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Pet Insurance for Brussels Griffons

Find out all about Brussels Griffons and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$2,500–$4,500

Height

15cm - 20cm

Weight

3kg - 5kg

Personality

Alert, curious, affectionate

Coat length

Short, wavy or smooth

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 - 15 years

Brussels Griffon

Overview

The Brussels Griffon, also known as the Griffon Bruxellois or just ‘Griffs’ for short, are a small and charming toy breed of dog originating from Brussels in Belgium. They were originally bred by coachmen to kill rats, but their history can be traced back as far as 1434. What they lack in stature they make up for in personality, and are known as highly affectionate, sensitive little dogs who bond closely with one person. Available in four colours, beige, black and tan, red, and black, they have either a smooth or wiry short coat that requires minimal grooming. Wiry-coated dogs are more often referred to as the Griffon Bruxellois.  

Their comical beard and moustache covers most of their mouth, giving them their distinctive almost human-like appearance. Brussels Griffons are known for their spirited nature and are very playful, making them ideal companions for the housebound or elderly. They are intelligent and can easily be trained. Nicknamed the ‘velcro dog,’ these little furry companions like nothing better than snuggling on the settee or in bed with their owner, and thrive in homes where they receive lots of attention. They dislike being left alone, and can become stressed or depressed if parted from their owner, so they need a family that can give them constant companionship. 

Common diseases and conditions of Brussels Griffons

  • Patellar Luxation: Brussels Griffons may experience patellar luxation, where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position. 
  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. 
  • Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Brachycephalic means ‘short-nosed’ and breeds that have this characteristic (flat, or ‘pushed in’ faces) tend to suffer from difficulty breathing due to narrowed nostrils. 
  • Cataracts: This breed is prone to cataracts, which can mean the lens of one or both eyes become cloudy.  

Breed-specific issues:  

Their small size makes Brussels Griffons delicate and prone to injury, so they should be handled with care and not given too much rough play. They do not cope well with hot weather, so should be kept inside in the cool during extreme heat. This breed is prone to obesity so they should not be overfed and encouraged to exercise.  

How much does pet insurance cost for a Brussels Griffon?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Brussels Griffon, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Brussels Griffons

Are Brussels Griffons hypoallergenic?

Brussels Griffon dogs are considered hypoallergenic if you get one with a wiry coat, as they don’t shed. This means they are less likely to trigger allergies in individuals who are sensitised to pet dander and hair. However, individual reactions can vary, so spending time with a Griffon before bringing one home is advisable if allergies are a concern. 

Are Brussels Griffons dogs yappy and do they bark a lot?

No, they are not considered yappy dogs like some breeds, such as the terriers. Brussels Griffons tend to be alert and may bark occasionally to alert their owners to potential threats or visitors, but are otherwise quiet companions. 

Do Brussels Griffons dogs get on well with other pets?

Brussels Griffons can be social and get along with other pets, but due to their small size, they don’t mix well with larger dogs, as they can easily become injured. They tend to be protective and jealous of their owners, and don’t like sharing their attention. If faced with a larger dog they can become defensive and suffer from ‘small dog syndrome.’  

Are Griffs suitable for houses with very young children?

Brussels Griffons are generally better suited to households with slightly older, considerate children who understand the dog's small size and delicate nature. They may be less tolerant of rough handling which is common with young children and toddlers. Supervision is essential to ensure a safe and positive interaction between the dog and children. 

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Brussels Griffon

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