia, though more common in larger breeds, occasionally affects Brussels Griffons when the hip joint fails to develop properly, causing pain and reduced mobility that necessitates medical management or potentially surgery. The breed also faces risk of syringomyelia, a serious neurological condition characterized by fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord that causes significant pain and weakness, particularly in breeds with Chiari-like malformations where the brain is too large for the skull. Other health concerns include dental disease common to toy breeds requiring regular teeth cleaning, potential heart valve problems that demand monitoring, and various allergies that may cause skin irritation and discomfort. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock using certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for patellas and hips, eye examinations through the Canine Eye Registry Foundation, and MRI screening for syringomyelia. Regular veterinary checkups, maintaining healthy weight, appropriate exercise, and early detection of symptoms remain crucial for ensuring Brussels Griffons live long, healthy lives despite their genetic predispositions.
English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is a compact toy breed standing nine to ten inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between eight and fourteen pounds, with minimal size variation between males and females. Their body presents a notably square, cobby build with a sturdy frame despite their diminutive stature, featuring a broad chest and well-muscled short legs with the front legs set farther apart than the rear legs. The breed's most distinctive characteristic is their domed skull that appears large in proportion to body size, paired with a very short, upturned nose that creates their signature pushed-in facial profile and slight underbite. Their expressive face features large, dark, soulful eyes with prominent dark rims set rather low in the skull, creating a sweet and appealing expression that captures attention. The ears are exceptionally long and pendulous, hanging close to the head and heavily feathered with luxurious hair. Their small necks appear short and thick, supporting heads that seem oversized for their compact frames. The breed's tail may be naturally short or docked to two to four inches in length in regions where this practice remains legal. The English Toy Spaniel's crowning glory is their beautiful long, silky coat that requires regular maintenance to prevent tangling and matting, with particular attention needed around the ears, chest, legs, and feet where feathering is most abundant. They come in four distinct color varieties, each historically bearing its own formal name: the King Charles features black and tan coloring, the Prince Charles displays tricolor patterns of white with black and tan, the Blenheim presents red and white markings, and the Ruby shows solid rich mahogany red. Their coat has a slightly wavy or straight texture with a soft, silky feel that makes them ideal lap dogs. Despite their aristocratic appearance, these dogs possess surprising heaviness for their size and move with a dignified, unhurried gait befitting their royal heritage.
Key Characteristics
English Toy Spaniels are renowned for their gentle, affectionate, and devoted temperament, making them quintessential companion dogs perfectly suited for those seeking a loyal lapdog. They form exceptionally strong bonds with their families and thrive on human companionship, preferring to spend most of their time close to their owners and often selecting one favorite person to whom they show particular devotion. Their calm, happy, and playful disposition creates a pleasant household presence, though they maintain a somewhat reserved or aloof attitude toward strangers until they determine these newcomers are welcome and pose no threat. The breed displays remarkable adaptability to various living situations, excelling in apartment environments due to their small size, relatively quiet nature, and moderate energy requirements. They are not excessive barkers, though they serve as effective watchdogs by alerting owners to unusual sounds or visitors with their appropriately sized alarm bark. English Toy Spaniels generally get along well with other household pets including dogs and cats when properly socialized, and they tolerate gentle children who understand how to handle small dogs respectfully. However, they may not be the best choice for families with very young children who might accidentally injure them through rough play. These intelligent dogs are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, though their sensitive nature means they do not tolerate harsh corrections or reprimands. Some individuals can display stubbornness during training, requiring patience and consistency from their owners. English Toy Spaniels have low to moderate exercise needs, satisfied with short daily walks and indoor playtime rather than demanding vigorous outdoor activity. Their brachycephalic facial structure makes them sensitive to temperature extremes, particularly heat and humidity, requiring owners to monitor them carefully during warm weather. The breed's dignified, somewhat self-assured demeanor reflects their aristocratic heritage, creating companion dogs who are simultaneously regal in bearing and devoted in their affections.
English Toy Spaniels generally enjoy good health with a lifespan of ten to twelve years, though like all breeds they are predisposed to certain genetic health conditions that require awareness and monitoring. Mitral valve disease stands as one of the most significant health concerns affecting this breed, occurring when the heart's mitral valve weakens over time leading to inefficient blood flow and potentially progressing to heart failure. While no cure exists, early detection through regular veterinary examinations allows for medical management and lifestyle adjustments that can significantly improve quality of life and extend the dog's years. The breed's brachycephalic facial structure, characterized by their short upturned nose and pushed-in face, predisposes them to breathing difficulties and respiratory challenges. They are particularly sensitive to heat and humidity, which can exacerbate breathing problems and lead to dangerous overheating. Owners must provide climate-controlled environments, avoid excessive exercise during warm weather, and ensure constant access to water and shaded areas. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap repeatedly slips out of position, commonly affects English Toy Spaniels causing lameness, a distinctive bunny-hopping gait, and discomfort that may progress to arthritis. Mild cases may resolve naturally while severe instances require surgical intervention. Ocular issues present another area of concern, with English Toy Spaniels prone to developing cataracts that cloud the eye lens and impair vision, though surgical removal often successfully restores sight. Progressive retinal atrophy may also occur, causing gradual vision loss without accompanying pain. Their large prominent eyes are vulnerable to injuries, lacerations, and infections requiring regular monitoring. Some English Toy Spaniels are born with open fontanels, soft spots on the skull that fail to close completely with maturity, necessitating extra care to prevent head injuries. Dental problems common to small breeds require diligent oral hygiene including regular brushing and professional cleanings. The breed's sensitivity to anesthesia demands special protocols during surgical procedures, and responsible breeders conduct health screenings including cardiac evaluations, patella certifications, and eye examinations to reduce the incidence of hereditary conditions in future generations.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your English Toy Griffon may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Brussels Griffon and English Toy Spaniel to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.