Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Brussels Griffon Versus Golden Retriever: Introduction
- Brussels Griffon versus Golden Retriever: Overview
- Brussels Griffon versus Golden Retriever: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever
- The Similarities Between the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever
- Size Comparison of Brussels Griffon versus Golden Retriever
- Lifespan of Brussels Griffon versus Golden Retriever
- Temperament of the Golden Retriever Versus the Brussels Griffon
- Price of Brussels Griffon versus Price of Golden Retriever
- Health Problems of Brussels Griffon versus Health Problems of Golden Retriever
- Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Golden Retriever
- Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Golden Retrievers?
- Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Golden Retriever
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Brussels Griffon or the Golden Retriever?
- Does the Brussels Griffon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Retriever?
- Do Brussels Griffons Bark and Howl? What about Golden Retrievers?
- Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Golden Retriever
- Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Brussels Griffon or the Golden Retriever?
- Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Golden Retrievers?
- How Kid-friendly are Brussels Griffons and Golden Retrievers?
- Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Golden Retriever?
- Conclusion: Brussels Griffon versus Golden Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?
Brussels Griffon Versus Golden Retriever: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever.
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 Golden Retriever.
Brussels Griffon versus Golden Retriever: Overview
A very important difference between the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Brussels Griffon is a tiny-sized dog while the Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog.
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 Golden Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Brussels Griffon versus Golden Retriever: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Brussels Griffon to the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever
| Factor | Brussels Griffon | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 10 to 12 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 7 to 12 pounds | 55 to 75 pounds |
| Height | 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $2430 | $1870 |
| Price Range | $1899 – $3000 | $1500 – $2200 |
| Temperament Score | 91.7 percent | 85.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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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 Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Golden Retriever is a better pet than the Brussels Griffon. So, you should get the Golden Retriever!
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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever
Below is a list of where the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever are most different:
- Brussels Griffons adapt well to apartment living. However, Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
- Brussels Griffons have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever
The Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever are most similar:
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever do not like to be left alone.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever are highly intelligent.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever are very playful.
Size Comparison of Brussels Griffon versus Golden Retriever
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever.
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, Golden Retrievers weigh 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Golden Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Brussels Griffon versus Golden Retriever
The lifespan of Brussels Griffons is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Brussels Griffons is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers is 11.0 years.
Brussels Griffons live longer than Golden Retrievers.
Temperament of the Golden Retriever Versus the Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Golden Retriever.
This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Golden Retriever is 85.6 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 85.6 percent, the Golden Retriever has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Brussels Griffon and the Golden Retriever by measuring the temperaments of 12 Brussels Griffons and 813 Golden Retrievers.
Price of Brussels Griffon versus Price of Golden Retriever
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 Golden Retriever puppy is $1870. The price of the Golden Retriever typically ranges from $1500 – $2200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2668 Golden Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Brussels Griffon is more expensive than the Golden Retriever.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Brussels Griffon and Golden Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Brussels Griffon puppies or how many Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retrievers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Brussels Griffon puppy or the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever
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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Brussels Griffon than for the Golden Retriever.
6 health tests are recommended for Brussels Griffon while 4 tests are recommended for the Golden Retriever.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Brussels Griffons and in Golden Retrievers.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Brussels Griffons here.
Golden Retriever Health Problems
Golden Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retrievers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Golden Retrievers here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Golden Retriever
Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.
Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Golden Retrievers?
Brussels Griffons shed moderately.
Golden Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Golden Retriever
Brussels Griffons drool moderately.
Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Brussels Griffon or the Golden Retriever?
Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.
Golden Retrievers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Brussels Griffon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Retriever?
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.
Golden Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Brussels Griffons Bark and Howl? What about Golden Retrievers?
Brussels Griffons are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Golden Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Golden Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Golden Retriever
Brussels Griffons have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever?
Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.
Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Golden Retrievers?
Brussels Griffons are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Golden Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Brussels Griffons and Golden Retrievers?
Brussels Griffons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Golden Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Golden Retriever?
Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.
Golden Retrievers are very easy to train.
Is the Brussels Griffon Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Retriever?
Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.
Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Brussels Griffon or the Golden Retriever?
Brussels Griffons are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Golden Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Brussels Griffon versus Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever better suits you and your family.