Smart, Loving with an Air of Self-Importance...The Brussels Griffon

Walter Chestnut The 3rd and Norm are two extremely loving and intelligent Brussels Griffons with an air of self-importance and a facial expression that's almost human. To learn more about this breed, we asked their mom (Tiffiny) some questions:

How did you decide you wanted a dog?
We have always had dogs. My first dog as an adult was a Pug named Oscar, who just passed away at the ripe old age of 16.5. We have had two Great Danes, a cross, and now two Brussels Griffons. We love dogs and could never be without. They are our fur babies. 

How did you get them?
Both Walter and Norm are from breeders. I flew from Canada to the USA to bring them home. Walter is from Idaho and Norman a year later, from Missouri.

Why did you pick this breed ?
After losing two Great Danes (at 8 years old), we wanted dogs with a longer lifespan, that were active, compact and with tons of personality. After researching Griffons we fell in love with their temperament and lets face it, they are so freaking adorable.

What are your favorite activities to do together? 
Hiking! We hike almost daily, it's our favorite thing to do as a family. We also love to stand up paddle board and kayak with the boys. Besides being outdoors, we have snuggles at night which are pretty special. Norman has to be tucked under a blanket or he will dig to get under your sweater, he's a real little baby.

What is their favorite food?
All food!!! They eat dry kibble and we only treat them with apples, carrots and blueberries. Walter has a tendency to gain weight so we mostly treat him with his own kibble.

What are their favorite games? 
They love hide-a-squirrel, dog activity boards and a ball that drops treats.

Where is your favorite place to go together?
The bush! Can't get enough of the outdoors. They love to be off leash and running wild down a trail.

Do they have any bad habits?
Barking at every single thing that passes by the front door; we are working on this!

What is the best thing about them?
There are so many wonderful things about this breed. I would say their humor, while my husband would say how easy it is to take them with when we travel. We find new little quirks about the boys daily. They are amazing and so loving. We can’t be away from them!

What is the naughtiest thing they have ever done?
Walter has never been naughty in his life. He is truly an old soul. His first year was spent with senior siblings and I think that molded him into the pup he has become. Norman is a different story… he runs around the house from mischief to mischief. He loves trying to ruffle Walter's feathers, relocates laundry, digs in the flower pots, just to name a few things. He was also very hard to house train.

What is the funniest memory involving your dogs? 
We are always laughing at their antics but Walter's funniest moment was his first attempt at winter boots, that was hilarious! Norm has a coat that for some reason makes him dance! Also very funny.