What was the breed of dog used in the movie "As Good As It Gets" with
Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt?  Can you provide me with a list of the
dog's traits and breeders prefereably in New Jersey where one can be
located?

Hello shimel,

Can do.  Verdell in "As Good As It Gets" was a Brussels Griffon --
also known as a Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, Petit Bracancon,
and Belgian Griffon.  The breed is classified as part of the Toy Group
on the dog show circuit.

There are some delightful video clips of Verdell in his classic role here:
http://www.thepoop.com/verdell/default.asp

"Since the release of the movie As Good As It Gets in December 1997,
there has been an astounding increase in numbers of people thinking
they want to own a Brussels Griffon. If your interest is recent and in
response to the current movie and TV exposure this breed is receiving,
there are a number of things of which you should be aware. Brussels
Griffons rank near the bottom of the 140 breeds registered by the
American Kennel Club. The Brussels Griffon, although enormously
charming and endearing, has never before been a popular breed. There
are some very good reasons for this fact. One of the foremost is that
they are very difficult to breed and it is very expensive to breed
them."
http://www.brussels-griffon.net/caveat.html

Brussels Griffons are high energy dogs who can obtain their exercise
indoors, but will enjoy daily walks. Training should be undertaken at
an easy but at consistent and precise pace  They can be stubborn and
quite sensitive dogs so they don't respond to being rushed or
overbearing training techniques.

There is also a caution with this breed and small children as the BG
is fragile and they may be injured with kids during  rough handling. 
Other health concerns are potential eye problems, slipping patellas,
and difficult to breed with some births delivered via C-section.
http://2000dogs.com/breeds/brusselsgriffon.htm

Breed Overview:
http://www.brussels-griffon.net/overview.html

Traits and Disposition:

"The Griffon is an intelligent cheerful dog with a terrier-like
disposition. They make a fine companion dog. It is affectionate,
willful and high-strung, but charming. Lively and curious, they love
everyone, but can get quite moody. Unusually sensitive and quite
demanding, this breed loves to be spoiled. It must be raised in the
house with the family. The Griffon is good with other dogs and even
with cats. These dogs may be gluttonous or picky eaters and may be
difficult to housebreak. They make good watchdogs and can be taught to
perform tricks. Griffons like to bark. They do best with older
considerate children."
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/griffon.htm


The pros and cons of ownership:
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/brusselsgriffons.html

FAQs on Brussels Griffons:
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/faq/brusselsgriffons.html

Breeders in New Jersey:

AJMA
Andre Rozek
304 River Road
Chatham, NJ 07928
Ph: (973) 665-1151 or (908) 803-6080
http://republika.pl/ajmarottweilers

====================================

Parisfield
Sharon Sakson
132 Point Court
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Ph. 609-434-1117
E-mail: sakson@comcast.net 

=====================================

Donandru
Ruth Pereira
124 Church St.
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920-2909 
Ph. 908-647-7697
E-mail donandru@erols.com

=====================================

NJ Diablesse Brussels Griffon
Leila (973) 347-7942 Evenings / (973) 267-1919 
Email: diablessekennel@verizon.net 
http://diablessekennel.com/griffons/index.html

======================================

Breeders found at these two websites:

http://www.pets4you.com/brusselsgriffon.html
http://www.dogfancy.com/dogfancy/magazine.aspx

Brussels Griffon Rescue:
http://www.brusselsgriffonrescue.org

So that's the 'poop' on the Brussels Griffon.  Hopefully you can find
a breeder that will educate you further on the breed before your
purchase.  If I can be of further help to you, please post a
clarification before rating my answer.

Thanks for bringing your question to us!  I do love the canine
questions but it's the first time I've ever gotten to answer one as
they're so very popular.

Best regards,
* V *

I'd like to add one thing to Voila's excellent answer.

These are lovely and charming little dogs, but they are not the best
choice for working people who will be leaving them untended all day.
Brussels Griffons typically need a great deal of attention, and can be
extremely barky when left alone. I used to live in an apartment next
to a Brussels Griffon. She was a sweetie, but the barking was
incessant while her owner was at work.

Working with an animal rescue organization, I've seen several
instances of Brussels Griffons who were given up for adoption because
their owners did not have enough time to devote to them, and the
endless barking was disturbing the neighbors.

Thanks so much for the 5 stars and tip.  And thanks to my lovely
colleague, PF, for the 'barking caveat.'  Always a consideration if
you're a city dweller.