English Toy Griffon
11-15 yrs
8-14 lbs
9-10"
North America

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English Toy Griffon

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Dog Breeds
English Toy Griffon

8-14 lbs

9-10"

North America

Brussels Griffon

English Toy Spaniel

Energetic, Intelligent and affectionate all describe the lovely toy breed hybrid known as the English Toy Griffon. This hybrid is a mix of the Brussels Griffon and the English Toy Spaniel, both of which are loyal little dogs. This hybrid can be considered low maintenance in terms of grooming, however they are playful little guys and will be best suited to an active home with other pets. Unfortunately, they aren’t recommended to households with children due to their snappish behavior.

                
                Purpose
              
Companionship

                Date of Origin
              
Unknown

                Ancestry
              
Brussels Griffon and English Toy Spaniel

English Toy Griffon Health

Average Size

Height: 9-10 inches Weight: 8-14 lbs

Major Concerns

Patellar Luxation
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Minor Concerns

Seborrhea

Occasional Diagnoses

Allergies

Occasional Tests

X-Rays
ECG
Cardiac Ultrasound
Blood Chemistry

English Toy Griffon Breed History

The Brussels Griffon is a small breed dog that can be traced back to Brussels, Belgium. Breeding began with the Griffin d'Ecurie (ecurie being French for stable), a feisty tough breed that worked the stalls and stables searching for vermin. These breeds likely share ancestors with the Affenpinscher, Yorkshire Terrier, and English Toy Spaniel. In 1910, this breed was officially recognized with the American Kennel Club as a toy breed, with varieties being divided into the rough and smooth coated. Still as spirited today as he was in his hunting days, he is a relatively rare breed. The other half of the English Toy Griffon is the English Toy Spaniel. A cousin of sorts to the Brussels Griffon, he was thought to have originated in Asia before being brought to England. A companion to royalty in Japan, Europe, and later in England, he was the treasured attendant of emperors, duchesses, kings and queens. Not as good at hunting as larger breeds, the English Toy Spaniel made his mark as a much loved lap dog and joined the American Kennel Club in 1886.

English Toy Griffon Breed Appearance

Because he is a hybrid, the English Toy Griffon can take on a strong resemblance to either one of its parent breeds. In general, they tend to have more of a flattened face and rounded skull like the Brussels Griffon parent. They may have an over-shot bite (common to the Brussels Griffon breed) or an undershot bite (as seen in the English Toy Spaniel). The eyes tend to be round and alert; ears can be semi-flopped or fully flopped downwards with some feathering. Considering both parents are toy breeds, this hybrid can be heavy boned, broad and almost square shaped. If your hybrid takes on more Brussels Griffon traits then they will likely have rougher and more wiry-like coats with very little feathering and they may also have the iconic “monkey face” appearance. However, if your hybrid takes on more of the English Toy Spaniel characteristics, then they may have a soft, shiny coat with heavier feathering.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Brown

Black

Red

Cream

Fawn

Pied

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

English Toy Griffon Breed Maintenance

Only the Brussels Griffon is considered a hypoallergenic dog, and so if your hybrid takes on a similar coat to the Brussels Griffon then you may have a hypoallergenic dog. This is not for certain however, so care should be taken upon selecting your puppy if there are allergies in the family. The hybrid may be of minimal care in the maintenance department. Weekly brushing with a pin brush and a run though the tangles with a comb may be all that is needed to pick up dirt and loose hair. They will require regular ear cleaning should their ears resemble the English Toy Spaniel’s, as the fur and feathering on the ears could reduce air flow into the ear. Like all dogs, they will require teeth cleaning and nail trimming on a regular basis.

Brushes for English Toy Griffon

Pin Brush

Comb

Scissors

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

English Toy Griffon Temperament

The English Toy Griffon is a sweet, loyal and rambunctious breed that’s always ready for a good play. These dogs make great family pets but do require an active family. The parent breed, the Brussels Griffon, is often not considered a “kid-friendly” breed as they may get quite irritated if pestered too much. Similarly, the English Toy Spaniel also has the tendency to get quite annoyed with children and because of this possibility, it is likely that your hybrid may not be well suited to a home with children. Nevertheless, these breeds can be easy to train and if well socialised with children may learn to tolerate them. As well, children need to learn to when a dog may be getting irritated. This hybrid can often do well with other pets in a household when introduced properly. When encountering strangers your English Toy Griffon might be shy and reserved or curious enough to push past the hesitation.

English Toy Griffon Activity Requirements

The English Toy Griffon is a highly energetic breed as both parent breeds are very lively, sometimes tireless, and always playful. Your hybrid will require regular short walks, maybe runs, time at the dog park and lots of playtime with toys. They do tend to do quite well in apartments due to their size and they can be quite laid back, relaxed, and even lazy when they want to be. They are best suited to active homes, though and will do best with a busy day so that they can cuddle and watch a movie in the evening. Earth dog trials and obedience classes may be just what your English Toy Griffin needs to be content.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
9 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to English Toy Griffon

Similarly Sized Breeds to English Toy Griffon

English Toy Griffon Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00

Written by Loreziel Ortega

Published: 11/15/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

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