Group 9 · Companion dogs
Belgian Griffon
The Belgian toy griffons are small, expressive companion dogs with an almost human gaze and a big heart for their owner. They are clever, sensitive and like to be involved in everything, and are at home in a flat and a calm household.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Brussels Griffonnetje - Belgisch Griffonnetje Brussels Griffonnetje - Brussels Griffonnetje Brussels Griffonnetje - Kleine Brabander by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 4 examinations:
- 1 DNA test
- 1 eye examination
- 1 kneecap examination
- 1 other examination
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (4)
-
Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (SM)
Examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- MRI
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Progressive retinal atrophy CNGB1 (PRA CNGB1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CNGB1: c.2387_2389delinsCTAGCTAC
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Brussels Griffonnetje - Belgisch Griffonnetje Brussels Griffonnetje - Brussels Griffonnetje Brussels Griffonnetje - Kleine Brabander, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (SM), Patellar luxation (PT), Progressive retinal atrophy CNGB1 (PRA CNGB1) and Eye disorders. According to the breeding programme, BOAS is a hereditary condition for which no generally recognised scientific test is currently available. Dogs with severe breathing problems, too short a stop and narrow nostrils (stenotic nares), diagnosed by a vet, are not used for breeding. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A griffon is happy with short walks and play. The rough-coated variety is hand-stripped a few times a year; the smooth one (Petit Brabançon) needs little grooming. Keep the beard and face clean.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
These little dogs bond strongly with one person and are sensitive to the mood at home. They do not like being alone. Children need to learn how to handle such a small dog gently. The breeding programme also mentions BOAS for this breed: ask the breeder about the breathing of the parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
