Brussels Griffon Colors and Coat Types

Rough Brussels Griffon vs Smooth Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffon

Coat Colors

The Brussels Griffon comes in two coat types—rough and smooth—and while they might look quite different at first glance, they’re both the same spunky, lovable little dog underneath.

Rough Coat Brussels Griffon

Also called the Griffon Bruxellois, the rough-coated variety has a wiry, somewhat scruffy coat that gives them a charmingly tousled look—complete with a little beard and mustache that makes them look like wise old gnomes or even mini Ewoks. Their expressive faces are one of their most lovable features. This coat type does need a bit more upkeep, with regular brushing and regular hand-stripping to keep it neat and prevent tangles, but many people find the grooming process part of the fun.

Smooth Coat Brussels Griffon

Known as the Petit Brabançon, the smooth-coated Brussels Griffon has a short, sleek coat that lies close to the body. These guys don’t have the beard or mustache, so their features look a bit more polished and tidy. Their grooming needs are simple—just a little brushing now and then and a bath when needed. It’s an easy-care option for those who love the breed but prefer lower-maintenance grooming.

What’s the Difference?

Look: Rough coats are scruffy and bearded; smooth coats are sleek and clean-cut.
Feel: Rough coats are coarse and textured; smooth coats are soft and smooth.
Grooming: Rough coats need to be handstripped in order to maintain their harsh coat and signature look; smooth coats are pretty "wash and wear".
Personality: No matter the coat, they’re all alert, affectionate, curious, and full of quirky personality.

So whether you’re drawn to the shaggy charm of the rough coat or the sleek style of the smooth, you’ll get the same delightful Brussels Griffon heart and humor in a tiny, adorable package.

The Brussels Griffon comes in four AKC recognized coat colors - black, black and tan, red, and belge. You might also see some non-recognized colors occasionally, such as blue or chocolate, but these are not considered desirable as there can be some health risks associated with those colors.

Black Brussels Griffon

Solid, glossy black coat with no other markings. This color gives the dog a sleek, uniform appearance and is very sharp to look at.

Black and Tan Brussels Griffon

A rich black base coat with sharply defined tan markings, typically found above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, legs, and under the tail. This pattern resembles that of a Doberman or Miniature Pinscher. I personally like how it highlights their eyebrows, making their expression that much more adorable!

Red Brussels Griffon

A warm, reddish-brown coat that can range from deep mahogany to a lighter, russet shade. Some red Griffons may have black whiskers or slight dark shading on the face. This is our color preference and one that we specialize in here at Jotlims, but we will hopefully be adding a black and tan in the future.

Belge Brussels Griffon

A mix of black and reddish-brown hairs, often giving a slightly grizzled or wiry look. The belge coat may also include black mask or highlights, particularly around the face and back. If groomed with clippers instead of hand-stripping, this color is the most likely to fade as the dog ages.