Which is Better Between the Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon?

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Biewer Terrier Versus Brussels Griffon: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Biewer 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 Biewer 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 Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier or the Brussels Griffon.

Biewer Terrier versus Brussels Griffon: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Biewer 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.

Biewer Terrier versus Brussels Griffon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon

Factor Biewer Terrier Brussels Griffon
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Dog 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
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 4 to 8 pounds 7 to 12 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Height 7 to 11 inches 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2920 $2430
Price Range $2000 – $3000 $1899 – $3000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • 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 Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Brussels Griffon is 72 out of 125.

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

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

    • Biewer Terriers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Brussels Griffons have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    The Similarities Between the Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon

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

    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are very playful.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

    Size Comparison of Biewer Terrier versus Brussels Griffon

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

    Biewer Terriers weigh 4 to 8 pounds when fully grown. Biewer Terriers are 7 to 11 inches 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 Biewer Terrier versus Brussels Griffon

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

    Price of Biewer Terrier versus Price of Brussels Griffon

    The average price of the Biewer Terrier puppy is $2920. The price of the Biewer Terrier typically ranges from $2000 – $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 81 Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier is more expensive than the Brussels Griffon.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Biewer 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 Biewer 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 Biewer 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 Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Brussels Griffon.

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

    8 health tests are recommended for Biewer Terrier while 6 tests are recommended for the Brussels Griffon.

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

    Biewer Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Biewer 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: Biewer Terrier versus Brussels Griffon

    Biewer Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Biewer Terriers shed more than Brussels Griffons?

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

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

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

    Biewer Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

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

    Biewer Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Biewer Terriers 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.

    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 Biewer Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Brussels Griffons?

    Biewer Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Biewer Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Biewer Terrier vs. Brussels Griffon

    Biewer Terriers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

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

    Biewer Terriers 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 Biewer Terrier or the Brussels Griffon?

    Biewer Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Biewer 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 Biewer Terriers and Brussels Griffons?

    Biewer Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Biewer Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

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

    Biewer Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Biewer Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier and the Brussels Griffon better suits you and your family.