Brussels Griffon vs Collie
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
Collie
Herding 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.
Collie Overview
Graceful and elegant, Collies possess a distinctive wedge-shaped head crowned by a refined muzzle and alert, almond-shaped eyes. Their double coat features a harsh outer layer and soft undercoat, coming in four recognized colors. Standing proudly with an air of intelligence and dignity, Collies exhibit a well-balanced body structure with deep chest and level topline, moving with smooth, effortless strides.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Brussels Griffons are less energetic than Collies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Brussels Griffons require less grooming attention compared to Collies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Brussels Griffons tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Collies.
- Trainability: Brussels Griffons may be slightly easier to train due to their Brussels Griffon's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Collies adapt better to apartment living, while Brussels Griffons typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Brussels Griffon and Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-10 inches 18-25 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 8-10 lbs 4-5 kg | 50-75 lbs 23-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Curious | Devoted, Graceful, Proud |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Collie Temperament
The Collie is characterized by being devoted, graceful, proud, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 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 Brussels Griffon and Collie, 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
Collie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
Collie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
Collie
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 2/5
Collie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 4/5
Collie
Rating: 4/5
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.
Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Collies 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 medium coat coat, Collies 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
Brussels Griffon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Syringomyelia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Heart defects
- Hip dysplasia
Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- PRA
- MDR1
- Bloat
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
Collie
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Loyal and protective
- Elegant appearance
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Sensitive personality
- Needs consistent exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Brussels Griffon and Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.