Brussels Griffon vs Hovawart
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
Hovawart
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Hovawart Overview
Hovawarts are powerful, medium-sized dogs with a noble bearing and distinctive tricolor coat. Their well-proportioned build combines strength with agility, featuring a broad chest and strong limbs. Alert eyes and a confident stance reflect their watchful nature, while their medium-length coat provides protection in various weather conditions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Brussels Griffons are less energetic than Hovawarts, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Brussels Griffons require more grooming attention compared to Hovawarts.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Brussels Griffons tend to be more reserved with strangers than Hovawarts.
- Trainability: Hovawarts may be slightly easier to train due to their Hovawart's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Hovawarts 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 Hovawart, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-10 inches 18-25 cm | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm |
| Weight | 8-10 lbs 4-5 kg | 65-90 lbs 29-41 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Curious | Alert, Faithful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Hovawart Temperament
The Hovawart is characterized by being alert, faithful, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Brussels Griffon and Hovawart, 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
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
Hovawart
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 2/5
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 4/5
Hovawart
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.
Hovawart Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Hovawarts 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, Hovawarts 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
Hovawart Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Disease
- 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
Hovawart
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Needs extensive training
- High exercise needs
- Reserved with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Brussels Griffon and Hovawart, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.