Bohemian Shepherd vs Brussels Griffon
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bohemian Shepherd
Foundation Stock Service
Brussels Griffon
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bohemian Shepherd Overview
Bohemian Shepherds showcase a balanced blend of strength and agility, with a medium-sized, well-muscled frame and distinctive double coat. Their alert expression and noble bearing reflect their heritage as versatile working dogs. Featuring a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, and intelligent dark eyes, these dogs carry themselves with natural grace and confidence.
Brussels Griffon Overview
Brussels Griffons captivate with their distinctive bearded faces and expressive, human-like eyes. These compact, sturdy dogs possess a domed head, short nose, and proud carriage that gives them an almost comic self-importance. Their coat comes in smooth or rough varieties, featuring rich red, black, or black and tan coloring. Despite their small size, they carry themselves with remarkable dignity and confidence.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bohemian Shepherds are less energetic than Brussels Griffons, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bohemian Shepherds require less grooming attention compared to Brussels Griffons.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bohemian Shepherds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Brussels Griffons.
- Trainability: Brussels Griffons may be slightly easier to train due to their Brussels Griffon's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Brussels Griffons adapt better to apartment living, while Bohemian Shepherds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bohemian Shepherd and Brussels Griffon, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bohemian Shepherd | Brussels Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bohemian Shepherd | Brussels Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-22 inches 49-55 cm | 7-10 inches 18-25 cm |
| Weight | 37-60 lbs 17-27 kg | 8-10 lbs 4-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bohemian Shepherd | Brussels Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Devoted, Alert and Intelligent | Loyal, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bohemian Shepherd | Brussels Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bohemian Shepherd Temperament
The Bohemian Shepherd is known for being friendly, devoted, alert and intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Brussels Griffon Temperament
The Brussels Griffon is characterized by being loyal, alert, curious, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bohemian Shepherd and Brussels Griffon, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 2/5
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Bohemian Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bohemian Shepherds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bohemian Shepherds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Brussels Griffon Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Brussels Griffons need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Brussels Griffons require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Bohemian Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Allergies
Brussels Griffon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Syringomyelia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Heart defects
- Hip dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Bohemian Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Devoted family companion
- Versatile working abilities
- Good with children
Cons
- Requires regular exercise
- May be reserved with strangers
- Moderate grooming needs
- Strong herding instincts
Brussels Griffon
Pros
- Affectionate with family
- Good apartment dog
- Low exercise needs
- Intelligent
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Sensitive to harsh correction
- May be vocal
- Not ideal with young children
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bohemian Shepherd and Brussels Griffon, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.