Brittany vs Brussels Griffon

Which dog breed is right for you?

Brittany

Size
30–40 lbs, 18–21 in
Lifespan
12–14 years
Exercise
Very High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Energetic Happy Sensitive Agile

Brussels Griffon

Size
8–10 lbs, 7–10 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Alert Curious Devoted Spirited

About the Brittany

The Brittany — formerly known as the Brittany Spaniel — originated in the Brittany province of northwestern France, where it has been a prized bird dog since at least the 17th century. Standing 17.5–20.5 inches tall and weighing 30–40 pounds, the Brittany is a leggy, agile sporting dog with a compact build that belies its remarkable stamina. Their flat or wavy coat comes in orange-and-white or liver-and-white patterns, is moderate in length with some feathering, and requires only weekly brushing.

Temperament & Personality

Brittanys are eager, energetic, and sensitive — they are among the most biddable of the sporting breeds, responding enthusiastically to praise and positive training methods. They are excellent family dogs who adore children and get along well with other dogs, though they can be overwhelmed by harsh corrections or chaotic environments. Their hunting instinct remains strong, and they will point and flush birds naturally, making them dual-purpose companions for active families and hunters alike.

Pros

  • Highly trainable and eager to please — one of the easiest sporting breeds to work with
  • Excellent with children and other dogs, making them ideal family companions
  • Versatile hunting dog that points, flushes, and retrieves with natural talent
  • Moderate grooming needs with a relatively low-maintenance coat

Cons

  • Very high energy level — requires extensive daily exercise, ideally in open spaces
  • Sensitive temperament can lead to submissive urination or anxiety with harsh treatment
  • Not suited for sedentary households — without exercise, they become hyperactive and neurotic
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and canine discoid lupus erythematosus

If you lead an active lifestyle and want a devoted companion, explore adoptable Brittanys on Puplister today.

About the Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon — or Griffon Bruxellois — originated in Brussels, Belgium, where it was initially bred as a stable ratter before becoming a beloved companion of Belgian nobility in the 19th century. These tiny, expressive dogs stand 7–10 inches tall and weigh 8–10 pounds, with a sturdy, thickset body that carries surprising heft for their size. They come in two coat varieties — rough (wiry, dense) and smooth (short, glossy) — in colors including red, beige, black-and-tan, and solid black.

Temperament & Personality

Brussels Griffons are spirited, curious, and remarkably self-important — they carry themselves with a confidence that far exceeds their diminutive stature. They form intense bonds with their primary person and can be quite demanding of attention, often described as "velcro dogs." While they can be good with older, respectful children, their small size and sometimes snappish nature make them unsuitable for households with toddlers or rough-handling youngsters.

Pros

  • Compact size makes them ideal for apartment and city living
  • Highly expressive and entertaining — their almost-human facial expressions are endlessly charming
  • Alert and vocal enough to serve as effective little watchdogs
  • The rough coat variety is low-shedding, suitable for those sensitive to pet hair

Cons

  • Can be difficult to housebreak — patience and consistency are essential
  • Prone to separation anxiety and may bark excessively when left alone
  • Fragile build makes them vulnerable to injury from rough play or falls
  • Brachycephalic features contribute to respiratory issues, heat sensitivity, and eye problems

These tiny dogs have enormous personalities — discover adoptable Brussels Griffons on Puplister and meet your perfect pint-sized companion.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Brittany and a Brussels Griffon?
The Brittany is 30–40 lbs, 18–21 in sized while the Brussels Griffon is 8–10 lbs, 7–10 in sized. They differ in size (30–40 lbs, 18–21 in vs 8–10 lbs, 7–10 in), lifespan (12–14 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Brittany or Brussels Griffon?
Brittany is generally good with kids. Brussels Griffon is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Brittany or Brussels Griffon?
The Brittany has a lifespan of 12–14 years while the Brussels Griffon has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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