A Detailed Comparison of the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

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Brussels Griffon Versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? 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 Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Brussels Griffon and for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 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 Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

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

Brussels Griffon versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Brussels Griffon is a tiny-sized dog while the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are Companion Dogs. This means both the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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.

Brussels Griffon versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Brussels Griffon to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Factor Brussels Griffon Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 7 to 12 pounds 13 to 18 pounds
Height 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2430 $2570
Price Range $1899 – $3000 $2000 – $3000
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 85.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Syringomyelia – Recommend MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – no database registration
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination;
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Brussels Griffon 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 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 Brussels Griffon is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 91 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a better pet than the Brussels Griffon. So, you should get the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!

    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 Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are most different:

    • Brussels Griffons are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
    • Brussels Griffons have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    The Similarities Between the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    The Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are most similar:

    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Brussels Griffon versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

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

    On the other hand, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels weigh 13 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Brussels Griffon versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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

    The lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is 12.0 years.

    Brussels Griffons live longer than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus the Brussels Griffon

    The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 85.5 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 91.7 percent, the Brussels Griffon has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 85.5 percent, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 12 Brussels Griffons and 62 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

    Price of Brussels Griffon versus Price of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    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 reviewing the prices of 124 Brussels Griffon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is $2570. The price of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically ranges from $2000 – $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 729 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is more expensive than the Brussels Griffon.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Brussels Griffons. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Brussels Griffons. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Brussels Griffon puppy or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Brussels Griffon versus Health Problems of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    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 Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Brussels Griffon than for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    6 health tests are recommended for Brussels Griffon while 4 tests are recommended for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Brussels Griffons and in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

    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.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Problems

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination;
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Brussels Griffon or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

    Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Brussels Griffon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

    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.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Brussels Griffons Bark and Howl? What about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Brussels Griffon or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Brussels Griffons and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the Brussels Griffon Better for Apartment Owners than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Brussels Griffon or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Brussels Griffon versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 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 Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel better suits you and your family.