Brussels Griffon versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Brussels Griffon Versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier. 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

Brussels Griffon versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Overview

Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier are similar in size. The Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont 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.

Brussels Griffon versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Brussels Griffon to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Factor Brussels Griffon Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
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 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 7 to 12 pounds 18 to 24 pounds
Height 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2430 No Data
Price Range $1899 – $3000 No Data
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 71.4 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
    		•
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
    		•

    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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier. 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier is 80 out of 125.

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

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

    • Brussels Griffons have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

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

    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Brussels Griffon versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier

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

    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, Dandie Dinmont Terriers weigh 18 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Brussels Griffon versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier

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

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

    Temperament of the Brussels Griffon Versus the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

    The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is 71.4 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 91.7 percent, the Brussels Griffon has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 71.4 percent, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Brussels Griffon and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 12 Brussels Griffons and 7 Dandie Dinmont Terriers.

    Health Problems of Brussels Griffon versus Health Problems of Dandie Dinmont Terrier

    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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Brussels Griffon while 2 tests are recommended for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

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

    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.

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier Health Problems

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

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Dandie Dinmont Terriers?

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Dandie Dinmont 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.

    Do Brussels Griffons Bark and Howl? What about Dandie Dinmont Terriers?

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

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

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

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Dandie Dinmont Terriers?

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

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Brussels Griffons and Dandie Dinmont Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Brussels Griffon Better for Apartment Owners than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Brussels Griffon versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier. 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier better suits you and your family.