Brussels Griffons may be small dogs, but their grooming needs are anything but minor. This breed has a very distinctive look, expressive face, and coat types that require specific care to keep them comfortable, healthy, and looking their best. Many new owners underestimate grooming because of the breed’s size, but Brussels Griffons actually benefit greatly from a consistent, well-planned grooming routine.
One of the most important things to understand right away is that Brussels Griffon grooming is not “one-size-fits-all.” This breed comes in two main coat types: smooth (short-haired) and rough (wire-haired). Each coat behaves differently when it comes to shedding, skin health, brushing needs, and haircut choices. Grooming mistakes—like using the wrong brush, bathing too often, or clipping a wire coat incorrectly—can affect coat texture, increase shedding, or cause skin irritation over time.
Beyond appearance, grooming plays a major role in a Brussels Griffon’s overall health. Regular brushing helps remove dirt and loose hair, improves circulation to the skin, and allows you to spot early signs of problems such as dryness, redness, bumps, or parasites. Proper bathing protects the skin barrier rather than stripping it, while nail, ear, and dental care help prevent pain, infections, and long-term health issues that are common in small breeds.
Brussels Griffons are also known for their expressive faces, beards, and human-like expressions. Without regular face and beard care, food residue, moisture, and debris can build up around the mouth and eyes, leading to odor, staining, or skin irritation. Grooming keeps these sensitive areas clean and comfortable, especially for rough-coated dogs with fuller facial hair.
If you’re still learning about the breed as a whole, including temperament, size, and general care needs, the Brussels Griffon Dog Full Guide is a helpful companion resource that provides broader context alongside grooming-specific advice.
In this guide, you’ll learn how grooming routines differ for smooth and rough coats, how often a Brussels Griffon should be groomed, which tasks you can safely handle at home, and when professional grooming is the better choice. Whether you’re a first-time owner or refining your routine, this section lays the foundation for keeping your Brussels Griffon clean, comfortable, and well cared for.
Brussels Griffon Coat Types and Grooming Frequency (Smooth vs Rough Coat)
Brussels Griffons come with two very different coat types, and this changes how often and how much grooming they need. Before you choose brushes, shampoos, or haircuts, it is important to know which coat your dog has. Many grooming problems happen simply because owners treat both coat types the same.
Smooth coat Brussels Griffon
A smooth coat Brussels Griffon has short, flat hair that lies close to the body. This coat feels soft and shiny and does not tangle or mat. Smooth coats are easier to maintain, but they do shed more than rough coats.
Smooth-coated Brussels Griffons still need regular grooming. Loose hair builds up quickly, especially during seasonal shedding. Brushing helps control hair around the house and keeps the skin healthy.
Rough coat (wire coat) Brussels Griffon
A rough coat Brussels Griffon has wiry, coarse hair with a fuller face, beard, and eyebrows. This coat sheds much less, but it needs more hands-on care. Rough coats can tangle, especially around the beard, legs, and behind the ears.
This coat type should not be treated like a long-haired dog. The hair texture is meant to stay firm and slightly rough. Wrong grooming methods, such as frequent clipping, can slowly ruin the coat.
Smooth coat vs rough coat grooming comparison
| Feature | Smooth Coat Brussels Griffon | Rough Coat Brussels Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Hair length | Short and flat | Wiry, medium length |
| Shedding level | Moderate | Low |
| Brushing difficulty | Easy | Moderate |
| Matting risk | Very low | Medium (face, legs, ears) |
| Haircut needs | Minimal | Regular trimming or hand-stripping |
| Grooming effort | Low | Medium |
How often to groom a Brussels Griffon
Grooming frequency depends on coat type, lifestyle, and season. A dog that goes outside often or eats messy meals may need more care than one that stays mostly indoors.
| Grooming task | Smooth Coat | Rough Coat |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 1–2 times per week | 2–3 times per week |
| Bathing | Every 4–6 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Beard and face cleaning | Not needed | Several times per week |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Ear cleaning | Once every 1–2 weeks | Once every 1–2 weeks |
| Dental care | Several times per week | Several times per week |
Shedding and hypoallergenic myths
Many people ask if Brussels Griffons shed or if they are hypoallergenic. Smooth-coated Brussels Griffons do shed, especially in spring and fall. Rough-coated Brussels Griffons shed much less, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Dander, saliva, and skin oils can still trigger allergies.
Good grooming helps reduce loose hair, dander, and odor for both coat types. Regular brushing and proper bathing make a big difference, even for people with mild allergies.
Brushing, Bathing, and Coat Care for Brussels Griffons
Brushing and bathing keep your Brussels Griffon clean, comfortable, and healthy. These steps also help you notice skin problems early, before they turn serious. The routine is simple, but it changes a little based on coat type.
Brushing basics for smooth coats
Smooth-coated Brussels Griffons have short hair, but they still need brushing. Brushing removes loose hair, spreads natural skin oils, and reduces shedding around your home.
Brush a smooth coat once or twice a week. A soft bristle brush or rubber grooming brush works best. Brush gently in the direction the hair grows. There is no need to press hard. If you brush too rough, you can irritate the skin.
During spring and fall, shedding may increase. At that time, brushing a few extra days per week can help control loose hair.
Brushing basics for rough coats
Rough-coated Brussels Griffons need more brushing because their hair is thicker and longer in some areas. The beard, legs, chest, and behind the ears are common places where tangles form.
Brush a rough coat two to three times a week. Use a slicker brush for the body and a metal comb for the face and beard. Always brush slowly and gently. If you pull too hard, grooming can become painful, and your dog may start to dislike brushing.
If you find a small tangle, hold the hair close to the skin and gently work it out. Do not yank or cut unless the mat is very tight.
Beard and face care
Rough-coated Brussels Griffons often get food and water stuck in their beard. This can cause bad smell, staining, and skin irritation.
Wipe the beard and face with a damp cloth several times a week. Dry the area after cleaning. Keeping the face clean makes a big difference in comfort and appearance.
Smooth-coated dogs usually do not need beard care, but you should still check around the eyes and mouth for dirt.
Bathing your Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons do not need frequent baths. Bathing too often can dry out the skin and cause itching.
Most Brussels Griffons do well with a bath every four to six weeks. Always use a dog shampoo, never human shampoo. Dog skin is more sensitive and needs a gentle formula.
When bathing:
- Use warm water, not hot
- Wet the coat fully
- Massage shampoo gently into the coat
- Rinse very well to remove all soap
- Avoid getting water inside the ears
After the bath, towel-dry your dog. You can use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting if your dog is comfortable with the noise. Never use hot air.
Keeping the coat healthy between baths
Good coat care is not only about bathing. Regular brushing, clean bedding, and a healthy diet all help the coat stay shiny and strong. Check the skin often for redness, flakes, bumps, or sores. Early signs of problems are easier to treat.
Brussels Griffon Haircuts and Coat Maintenance (Clipping vs Hand-Stripping)
Brussels Griffon haircuts depend on the coat type. Smooth-coated dogs and rough-coated dogs should not be groomed the same way. Choosing the wrong method can change how the coat looks and feels over time.
Haircuts for smooth coat Brussels Griffons
Smooth-coated Brussels Griffons usually do not need haircuts. Their short hair grows evenly and stays close to the body. Most grooming for smooth coats is just brushing, bathing, and keeping the dog clean.
Some owners choose light trimming around the paws or sanitary areas. This is optional and mostly for cleanliness. Shaving or clipping the full body is not needed and does not improve comfort.
Haircuts for rough coat Brussels Griffons
Rough-coated Brussels Griffons need regular coat maintenance to keep their wiry texture and neat shape. This coat grows longer in certain areas, especially on the face, legs, and body.
There are two main ways to manage a rough coat: clipping or hand-stripping. Each method gives a different result.
Clipping vs hand-stripping explained
| Grooming method | What it means | How it affects the coat | Who should do it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clipping | Using electric clippers to cut the hair | Coat becomes softer over time and may shed more | Groomer or owner |
| Hand-stripping | Removing dead hair by hand or tool | Keeps wiry texture and natural color | Professional groomer |
Clipping is easier and more common for pet dogs. It makes grooming faster and keeps the dog tidy. However, over time, clipping can make a rough coat feel soft and look less natural.
Hand-stripping removes dead hair instead of cutting it. This keeps the coat rough and healthy, but it takes skill and patience. Most owners choose a professional groomer for this method.
Beard and face shaping
Rough-coated Brussels Griffons are known for their beard and expressive face. Regular trimming around the eyes helps prevent hair from blocking vision. The beard should be shaped, not shaved. Cutting it too short removes the breed’s signature look.
Face grooming should always be gentle. The skin around the eyes and mouth is sensitive.
How often haircuts are needed
Rough-coated Brussels Griffons usually need coat maintenance every six to eight weeks. Smooth-coated dogs rarely need haircuts at all.
The best choice depends on your dog’s comfort, your grooming skills, and how much coat upkeep you want to manage at home.
Extra Grooming Care: Nails, Ears, Teeth, and Age-Based Needs
Grooming is not only about the coat. Nails, ears, teeth, and age-related care are just as important for Brussels Griffons. These small details affect comfort, movement, and long-term health.
Nail trimming for Brussels Griffons
Brussels Griffons have small feet, and long nails can cause pain when walking. Nails that are too long can also change how your dog stands and moves.
Trim the nails every three to four weeks. If you hear clicking on the floor, the nails are too long. Use dog nail clippers or a nail grinder made for small dogs. Trim a little at a time to avoid cutting the quick, which can bleed and hurt.
If you are nervous about trimming nails, a groomer or vet can help.
Ear cleaning and ear health
Brussels Griffons have open ears that allow airflow, but dirt and wax can still build up. Dirty ears can lead to infections and bad smell.
Check the ears once a week. Clean them every one to two weeks using a dog ear cleaner. Gently wipe the outer ear with a cotton pad. Do not push anything deep inside the ear. Never use cotton swabs inside the ear canal.
If you see redness, strong odor, or dark discharge, contact your vet.
Dental care for Brussels Griffons
Dental care is very important for this breed. Brussels Griffons are prone to dental disease because of their small mouths and crowded teeth.
Brush your dog’s teeth several times a week using dog toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste. Dental chews can help, but they do not replace brushing.
Bad breath, red gums, or trouble eating are signs of dental problems.
Grooming needs by age
Grooming needs change as your Brussels Griffon grows older. Puppies need gentle grooming to help them get used to handling. Short brushing sessions and calm baths help build trust.
Adult dogs usually follow a regular grooming schedule. Senior dogs may need extra care. Older dogs often have sensitive skin, joint pain, or dental issues. Grooming sessions should be shorter and more gentle.
When thinking about age-related care, it helps to understand how your dog is aging compared to humans. The Brussels Griffon Dog Age In Human Years Calculator can help owners better understand grooming and care needs at different life stages.
Professional Grooming, Seasonal Care, Common Mistakes, and Routine Summary
Some grooming tasks are easy to do at home, while others are better handled by a professional groomer. Knowing the difference helps keep your Brussels Griffon safe and comfortable.
Home grooming vs professional grooming
Many owners can manage brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and basic face cleaning at home. These tasks build trust and help you notice health problems early.
Professional groomers are helpful for:
- Haircuts for rough-coated Brussels Griffons
- Hand-stripping wire coats
- Fixing heavy mats
- Nail trimming if your dog is very nervous
If your dog becomes scared, stiff, or aggressive during grooming, a professional groomer is a safer choice.
Seasonal grooming and shedding
Brussels Griffons shed more during spring and fall. Smooth-coated dogs will drop more hair during these seasons. Rough-coated dogs shed less, but brushing is still important to remove dead hair.
During shedding seasons:
- Brush more often
- Check the skin for dryness
- Avoid bathing too often
Cold weather does not mean you should skip grooming. Mats and long nails can still cause problems year-round.
Common grooming mistakes to avoid
Many grooming issues come from small mistakes. Try to avoid these common problems:
- Bathing too often, which dries out the skin
- Using human shampoo instead of dog shampoo
- Pulling hard on tangles or mats
- Shaving a rough coat without understanding the impact
- Forgetting dental care
Grooming should never hurt your dog. Slow, gentle care builds trust and better results.
Brussels Griffon grooming routine summary
This simple table helps owners follow a basic grooming routine at a glance.
| Grooming task | Smooth Coat | Rough Coat |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 1–2 times per week | 2–3 times per week |
| Bathing | Every 4–6 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Beard and face cleaning | Not needed | Several times per week |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Ear cleaning | Every 1–2 weeks | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Dental care | Several times per week | Several times per week |
| Professional grooming | Rare | Every 6–8 weeks |
With regular care and the right routine, Brussels Griffon grooming becomes simple and stress-free. A clean coat, trimmed nails, healthy ears, and good dental care help your dog stay happy, comfortable, and healthy at every stage of life.
For official breed information, coat standards, and general care guidance, you can also visit the American Kennel Club’s Brussels Griffon breed page at https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/brussels-griffon/.
Great breakdown of how differently the smooth and rough Brussels Griffon coats need to be handled. I’ve found that sticking to a consistent brushing routine not only helps with coat texture but also makes it much easier to spot any skin irritation early. Your point about grooming playing a role in overall health is so true—especially with this breed’s expressive little faces that tend to trap debris around the muzzle.