Brussels Griffon vs American Foxhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Brussels Griffon
Toy Group
American Foxhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
American Foxhound Overview
American Foxhounds showcase a lean, muscular build with long, straight legs and a broad chest. Their distinctive features include a domed skull, long ears, and gentle brown eyes that convey their sweet-tempered nature. Standing tall with an athletic frame, these hounds possess remarkable endurance and agility, complemented by a short, dense coat that comes in classic hound colors.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Brussels Griffons are less energetic than American Foxhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Brussels Griffons require more grooming attention compared to American Foxhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Brussels Griffons tend to be more outgoing with strangers than American Foxhounds.
- Trainability: American Foxhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their American Foxhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Brussels Griffons adapt better to apartment living, while American Foxhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Brussels Griffon and American Foxhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-10 inches 18-25 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 8-10 lbs 4-5 kg | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Curious | Independent, Easy-Going, Sweet-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Brussels Griffon Temperament
The Brussels Griffon is known for being loyal, alert, curious, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.
American Foxhound Temperament
The American Foxhound is characterized by being independent, easy-going, sweet-tempered, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Brussels Griffon and American Foxhound, 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
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 2/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 4/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Brussels Griffon Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Brussels Griffons 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, Brussels Griffons require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
American Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Foxhounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Foxhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Brussels Griffon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Syringomyelia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Heart defects
- Hip dysplasia
American Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thrombocytopathy
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
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
American Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly nature
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Needs lots of exercise
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Brussels Griffon and American Foxhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.