Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Brussels Griffon Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
- Brussels Griffon versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
- Brussels Griffon versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- The Similarities Between the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Size Comparison of Brussels Griffon versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Lifespan of Brussels Griffon versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Temperament of the Brussels Griffon Versus the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Price of Brussels Griffon versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Health Problems of Brussels Griffon versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Brussels Griffon or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Does the Brussels Griffon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Do Brussels Griffons Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Brussels Griffon or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- How Kid-friendly are Brussels Griffons and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Conclusion: Brussels Griffon versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which One is a Better Pet?
Brussels Griffon Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback? 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Brussels Griffon versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
A very important difference between the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Brussels Griffon is a tiny-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Brussels Griffon to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Factor | Brussels Griffon | Rhodesian Ridgeback |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 7 to 12 pounds | 70 to 85 pounds |
| Height | 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder | 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $2430 | $1620 |
| Price Range | $1899 – $3000 | $1250 – $1900 |
| Temperament Score | 91.7 percent | 84.2 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a better pet than the Brussels Griffon. So, you should get the Rhodesian Ridgeback!
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Below is a list of where the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:
- Brussels Griffons have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
- Brussels Griffons adapt well to apartment living. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
The Similarities Between the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most similar:
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not like to be left alone.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very playful.
Size Comparison of Brussels Griffon versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Brussels Griffon versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
The lifespan of Brussels Griffons is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Brussels Griffons is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.
Brussels Griffons live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Temperament of the Brussels Griffon Versus the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 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 84.2 percent, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Brussels Griffon and the Rhodesian Ridgeback by measuring the temperaments of 12 Brussels Griffons and 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Price of Brussels Griffon versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is $1620. The price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback typically ranges from $1250 – $1900. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 175 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Brussels Griffon is more expensive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Brussels Griffon and Rhodesian Ridgeback. For different price points, the charts show how many Brussels Griffon puppies or how many Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Brussels Griffon puppy or the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Brussels Griffon.
6 health tests are recommended for Brussels Griffon while 6 tests are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Brussels Griffons and in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
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.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.
Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Brussels Griffons shed moderately.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Brussels Griffons drool moderately.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Brussels Griffon or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
Does the Brussels Griffon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
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.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Brussels Griffons are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Brussels Griffons have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.
Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Brussels Griffons are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Brussels Griffons and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Brussels Griffons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.
Is the Brussels Griffon Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Brussels Griffon or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Brussels Griffons are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Brussels Griffon versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.