How to Groom a Brussels Griffon

Your Brussels griffon may have a beige, black or red coat.
GRIFFON BRUXELLOIS image by Anton Gvozdikov from Fotolia.com

The Brussels griffon is a lively, active little dog with an insatiable sense of curiosity and friendly temperament. Grooming your Brussels can be a fun activity that enriches the bond you have with your dog. Your dog may have a rough or smooth coat, but the grooming requirements remain the same for each. Develop a grooming routine early in your dog's life to ensure it is a pleasurable experience for you both.

Step 1

Bathe your Brussels with a shampoo designed for dogs. Wet him thoroughly and add enough shampoo to bring up a lather over his entire body, being careful to avoid getting shampoo in his eyes, ears and mouth. While you are bathing your dog, inspect his skin for any redness or irritation that may go unnoticed under a dry coat. Rinse your dog thoroughly under warm or tepid water.

Step 2

Dry your Brussels with a clean towel until damp. You may choose to blow-dry your dog with a hair dryer if you live in a colder climate.

Step 3

Brush your Brussels with a pin brush while he is still damp to remove mats and snarls. A pin brush is ideal for both rough- and smooth-coated Brussels because it is gentle and untangles a smooth coat as well as a wiry, rough coat. Brush carefully where your dog may be more sensitive, such as the stomach and behind the ears.

Step 4

Trim or thin your Brussels griffon‘s coat. If you would like to give your Brussels a show-quality look, hand stripping is the best method to remove dead hair. Gently hold a small section of the dog's coat between your thumb and forefinger, and pull in the direction of the hair growth. Any dead or loose hair will come out easily. If you prefer to trim your dog with scissors, brush your dog's fur against the direction of the hair growth and snip excess fur with a pair of blunt-end scissors or thinning shears. Trim excess fur along the back and sides of the dog. Stand back and inspect your work to ensure you do not trim too much fur.

Step 5

Trim your Brussels griffon's feet for a neat and tidy appearance. Trim extra fur away from the paw so the fur lies in a circle around the paw. You may also opt to trim the hair between the eyes and on top of the muzzle.

Step 6

Brush your dog's teeth to keep plaque and tartar buildup at bay. Slide a finger brush over your index finger and apply a small amount of toothpaste designed for dogs. Brush his teeth and gums gently every time you groom him.

Items You Will Need

  • Dog shampoo
  • Towel
  • Hair dryer (optional)
  • Pin brush
  • Blunt-end scissors or thinning shears
  • Finger brush
  • Dog toothpaste

References

About the Author

Kimberly DeCosta is an accomplished equestrian and entrepreneur. She has written for numerous equestrian publications and authored marketing packages for large companies and sports teams.

Photo Credits

  • GRIFFON BRUXELLOIS image by Anton Gvozdikov from Fotolia.com