Is the Brussels Griffon Better than the Great Dane as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Brussels Griffon Versus Great Dane: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane 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 Great Dane. 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 Great Dane.

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 Great Dane.

Brussels Griffon versus Great Dane: Overview

A very important difference between the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Brussels Griffon is a tiny-sized dog while the Great Dane is a giant-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 Great Dane belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Brussels Griffon versus Great Dane: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Brussels Griffon to the Great Dane 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 Great Dane

Factor Brussels Griffon Great Dane
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 7 to 10 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
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 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 7 to 12 pounds 100 to 200 pounds
Height 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 8.5 years
Average Price $2430 $1560
Price Range $1899 – $3000 $1000 – $2000
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 81.5 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
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    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 Great Dane. 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 Great Dane is 73 out of 125.

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

    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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane

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

    • Brussels Griffons adapt well to apartment living. However, Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane

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

    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane 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 Great Dane are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Brussels Griffon versus Great Dane

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

    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, Great Danes weigh 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Great Danes are 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Brussels Griffon versus Great Dane

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

    The lifespan of Great Danes is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Great Danes is 8.5 years.

    Brussels Griffons live longer than Great Danes.

    Temperament of the Brussels Griffon Versus the Great Dane

    The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Great Dane.

    This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Great Dane is 81.5 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 81.5 percent, the Great Dane has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Brussels Griffon and the Great Dane by measuring the temperaments of 12 Brussels Griffons and 314 Great Danes.

    Price of Brussels Griffon versus Price of Great Dane

    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 Great Dane puppy is $1560. The price of the Great Dane typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Brussels Griffon is more expensive than the Great Dane.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Brussels Griffon puppy or the Great Dane 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 Great Dane

    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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane.

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Brussels Griffon while 4 tests are recommended for the Great Dane.

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

    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.

    Great Dane Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Great Danes here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Great Dane

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Great Danes?

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

    Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Great Dane

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Brussels Griffon or the Great Dane?

    Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Does the Brussels Griffon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Great Dane?

    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.

    Great Danes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Brussels Griffons Bark and Howl? What about Great Danes?

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

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

    Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Great Dane

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

    Great Danes 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 Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Great Danes 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 Great Dane?

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Great Danes?

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

    Great Danes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Brussels Griffons and Great Danes?

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

    Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Great Dane?

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Is the Brussels Griffon Better for Apartment Owners than the Great Dane?

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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