English Toy Griffon

Purpose

Companionship

Breed Type : Crossbreeds

Breed Size: Small

The delightful English Toy Griffon is an enchanting hybrid that showcases a blend of energy, intelligence, and affection. This breed results from crossing the Brussels Griffon with the English Toy Spaniel, both renowned for their loyalty. Although they need little grooming, these spirited dogs flourish in lively homes, particularly those with other animals. However, they might not be ideal for families with small children, as they can exhibit a tendency to snap.

Breed Origin

The Brussels Griffon is a small dog breed that hails from Brussels, Belgium. Its ancestry can be traced back to the Griffin d'Ecurie, a lively and tenacious breed originally used in stables for pest control. This breed is thought to have a shared lineage with the Affenpinscher, Yorkshire Terrier, and English Toy Spaniel. In 1910, the American Kennel Club officially classified the Brussels Griffon as a toy breed, distinguishing it into two types: those with rough coats and those with smooth coats. Although it is relatively rare today, this breed still embodies the same energetic spirit it had during its days as a hunter. Conversely, the English Toy Griffon is linked to the English Toy Spaniel. It is believed to have originated in Asia before arriving in England, where it became a favored companion of royalty in both Japan and Europe, eventually winning the hearts of the English aristocracy. While it may not possess the hunting skills of larger breeds, the English Toy Spaniel became popular as a cherished lap dog and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886.

Breed Appearance

The English Toy Griffon, being a hybrid breed, can take on characteristics from either of its parent breeds. Generally, these dogs feature a flatter face and a rounded skull, traits that come from the Brussels Griffon. They may have an overbite, typical of Brussels Griffons, or an underbite, which is a hallmark of the English Toy Spaniel. Their eyes are typically round and expressive, while their ears can either hang down partially or fully, often embellished with some feathering. Since both parent breeds fall under the toy category, this hybrid tends to have a robust bone structure, giving it a broad and nearly square appearance. If the dog leans more towards the Brussels Griffon lineage, it will likely have a coarser, wiry coat with minimal feathering and may display the unique "monkey face" look. On the other hand, if it inherits more traits from the English Toy Spaniel, it will likely have a soft, glossy coat with more prominent feathering.

Care Routine

The Brussels Griffon stands out as the sole breed acknowledged for being hypoallergenic. Consequently, if your hybrid inherits a coat akin to that of the Brussels Griffon, it may also possess hypoallergenic qualities. However, this is not a certainty, so it’s crucial to be cautious when selecting a puppy, particularly if allergies are a concern in your home. Regarding grooming, the hybrid is likely to need minimal maintenance. A weekly brushing with a pin brush, complemented by a comb to address any tangles, should effectively remove dirt and loose fur. If the hybrid has ears similar to those of the English Toy Spaniel, regular cleaning will be essential, as the fur and feathering can restrict airflow. Like all dogs, they will also require consistent dental care and nail trimming.

Behavior & Temperament

The English Toy Griffon is a loving, loyal, and lively breed that enjoys engaging in play. While they can make excellent companions for families, they thrive best in active environments. On the other hand, the Brussels Griffon, one of its parent breeds, is often not seen as ideal for families with children, as they can become easily irritated if disturbed too much. Likewise, the English Toy Spaniel may also exhibit signs of annoyance around kids, indicating that this hybrid may not be the most suitable choice for homes with young children. Nevertheless, with appropriate socialization, these breeds can be trained effectively and may learn to live harmoniously with children. It’s crucial for kids to recognize when a dog is feeling uneasy. Furthermore, this hybrid can adjust well to cohabiting with other pets, provided that introductions are managed properly. When encountering new people, your English Toy Griffon might show some shyness and caution, or they could be curious enough to overcome their initial reluctance.

Play & Exercise

The English Toy Griffon is a highly energetic breed, drawing its spirited personality from both of its parent breeds, which are celebrated for their exuberance and playful nature. To ensure your hybrid remains happy and healthy, it's important to provide regular short walks, occasional runs, trips to the dog park, and ample playtime with toys. Their small stature makes them ideal for apartment living, and they can exhibit a laid-back demeanor at times. Nevertheless, they flourish in active households and appreciate a busy day, which allows them to relax and enjoy a cozy movie night later on. Participating in activities such as earth dog trials and obedience training can significantly improve the overall well-being of your English Toy Griffon.

Things to Know

Cups Per Day

1.0 Cups

Daily Activity

60 Minutes

Average Lifespan

13 Years

Origin

Unknown

Type

Crossbreeds

Size

Small

Origin Country

North America

Brush Frequency

Weekly

Coat Texture

Wiry

Ancestors

Brussels Griffon

This energetic and vivacious breed has humble beginnings, initially bred to hunt vermin in Belgian stables. As time passed, it was interbred with the Pug, creating an endearing little companion for cab drivers. It's uncertain whether passengers were more enamored with the Griff or the drivers themselves! With its expressive face reminiscent of a Pug and a coat that can be either smooth or wiry, this breed—often dubbed the "velcro dog"—is celebrated for its steadfast loyalty, affection, playful nature, curiosity, and protective instincts, along with a strong aversion to being left alone. Nevertheless, the Brussels Griffon is prone to several health concerns, such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, Chiari-like malformation (CM), syringomyelia (SM), corneal dystrophy, and hip dysplasia.

English Toy Spaniel

The English Toy Spaniel made its way to the United States from England in 1886, the same year it was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) under the ownership of Susannah Roberts (Mrs. B. F. Wilson) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This breed became the AKC's third toy breed, following the Yorkshire Terrier and the Pug. The English Toy Spaniel is available in four distinct color patterns: tan and black (previously referred to as the King Charles), white, tan, and black (known as the Prince Charles), red and white (Blenheim), and solid red (Ruby). With its long, lustrous coat, square head, and short legs, this breed has a compact physique, typically standing about 10 inches tall and weighing around 12 pounds.

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Height & Weight

Weight

11 lbs (5 kg)

Male: 11 lbs (5 kg) , Female: 11 lbs (5 kg)

Height

10 inches (25 sm)

Male: 10 inches (25 sm) , Female: 10 inches (25 sm)