Sprout is a 5 year old, perpetually-pouty Brussels Griffon with a repertoire of over 30 tricks and cued behaviors. He enjoys long walkies on the beach, napping in the sun, and teeny-tiny tennis balls. He has no idea what Instagram is. Sprout owns human Sigrid. They live in Manhattan, where you can find them playing fetchies in the park.

Here are a few fun facts about Sproutie:

1. Sprout is a smooth-coated Brussels Griffon which, contrary to popular belief, is a type of dog not woodland creature.

2. @Brussels.Sprout is his account name, and he’s just called “Sprout” in real life. He was named after Sigrid’s (randomly specific) love of vegetable puns. Nicknames include, without limitation, Sproutie, Sprouters, Puppers, Beepers, Le Boops, and Eggy Muffin, (don’t ask).

3. At just 6 lbs, Sprout was the runt of his litter - most Brussels Griffons are 8-12 lbs.

4. Sprout was born on January 15, 2016.  Even as a puppy he had an old soul.

5. Sprout does not walk, he prances.  Sprout does not like the wind.

6. He LOVES fetch and teeny-tiny tennis balls. Every night he brings a ball to bed and tucks it under his chin while he sleeps.

7. Sprout competes in agility and earned his AKC Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Trick titles when he was 1 years old. He can “twerk” (ie do a handstand), wave hello, dance, take a bow, kiss your cheek, boop his own nose, weave between your legs, jump through your arms, tilt his head on cue and “buy” toys by putting them in a tiny shopping cart he pushes around. Right now he’s working on learning more toys by name. 

8. Sprout is not a morning pupper. Sigrid hoped he’d be a good alarm clock, but instead she finds herself giving him a daily pep talk before carrying him out of bed and on his morning walk. He gets extraordinarily pouty when he is am tired.

9. Sprout likes to meet new people, but set his own boundaries. He prefers butt scratchies to head rubs and would rather give high-5s than be picked up by strangers. He has a small circle of good pup-friends, but can be shy with new dogs at first, particularly exuberant puppies.

10. Sprout is a lucky pup, but he and Sigrid are passionate about using their platform to support animal welfare. Sprout has also been a welcoming foster brother to pups Hollywood, Renee, Peasy and Pokki. 

PSA: If you make a decision to find a dog through a breeder, please please please do your research and only work with responsible and ethical breeder – most national breed organizations (including the American Brussels Griffon Association) can help refer you to a reputable breeder in your area. Never shop at a pet store or buy a dog someone is willing to ship to you over the internet.