Brussels Griffon vs Schipperke
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
Schipperke
Non-Sporting 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.
Schipperke Overview
Schipperkes are small, sturdy dogs with distinctive black coats and fox-like faces. Their well-muscled bodies support an alert, confident stance, while their thick double coat forms a characteristic ruff, cape, and culottes. Standing 11-13 inches tall, these agile dogs move with purpose and grace, displaying their heritage as both watchdogs and ratters through their keen expression and quick movements.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Brussels Griffons are less energetic than Schipperkes, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Brussels Griffons require more grooming attention compared to Schipperkes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Brussels Griffons tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Schipperkes.
- Trainability: Schipperkes may be slightly easier to train due to their Schipperke's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Schipperkes 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 Schipperke, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-10 inches 18-25 cm | 10-13 inches 25-33 cm |
| Weight | 8-10 lbs 4-5 kg | 10-16 lbs 5-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Curious | Confident, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Schipperke Temperament
The Schipperke is characterized by being confident, alert, curious, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Brussels Griffon and Schipperke, 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
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
Schipperke
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 2/5
Schipperke
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 4/5
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
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.
Schipperke Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Schipperkes 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, Schipperkes 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
Schipperke Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- MPS IIIB
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
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
Schipperke
Pros
- Excellent watchdog
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Barks frequently
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Brussels Griffon and Schipperke, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.