The Griffon Bruxellois, or Brussels Griffon, has at least one claim to distinction: he is the smallest dog that has yet appeared to take the fancy of the dog-lover. Five pounds is a fair average weight for a Griffon, but many of them are much under this. One tiny specimen, when two years old, weighed only a pound-and-a-half: and they can be carried about in an overcoat pocket without seeming to weigh anything at all.
Their value, however, is by no means in proportion to their weight. Quite the reverse, in fact, for the smaller the dog, as a rule, the higher the price. Very big sums are sometimes paid for very small scraps of Griffon Bruxellois.
It is only about twenty years since the Griffon made his first appearance in this country. His native place is Belgium, where he has long been a pet in many a humble home.
The Griffon belongs to the Terrier class of dogs, and like most other Terriers, he is full of life and energy. The sporting instinct is strong in him; and if his small size prevents him from attacking big game, he can at any rate look very fierce, and convey the impression that he would do a great deal of damage if he could.
We have heard of kings winning the hearts of their subjects by a smile. The Griffon is an example of a dog who has made his way to the front as a pet by virtue of an expression of a quite different kind. It is not exactly a frown or a scowl, it is certainly not a smile; it denotes neither pleasure nor ill-temper. It is rather a look of wonderment, or puzzled curiosity, in which there is also a suggestion of defiance. "It is all about as curious as it can be," said the Gryphon to Alice in Wonderland when he had heard an account of her adventures; and his namesake, the Griffon Bruxellois, seems to be addressing a similar remark to the world in general, with this addition, that, curious or not, he is a match for it.
This resolute look, coupled with his few inches, gives the Griffon a most quaint appearance. His face has several peculiar features which partly account for this effect. His nose is short and turned up, and his chin is trust forward in a very aggressive manner. His eyes are big and round, generally black in colour. He has also a plentiful crop of whiskers which seem to stick out in all directions round his face, and long hair like a beard hangs beneath his chin. One might think to look at him that he was bristling with eagerness for a fight.
These things, however, are mere accidents. He is not angry really, for his temper is of the best, and he is only too pleased to make friends. He is a very lovable little fellow, loyal to his master or mistress, extremely well mannered, and intelligent withal.
The Griffon´s body is sturdy and active, and is covered with coarse wiry hair. This is constantly being renewed, and the coat of the pet Griffon, if he is to look smart, should be kept well brushed, and the long hair clipped to make room for the new growth.
In Belgium it is the custom to crop the Griffon´s ears, which is supposed to make him look smarter still. In this country, of course, the practice is not permitted, and the ears are allowed to grow naturally. They are partly erect, and bend over at the tips.
The correct colour of the Brussels Griffon is red. All Griffons that are not red are placed in a class by themselves and called Griffons-of-all-colours. There is still another variety, called the Brabançon (or Griffon of Brabant), which has a smooth coat. This is only respect in which he differs from the Griffon Bruxellois, and it must be confessed that the absence of the long hair deprives him of much of the quaint charm that has made the latter so popular.

Taken from: "The Book Of Baby Dogs”. Illustrated by E.J. Detmold. Described by C.J. Kaberry
Humphrey Milford. Oxford University Press, London
Clay & Sons 1929