Let's talk Petit Brabancon dogs
Although Petit Brabancon dogs might come off as toy-like, don’t underestimate their small size. It is balanced out by a larger-than-life personality. The Petit Brabancon breed is known for seeming to display an air of self-importance, which guarantees keeping their family members entertained, all while giving every reason to spoil them. Petit Brabancon dogs are equally as doting, affectionate, and loyal–instinctively glueing themselves to your every move.Official name: Petit Brabancon
Other names: Petit Brabançon
Origins: Belgium
| Drooling tendencies: |
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Warm weather? | 
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| Shedding level: |
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Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Physical activity needs (high, low, medium): | Low | Kid-friendly? |
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| Compatibility with other pets: | |
Can stay alone? | 
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We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches.
Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour.
Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Male
18 - 25 cm
Height
4 - 6 kg
Weight
Female
18 - 25 cm
Height
4 - 6 kg
Weight
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 10 months |
| Adult age | 10 months to 8 years |
| Mature age | 8 to 12 years |
| Senior age | from 12 years |
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Get to know the Petit Brabancon
All you need to know about the breed
It might seem that the Petit Brabancon, Brussels Griffon and the Belgian Griffon breeds bear an uncanny resemblance to the other. That is because they all belong to the same group of “small dogs of Belgium.” What distinguishes the three breeds is simply their coat variation: the Brussels Griffon has a rough, reddish coat, the Belgian Griffon sports a rough coat but in a range of other colours (black or tan), and the Petit Brabancon dog is smooth-coated.
Despite these minor differences in appearance, the three breeds all have a similar joie-de-vivre temperament in common, as well as a deep loyalty towards their human family members. The Petit Brabancon is a superb companion dog for urban-dwelling families living in apartments, as well as elderly dog-lovers, since the pint-sized canines do not require too much outdoor exercise.
Inquisitive and strong-willed, Petit Brabancon dogs are seemingly unaware of their small stature and exhibit a sort of “big dog” energy, but this never translates into aggressive behaviour. They can initially come off shy towards strangers, but their doting nature quickly wins out and before you know it, they will be begging for your full attention and affection.
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2 facts about Petit Brabancon dogs
1. Smart cookies
It would be a mistake to assume that the Petit Brabancon dog’s brain power matches their petite size. In fact, they are known to possess a high level of intelligence that pairs well with their expressive features. While this might work in your favour for training, they do also have a sensitive side, so be sure to give any instructions with patience, consistency and above all, kindness.
2. Rockstar status in Japan
Although the Petit Brabancon’s close cousin, the Brussels Griffon, might have achieved stardom on the big screen after being featured in the hit 1997 film As Good As It Gets alongside Helen Hunt and Jack Nicholson, the Petit Brabancon breed is now taking their own stand in the limelight–only this time in Japan. At the end of 2021, several very famous Japanese metal rock stars formed a new band called “Petit Brabancon” with the infamous dog’s expressive little faces displayed front and centre on the band’s newest album cover.
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History of the breed
Originally hailing from 18th century Belgium, the Petit Brabancon breed is one of three breeds that are descendents of the “Smousje,” a small wire-haired dog from the vicinity of Brussels that were originally used to guard carriages and hunt rodents in stables. However, the modern version of the Petit Brabancon dog that we know and adore today has inherited features of several other European breeds later crossed into their lineage. Their deeply expressive faces were passed down from the German Affenpinscher and their range of coat colouration comes from the British Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Due to their magnificent pocket-sized appearance, the Petit Brabancon breed quickly rose in popularity among aristocrats, including Queen Marie-Henriette and Dutchess Henrietta Maria Charlotte Antoinette, both of whom played a big role in boosting the breed’s population numbers. At one point, the Petit Brabancon even had their own servants. Thankfully, the breed continued to thrive in Europe and America during the 20th Century, despite two world wars that eventually led to a sharp decrease in their numbers.
Although the Fédération Cynologique recognises the Petit Brabancon as one of three different breeds of griffon dogs from Belgium (the other two being Brussels Griffon and the Belgian Griffon), the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted all varieties as a single breed in 1910.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Petit Brabancon dogs
1. Head
Small, rounded head with large, wide-set eyes.
2. Body
Deep, broad chest with high set tail pointing straight.
3. Coat
Short, rough, and flat coat, ranging between black, red, black and tan.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Petit Brabancon
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Caring for your Petit Brabancon
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The Petit Brabancon breed’s smooth-haired coat requires a relatively insignificant amount of maintenance. You should prioritise brushing your dog once a week to keep their coat in clean condition, and every day during the shedding season in the spring and fall. Aside from their coat, their nails should be trimmed, ears checked and teeth brushed daily for optimal health. Although the Petit Brabancon is what many would consider to be a “dream apartment dog”, daily walks will keep them in top physical and mental shape. The high level of intelligence of the Petit Brabancon breed means that they are particularly easy to train (they will do anything to remain glued next to you!), but their very sensitive nature can occasionally make housebreaking more of a challenge. The breed responds best to positive reinforcement and consistent, thorough instruction.7/7
All about Petit Brabancon dogs
On the whole, yes. The breed is incredibly affectionate and can also get on well with children, once trained, if they are socialised with them early on. However, Petit Brabancon dogs will likely be most content living in single homes or with seniors, since they prefer intense one-on-one bonding time with their owners.
In short, yes. The Petit Brabancon breed is known to be a bit noisy and can be prone to bark at any outside sound, making them decent watch dogs (despite their petite frame), perhaps to the annoyance of your neighbours. However, there is no need to worry; this tendency can be curbed with early training and socialisation.
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/