Brussels Griffon Cost of Ownership: How Much Does It Really Cost to Own One?

If you’re searching for how much a Brussels Griffon really costs, you’re not alone—and you’re right to ask before committing. Despite their small size, Brussels Griffons are not a low-cost dog breed. Their purchase price, ongoing care, grooming needs, and potential health expenses mean ownership is a long-term financial responsibility, not a one-time decision.

At a high level, most owners are surprised by two things:
first, how much the first year costs compared to later years, and second, how much health and grooming influence the total lifetime expense. While they don’t eat large quantities of food, Brussels Griffons often require more veterinary attention than many other small breeds, especially as they age.

If you’re still learning about the breed’s temperament, care needs, and suitability for your lifestyle, it helps to understand the full picture beyond cost. You may find it useful to explore the Brussels Griffon Dog Full Guide alongside this article to better connect personality, care requirements, and financial commitment.

Brussels Griffon Cost at a Glance

Cost Category	Estimated Range (USD)
First-Year Cost	$2,500 – $5,000
Average Annual Cost (After Year One)	$1,200 – $2,500
Estimated Lifetime Cost (12–15 years)	$18,000 – $30,000+

These figures reflect responsible ownership, including proper veterinary care, quality food, grooming, and emergency preparedness. Costs can fall outside these ranges depending on where you live, whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, and whether your dog develops chronic health conditions.

It’s also important to understand that small size doesn’t equal cheap ownership. Brussels Griffons are a brachycephalic breed with distinctive facial features, which can increase medical costs over time. Add professional grooming (especially for rough-coated dogs), dental care, and possible insurance premiums, and the total adds up quickly.

Think of this guide as a financial reality check. If these numbers feel uncomfortable, that doesn’t mean a Brussels Griffon isn’t a wonderful dog—it simply means careful budgeting is essential before moving forward.

Purchase or Adoption Costs of a Brussels Griffon

The first big cost you will face is getting the dog. This price depends on where your Brussels Griffon comes from. Some people buy from a breeder, while others adopt from a rescue. The cost can be very different, and each option has its own pros and cons.

Buying a Brussels Griffon from a Breeder

If you buy a Brussels Griffon puppy from a reputable breeder, the price is usually high. Most well-bred puppies cost $1,500 to $4,000, and sometimes more. The price is higher because good breeders spend money on health tests, proper care, and early training.

A breeder price often includes:

• First vaccines
• Health check by a vet
• Microchip
• Health guarantee

Very cheap puppies can be a warning sign. Low prices may mean poor breeding, no health testing, or puppy mills. These dogs often cost more later because of medical problems.

Be careful with ads that mention “teacup” Brussels Griffons. This is not an official type and often means the dog was bred too small, which can lead to serious health issues and higher vet bills.

Adopting a Brussels Griffon

Adoption is usually the cheaper option. Adoption fees are often between $200 and $600. Some rescues even include spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping in the fee.

Adopting can save money at the start, but older dogs may still need medical care later. It’s important to ask the rescue about the dog’s health history before adopting.

Extra First-Day Costs to Expect

No matter how you get your Brussels Griffon, you may have extra costs right away, such as:

• A vet visit after bringing the dog home
• A crate or bed
• Leash, collar, and ID tag
• Food and basic toys

These small costs add up fast, so it’s good to plan for them.

Purchase or Adoption Cost Overview

Option	Typical Cost Range (USD)	What’s Often Included
Reputable Breeder	$1,500 – $4,000	Vaccines, vet check, microchip
Adoption or Rescue	$200 – $600	Vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip

The way you get your Brussels Griffon sets the starting point for your total cost of ownership.

Monthly and Annual Costs of Owning a Brussels Griffon

After you bring your Brussels Griffon home, the real costs begin. These are the regular costs you will pay every month and every year. Even though this is a small dog, the expenses are steady and should be planned in advance.

Food and Daily Care

Brussels Griffons eat less than large dogs, but they still need good-quality food. Cheap food can cause health problems, which leads to higher vet bills later.

Most owners spend about $30 to $60 per month on food. This depends on the brand and whether your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach.

You may also spend money on:

• Treats
• Chews for dental health
• Vitamins or supplements (if needed)

Routine Vet Care and Preventatives

Every year, your dog will need basic medical care. This usually includes:

• Annual checkups
• Vaccines
• Flea, tick, and worm prevention

These routine vet costs usually add up to $300 to $700 per year if your dog is healthy.

Grooming Costs

Grooming costs depend on the coat type:

• Smooth coat Brussels Griffons need less grooming
• Rough coat Brussels Griffons need regular trimming

Professional grooming usually costs $40 to $80 per visit. Most dogs need grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. That can add up to $300 to $800 per year.

Training and Enrichment

Brussels Griffons are smart but can be stubborn. Basic training is very helpful, especially for puppies.

Training costs may include:

• Group classes: $100 to $200
• Private sessions: $50 to $100 per session

You may also spend money on toys, puzzles, and chews to keep your dog busy and happy.

Average Monthly and Annual Costs

Expense Type	Monthly Cost (USD)	Yearly Cost (USD)
Food & Treats	$30 – $60	$360 – $720
Routine Vet Care	$25 – $60	$300 – $700
Grooming	$25 – $65	$300 – $800
Training & Toys	$15 – $40	$180 – $480
Total Estimate	$95 – $225	$1,200 – $2,500

These numbers are averages. Some years may cost less, and some years may cost more.

Health, Lifespan, and Insurance Costs That Affect Ownership Price

Health care is one of the most important cost areas for a Brussels Griffon. This breed is loving and loyal, but it can have health problems that raise vet bills over time. Planning for these costs early can save stress later.

Common Health Problems and Vet Costs

Brussels Griffons have short faces, which can cause breathing problems. They also often have dental issues, eye problems, and joint pain as they grow older.

Common health-related expenses include:

• Breathing checks and treatment
• Dental cleanings
• Eye exams and medicine
• Tests and scans as the dog ages

These costs can happen slowly over many years, not all at once.

Typical Health Issue Cost Examples

Health Issue	Type of Care Needed	Estimated Cost (USD)
Dental disease	Professional cleaning	$300 – $900
Breathing problems	Exams or treatment	$200 – $1,500
Eye issues	Medication or surgery	$150 – $1,200
Joint problems	X-rays and treatment	$300 – $2,000

Not every dog will have these problems, but many owners face at least one of them during their dog’s life.

Lifespan and Long-Term Costs

A Brussels Griffon usually lives 12 to 15 years. A longer life means more years of food, grooming, and vet care. Older dogs also need more medical visits than younger ones.

When planning costs, it helps to think about how your dog ages over time. Tools like the Brussels Griffon Dog Age In Human Years Calculator can help owners understand aging stages and plan care better as their dog gets older.

Pet Insurance Costs

Pet insurance can help with big vet bills. Many owners pay $25 to $50 per month for insurance. Plans usually cover accidents and illnesses but not routine care.

Insurance can be helpful if:

• Your dog has a major illness
• Emergency surgery is needed
• You want predictable monthly costs

It may not always save money, but it can protect you from very large, sudden bills.

Health and lifespan costs often surprise new owners the most. Being ready for them is a big part of responsible ownership.

Hidden Costs, Lifetime Cost Summary, and Final Reality Check

Many people plan for food and vet visits, but they forget about hidden costs. These costs do not happen every month, but when they do, they can be expensive. Knowing about them helps you avoid money stress later.

Hidden Costs Owners Often Forget

Here are some common costs that surprise Brussels Griffon owners:

• Dental care not covered by insurance
• Emergency vet visits at night or on weekends
• Boarding or pet sitting during travel
• Replacing damaged items like beds, toys, or shoes
• Special food if allergies or stomach problems appear

These costs may not happen every year, but most owners face them at least once.

First Year vs Adult Years

The first year of owning a Brussels Griffon is almost always the most expensive. This is because of:

• Purchase or adoption fees
• First vet visits
• Training
• Buying supplies for the first time

After the first year, costs are more stable, but health costs usually increase as the dog gets older.

Brussels Griffon Lifetime Cost Summary

Cost Stage	Estimated Cost (USD)
First Year	$2,500 – $5,000
Typical Adult Year	$1,200 – $2,500
Estimated Lifetime Total (12–15 years)	$18,000 – $30,000+

These numbers are averages. Your total cost may be higher or lower depending on:

• Where you live
• Your dog’s health
• Grooming needs
• Emergency care

Final Reality Check

A Brussels Griffon is a loving, loyal, and fun companion, but it is not a “cheap” dog to own. Small size does not mean small responsibility. If you are comfortable planning for regular costs and unexpected expenses, this breed can be a wonderful part of your life.

If these numbers feel too high right now, that’s okay. Waiting until you are financially ready is one of the best decisions you can make for both you and the dog.

For more expert guidance on responsible pet ownership and realistic care expenses, you can also review cost information provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which offers trusted, veterinarian-backed insights on long-term pet care and budgeting.