The Brussels Griffon has one of the most adorable faces you’ll ever see on a dog. If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll be happy to know that these little dogs were the inspiration for Ewoks. These dogs are loyal, curious, and love to be by their humans’ sides.
If you see a Brussels Griffon, odds are you’ll fall in love with their cute little faces and lively attitudes. But what if you’re an allergy sufferer? Can your allergies stand up to the Brussels Griffon? Are they considered hypoallergenic? If you’re wondering, we have great news. Yes, Brussels Griffons are considered hypoallergenic!
Why Is the Brussels Griffon Considered Hypoallergenic?
While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, these little dogs are considered as such because they do not produce much dander, which is an allergy trigger. When a dog sheds, dander, which is dead skin cells, roams the air and sticks to fabric, furniture, clothing, and linens. Since these little dogs shed very minimally, not much dander is produced.
These dogs are born with one of two coat types: smooth or wiry. The smooth-coated Brussels Griffon shed very little, while the wiry-coated Brussels Griffon sheds very minimally or not at all, making either one an excellent choice for the allergy sufferer. If you have severe allergies, the wiry coat is best due to minimal shedding. However, the wiry coats will need clipping, so you’ll need a groomer with this coat type.
How Do I Keep Allergy Symptoms Down to a Minimum?
Even though the Brussels Griffon is considered hypoallergenic, you can still put some good practices in place within your home to help even further.
1. Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming at least once a week can help keep dander down and out of the air. For the best results, choose a vacuum filter with a HEPA filter.
2. Use Air Purifiers
Placing air purifiers around your home (especially places your dog likes to hang out) can help, too. Again, use air purifiers with HEPA filters to catch dander, dust, pollen, or mold within your home.
3. Wash Your Dog’s Bedding
Washing your dog’s bedding and any blankets your dog uses is a good idea. Aim for washing at least once a week. Be sure to purchase a dog bed that is machine washable, as most come with covers that unzip and can easily be thrown into the wash.
4. Bathe and Brush Your Dog
Bathing and brushing also will keep dander down. You don’t want to bathe your dog too often, as this can strip the coat of its natural oils—once a week or every two weeks should be fine. You can also brush the coat once a week.
5. Limit Access
Another way to help with allergies is to limit certain areas in the home where your dog is allowed, such as your bedroom. We know that can be hard, especially if your dog wants to sleep with you, but by limiting access, your allergies will benefit.
6. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, can help significantly. While it’s not a cure, it will help diminish your symptoms by exposing you to allergens. This helps your immune system recognize the allergen to build up immunity.
Are Brussels Griffons Good Dogs?
Now that we know the Brussels Griffon is considered hypoallergenic, let’s explore the breed.
The breed is intelligent but can be a bit stubborn at times. They are suitable for apartment living, and they do well with seniors. They do well with children, however, they will need early socialization to be completely comfortable. The Brussels Griffon is a curious little dog but also sensitive, so if you have a noisy household, this breed may not be a good fit.
Training can be a little frustrating because of their sensitive personalities, but with patience and time, this breed is smart enough to learn with no problem. They do well with other pets as long as they are socialized early, and once they get used to the other pets, they do very well.
Their nickname is the “Velcro dog” because they love to stick by your side. They don’t require too much exercise, and with their small size, they can exercise indoors with ease.
Final Thoughts
For allergy sufferers, the Brussels Griffon is an excellent choice. Remember to be patient during the training process, and be prepared to have a little dog by your side at all times. They can live in apartments and do well with seniors. With early socialization, they do well with children and other pets. These dogs are sensitive, making positive reinforcement key in training. Overall, these little dogs make wonderful family companions, especially for those with allergies.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock
