Is the Brussels Griffon Better than the Dachshund as a Pet? Answer…

Brussels Griffon versus Dachshund

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Brussels Griffon Versus Dachshund: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund 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 Dachshund. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund.

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 Dachshund

Brussels Griffon versus Dachshund

Brussels Griffon versus Dachshund: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Dachshund belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Brussels Griffon versus Dachshund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Brussels Griffon to the Dachshund 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.

Factor Brussels Griffon Dachshund
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 7 to 12 pounds 16 to 32 pounds
Height 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2430 $1730
Price Range $1900 – $3000 $1000 – $2000
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 69.4 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
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 93 11

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    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 Dachshund. 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 a Brussels Griffon is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Dachshund is 69 out of 125.

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

    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 Dachshund so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Brussels Griffon versus Dachshund

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund

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

  • Brussels Griffons have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Dachshunds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund

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

  • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund 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 Dachshund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Brussels Griffon versus Dachshund

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

    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, Dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds when fully grown. Dachshunds are 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Dachshund Versus the Brussels Griffon

    The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Dachshund.

    This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Dachshund is 69.4 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 they 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 69.4 percent, the Dachshund has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund by measuring the temperaments of 12 Brussels Griffons and 49 Dachshunds.

    Price of Brussels Griffon versus Price of Dachshund

    The average price of the Brussels Griffon puppy is $2430. The price of the Brussels Griffon typically ranges from $1900 – $3000. However, the price of a Brussels Griffon can be as low as $500 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 164 Brussels Griffon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Dachshund puppy is $1730. The price of the Dachshund typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Dachshund can be as low as $200 and as high as $24000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 698 Dachshund puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Brussels Griffon is more expensive than the Dachshund.

    Brussels Griffon Dachshund
    Average Price $2430 $1730
    Price Range $1900 to $3000 $1000 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Brussels Griffon and Dachshund. For different price points, the charts show how many Brussels Griffon puppies or how many Dachshund 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 Dachshunds

    A breakdown of the prices of Dachshunds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Brussels Griffon puppy or the Dachshund 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    The Popularity of Brussels Griffon versus Popularity of Dachshund

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Dachshund is more popular with dog owners than the Brussels Griffon. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Dachshund is 11 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Brussels Griffon is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Brussels Griffon

    Popularity of Brussels Griffon

    Popularity of Dachshund

    Popularity of Dachshund

    Year Brussels Griffon Popularity Rank Dachshund Popularity Rank
    2013 84 10
    2014 91 11
    2015 95 13
    2016 97 13
    2017 94 13
    2018 98 12
    2019 96 11
    2020 89 10

    Health Problems of Brussels Griffon versus Health Problems of Dachshund

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

    Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund 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 Dachshund.

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Brussels Griffon while 5 tests are recommended for the Dachshund.

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

    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.

    Dachshund Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dachshunds here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Brussels Griffons and Dachshunds

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Brussels Griffon Breed is Hips problems.

    This is because the Brussels Griffon ranks 5 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 160 Brussels Griffons, 84 of them had Hips problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Brussels Griffons, and how common these diseases are in Brussels Griffons relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Hips problems: Rank 5 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 16 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 169 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Dachshund Breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.

    This is because the Dachshund ranks 6 out of 32 dog breeds for Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 175 Dachshunds, 2 of them had Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dachshunds, and how common these diseases are in Dachshunds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems: Rank 6 out of 32 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 27 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 30 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 42 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 65 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 106 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 160 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 161 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Brussels Griffon and in Dachshund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Brussels Griffon and the Dachshund:

    Disease Brussels Griffon Rank Dachshund Rank
    Hips problems 5 out of 198 dog breeds 161 out of 198 dog breeds
    Patella problems 16 out of 145 dog breeds 42 out of 145 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 169 out of 182 dog breeds 160 out of 182 dog breeds
    Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems Not Common 6 out of 32 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems Not Common 27 out of 49 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 30 out of 71 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 65 out of 159 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 106 out of 115 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Dachshund

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Dachshunds can be left alone only for a short time.

    Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Dachshunds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Does the Brussels Griffon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dachshund?

    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.

    Dachshunds 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.

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

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

    Dachshunds are very good for new dog owners.

    Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Dachshunds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Dachshunds?

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

    Dachshunds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Dachshund

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

    Dachshunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Brussels Griffon or the Dachshund?

    Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.

    Dachshunds are moderately easy to groom.

    Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Dachshund?

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

    Dachshunds are not easy to train.

    How Kid-friendly are Brussels Griffons and Dachshunds?

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

    Dachshunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

    Dachshunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Do Brussels Griffons Bark and Howl? What about Dachshunds?

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

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

    Is the Brussels Griffon Better for Apartment Owners than the Dachshund?

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Dachshunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Dachshunds?

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

    Dachshunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Dachshund

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

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Brussels Griffon

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Brussels Griffon that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Brussels Griffon:

  • Miniature Pinscher (73 percent match with Brussels Griffon). Here is our comparison of the Dachshund vs Miniature Pinscher.
  • Redbone Coonhound (73 percent match with Brussels Griffon). Here is our comparison of the Dachshund vs Redbone Coonhound.
  • Tibetan Spaniel (74 percent match with Brussels Griffon). Here is our comparison of the Dachshund vs Tibetan Spaniel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dachshund that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dachshund:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (71 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Brussels Griffon vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Lhasa Apso (71 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Brussels Griffon vs Lhasa Apso.
  • Manchester Terrier (75 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Brussels Griffon vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Miniature Pinscher (72 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Brussels Griffon vs Miniature Pinscher.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Brussels Griffon and how the Dachshund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Brussels Griffon and of the Dachshund to other breeds:

    Brussels Griffon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Brussels Griffon versus Cane Corso     Brussels Griffon versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Brussels Griffon versus Chi-Poo     Brussels Griffon versus Cockalier     Brussels Griffon versus Fila Brasileiro     Brussels Griffon versus Whoodle     Brussels Griffon versus Cairn Terrier     Brussels Griffon versus Whoodle     Brussels Griffon versus Puli     Brussels Griffon versus Border Terrier     

    Dachshund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dachshund versus Siberian Husky     Dachshund versus Sussex Spaniel     Dachshund versus Pointer     Dachshund versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Dachshund versus Doberman Pinscher     Dachshund versus Papillon     Dachshund versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Dachshund versus Westiepoo     Dachshund versus Akita     Dachshund versus Morkie     

    Conclusion: Brussels Griffon versus Dachshund. 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 Dachshund better suits you and your family.