A Brussels Griffon goes by several names including Petit Brabancon or Griffon Bruxellois. You might have seen this cute dog in the Jack Nicholson movie – As Good As It Gets.
Brussels Griffons are small dogs weighing between 8-12 lb. and measuring about 10 inches at the withers. They have characteristic facial hair similar to a beard and mustache. Brussels are affection, friendly, and intelligent dogs. With early and consistent training, they can make lovable companions for years to come.
But how much does a Brussels Griffon cost? And how much does one spend year after year on raising it? If you’re planning to add a Brussels to your household, then this guide is for you! It will help you plan financially before bringing home your pet.
The First-Year Cost of Brussels Griffon
The first-year cost of a Brussels Griffon, not including the puppy price, can come to $1600-$2000. Here is the average price break up:
- The essential items for your dog can cost between $300-$500. These include a puppy crate, dog bed, food, water bowls, grooming tools (brush, nail clippers, shampoo), leash, collar, poop bags, toys, dental chews, etc.
- Medical care for your Griffon can come to $600 to $800 a year. This is assuming that the de-sexing surgery can cost between $300-$500. Vaccinations can cost between $170-$200. You might also spend around $100 on deworming and flea-tick prevention. Microchipping your dog can cost between $25-$45.
- Puppy food for your Griffon can cost between $20-$40 a month or $300-$500 a year. If your pet needs special food, then the cost can go over $1000 a year.
- Brussel Griffons have a tendency to bark. Therefore, dog training is imperative for these small dogs. Training for Brussels Griffon can cost between $120-$200 per package and specialized training could cost over $500 to $800.
Please note that we have not included special costs in the calculation for the first-year cost of ownership. These include grooming, travel/boarding, dog walking, and pet sitting. If you consider these, then the cost can easily go above $2500.
The Annual Cost of Owning a Brussels Griffon
Most Brussel Griffon owners spend between $800-$1200 on their small dogs, annually. These costs include the following:
- Dog food and treats can cost between $40-$60 a year bringing the annual cost to $500-750.
- Medical costs usually include booster shots, flea-tick prevention, and two to three routine checkups. These can come to $400-$600 a year. If your pet develops any health issues or needs special diagnostic tests, then the costs can go over $1000. Note that Griffons are susceptible to health problems like patella luxation, cataracts, etc.
- Pet insurance is a must-have to cover routine and emergency medical costs for your Brussels. You can expect to spend between $100-$300 annually on pet insurance.
Again, we have not included special costs in calculating these annual costs. Special costs include dog walking charges ($100-$300 a month), grooming ($50 a year), pet sitting ($400 a year), boarding ($250-$500 a year), and emergency medical costs (over $1000).
If you live in a rented home, you might even have to pay a rental deposit of $200-$300 depending on the area of the property.
Lifetime Costs of Owning a Brussels Griffon
These small dogs can live for 10-15 years. This can bring your lifetime costs between $10,000 to $15,000.
Remember: we have just taken the basics while calculating these costs. If you add specialized costs like grooming, pet sitting, emergency medical care, etc. then the costs can easily go over $18,000-$22,000.
How Much Does a Brussels Griffon Puppy Cost?
The cost of a Brussels Griffon can vary from breeder to breeder. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2000-$3500 for these puppies!
Purebred Griffons generally cost more and some breeders even charge up to $3500 for show-quality puppies born to championship winners.
If you want, you can consider adopting a Brussels Griffon. Many animal shelters tend to have purebred and mixed Brussels. These dogs have usually been rescued from a negative situation. By adopting one, you will give the dog a second chance. Most animal rescues in the USA charge a small re-homing fee of $50-$300.
As can be seen, owning a Brussels Griffon can cost a considerable amount of money. It is a good idea to know what you are getting into when adopting or buying a dog. That way, you can equip yourself to give your pet the care it deserves.
