Which is Better Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon?

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Belgian Sheepdog Versus Brussels Griffon: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Brussels Griffon.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Brussels Griffon is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Belgian Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon

Factor Belgian Sheepdog Brussels Griffon
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 60 to 75 pounds 7 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1430 $2430
Price Range $800 – $1725 $1899 – $3000
Temperament Score 81.0 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Brussels Griffon is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon are most different:

    • Belgian Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Brussels Griffons are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon

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

    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon 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.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon.

    Belgian Sheepdogs weigh 60 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Sheepdogs are 22 to 26 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 Belgian Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon

    The lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is 11.0 years.

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

    Brussels Griffons live longer than Belgian Sheepdogs.

    Temperament of the Belgian Sheepdog Versus the Brussels Griffon

    The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Belgian Sheepdog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Belgian Sheepdog is 81.0 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 81.0 percent, the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon by measuring the temperaments of 516 Belgian Sheepdogs and 12 Brussels Griffons.

    Price of Belgian Sheepdog versus Price of Brussels Griffon

    The average price of the Belgian Sheepdog puppy is $1430. The price of the Belgian Sheepdog typically ranges from $800 – $1725. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 32 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Sheepdogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Sheepdogs. 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Brussels Griffon than for the Belgian Sheepdog.

    3 health tests are recommended for Belgian Sheepdog while 6 tests are recommended for the Brussels Griffon.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Belgian Sheepdogs and in Brussels Griffons.

    Belgian Sheepdog Health Problems

    Belgian Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdogs for:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Belgian Sheepdogs 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: Belgian Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon

    Belgian Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Sheepdogs shed more than Brussels Griffons?

    Belgian Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Brussels Griffon

    Belgian Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Brussels Griffon?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are moderately easy to groom.

    Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Brussels Griffon?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Brussels Griffons?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Sheepdog vs. Brussels Griffon

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Brussels Griffon?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Brussels Griffons?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs and Brussels Griffons?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Brussels Griffon?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Brussels Griffon?

    Belgian Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Brussels Griffon?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Brussels Griffon better suits you and your family.