Is the Australian Terrier Better than the Brussels Griffon as a Pet? Our Answer.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Australian Terrier Versus Brussels Griffon: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Terrier and for the Brussels Griffon. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Terrier or the Brussels Griffon.

Australian Terrier versus Brussels Griffon: Overview

Both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are similar in size. The Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Australian Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Brussels Griffon belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Australian Terrier versus Brussels Griffon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Terrier to the Brussels Griffon based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon

Factor Australian Terrier Brussels Griffon
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 3/5
Height 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 14 to 16 pounds 7 to 12 pounds
Easygoing 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1250 $2430
Price Range $1050 – $1500 $1899 – $3000
Temperament Score 82.4 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Syringomyelia – Recommend MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – no database registration
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Brussels Griffon. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Australian Terrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Brussels Griffon is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Australian Terrier is a better pet than the Brussels Griffon. So, you should get the Australian Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon

    Below is a list of where the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are most different:

    • Australian Terriers are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle. However, Brussels Griffons are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Australian Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Brussels Griffons have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon

    The Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Terrier versus Brussels Griffon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon.

    Australian Terriers weigh 14 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Australian Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Brussels Griffons weigh 7 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Brussels Griffons are 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Terrier versus Brussels Griffon

    The lifespan of Australian Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Brussels Griffons is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Brussels Griffons is 13.5 years.

    Temperament of the Australian Terrier Versus the Brussels Griffon

    The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Australian Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Terrier is 82.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 82.4 percent, the Australian Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Brussels Griffon has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon by measuring the temperaments of 17 Australian Terriers and 12 Brussels Griffons.

    Price of Australian Terrier versus Price of Brussels Griffon

    The average price of the Australian Terrier puppy is $1250. The price of the Australian Terrier typically ranges from $1050 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 13 Australian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Brussels Griffon puppy is $2430. The price of the Brussels Griffon typically ranges from $1899 – $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 124 Brussels Griffon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Brussels Griffon is more expensive than the Australian Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Terrier and Brussels Griffon. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Terrier puppies or how many Brussels Griffon puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Brussels Griffons

    A breakdown of the prices of Brussels Griffons

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Terrier puppy or the Brussels Griffon puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Australian Terrier versus Health Problems of Brussels Griffon

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Brussels Griffon is prone to more genetic health problems than the Australian Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Brussels Griffon than for the Australian Terrier.

    3 health tests are recommended for Australian Terrier while 6 tests are recommended for the Brussels Griffon.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Terriers and in Brussels Griffons.

    Australian Terrier Health Problems

    Australian Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Australian Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Australian Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Terriers here.

    Brussels Griffon Health Problems

    Brussels Griffons are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Brussels Griffon puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Brussels Griffon puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Brussels Griffon breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Brussels Griffons for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Syringomyelia – Recommend MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – no database registration

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Brussels Griffons here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Terrier versus Brussels Griffon

    Australian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Terriers shed more than Brussels Griffons?

    Australian Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Terrier or the Brussels Griffon

    Australian Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Terrier or the Brussels Griffon?

    Australian Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Brussels Griffon?

    Australian Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Brussels Griffons have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Australian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Brussels Griffons?

    Australian Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Brussels Griffons are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Terrier vs. Brussels Griffon

    Australian Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Brussels Griffons have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Terrier or the Brussels Griffon?

    Australian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Terriers good family dogs? What about Brussels Griffons?

    Australian Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Brussels Griffons are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Terriers and Brussels Griffons?

    Australian Terriers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Brussels Griffons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Terrier Easier to Train than the Brussels Griffon?

    Australian Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Australian Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Brussels Griffon?

    Australian Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Terrier or the Brussels Griffon?

    Australian Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Brussels Griffons are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Terrier versus Brussels Griffon. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Terrier and the Brussels Griffon better suits you and your family.