Brussels Griffon versus Irish Wolfhound. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Brussels Griffon Versus Irish Wolfhound: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound. 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 Irish Wolfhound.

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 Irish Wolfhound.

Brussels Griffon versus Irish Wolfhound: Overview

A very important difference between the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Wolfhound is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Brussels Griffon is a tiny-sized dog while the Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Brussels Griffon to the Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound

Factor Brussels Griffon Irish Wolfhound
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 6 to 8 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
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 3/5
General Health 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
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 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 7 to 12 pounds 115 to 180 pounds
Height 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 7.0 years
Average Price $2430 $1730
Price Range $1899 – $3000 $1000 – $2100
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 90.1 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
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • 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 Irish Wolfhound. 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 Irish Wolfhound is 82 out of 125.

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

    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 Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound

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

    • Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Irish Wolfhounds can tolerate cold weather.
    • Brussels Griffons have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Irish Wolfhounds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Brussels Griffons are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Irish Wolfhounds are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Brussels Griffons adapt well to apartment living. However, Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Brussels Griffons have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Irish Wolfhounds have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.

    The Similarities Between the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Wolfhound

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

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

    Size Comparison of Brussels Griffon versus Irish Wolfhound

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

    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, Irish Wolfhounds weigh 115 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Irish Wolfhounds are 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Brussels Griffon versus Irish Wolfhound

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

    The lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is between 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is 7.0 years.

    Brussels Griffons live longer than Irish Wolfhounds.

    Temperament of the Brussels Griffon Versus the Irish Wolfhound

    The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Irish Wolfhound.

    This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Wolfhound is 90.1 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 90.1 percent, the Irish Wolfhound has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Brussels Griffon and the Irish Wolfhound by measuring the temperaments of 12 Brussels Griffons and 101 Irish Wolfhounds.

    Price of Brussels Griffon versus Price of Irish Wolfhound

    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 Irish Wolfhound puppy is $1730. The price of the Irish Wolfhound typically ranges from $1000 – $2100. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 58 Irish Wolfhound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Brussels Griffon is more expensive than the Irish Wolfhound.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Wolfhounds

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

    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 Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound.

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

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

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

    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.

    Irish Wolfhound Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Wolfhounds here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Irish Wolfhound

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Irish Wolfhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Irish Wolfhounds?

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

    Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Irish Wolfhound

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

    Irish Wolfhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Brussels Griffon or the Irish Wolfhound?

    Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.

    Irish Wolfhounds are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Brussels Griffon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Wolfhound?

    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.

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhounds?

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

    Irish Wolfhounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Irish Wolfhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Irish Wolfhound

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

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Irish Wolfhounds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Wolfhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Irish Wolfhounds?

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

    Irish Wolfhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Brussels Griffons and Irish Wolfhounds?

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

    Irish Wolfhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Irish Wolfhound?

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

    Irish Wolfhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Brussels Griffon Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Wolfhound?

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Irish Wolfhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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