Maltese vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Maltese vs Brussels Griffon - Breed ComparisonBrussels Griffon is originated from Belgium but Maltese is originated from Italy. Both Brussels Griffon and Maltese are having almost same height. Both Brussels Griffon and Maltese are having almost same weight. Brussels Griffon may live 3 years less than Maltese. Both Brussels Griffon and Maltese has almost same litter size. Both Brussels Griffon and Maltese requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Toy dog
undefined
Belgium
Italy
Height Male:
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
Height Female:
16 - 18 cm
6 - 8 inches
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
1 - 5 kg
2 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
1 - 5 kg
2 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 4
1 - 3
Size:
Toy
Small
Other Names:
Griffon Belge • Griffon Bruxellois • Brussels Griffon • Petit Brabancon • Belgian Griffon • Griffon
Melita, Maltese Lion Dog
Colors Available:
red, black-and-reddish-brown (called belge), black and tan, and black
White
Coat:
rough and smooth types
Long and silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

brussels griffonThe Brussels Griffon is one of the three different types of Griffons. There is the Belgian, the Petit, and the Brussels Griffon. “Griffon” means wiry and the Brussels Griffon lives up to that moniker. The Brussels Griffon’s coat is longer than that of the Belgian Griffon and the Petit Brabanon (Griffon) has a smooth, short coat. The breed is probably originally developed by crossing Belgian street dogs with the Affenpinsher as early in the 1800’s. They were favored by the cabbies in Brussels as guard dogs. They were also bred to hunt rats. Sometime toward the end of the 19th century, the Griffon was again crossed this time with a pug. This accounts for the type of head that the Brussels Griffon has, namely a brachycephalic head. It also accounts for the smooth coat of the Petit Griffon. The modern-day Griffon may also have been crossed at some time with one or more of these breeds: the English Toy Spaniel, the Irish Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier.

By 1880, the breed was recognized and appeared in the Brussels Exhibition of 1880. They were also found in paintings of the same era by the Flemish painter, Van Eyck. In the beginning of the 20th century, the breed was extremely popular with the nobility in Belgium. As with so many other breeds, the number of Brussels Griffon was greatly reduced during the First World War. It did not take them long however to make a comeback after the war. Their popularity then spread around the globe.

The European FCI considers the Brussels Griffon, the Belgian Griffon and the Petit Brabancon (Griffon) to be three separate breeds with no interbreeding among them. They are shown as three separate breeds in Europe, with the difference between the Belgian and Brussels being the accepted colors. The Brussels is only red in color while the Belgium Griffon can be in all other colors. In the United States the three types of Griffons are considered one breed with three varieties. Only the Brussels Griffon is recognized by the AKC. The difference in coat and color make for the different varieties in the U.S.

malteseThe Maltese dog hardly needs any introduction as this is an ancient breed which is still as popular as ever. Some people refer to it as the "Maltese Lion Dog," or "Melita" which was Malta’s previous name.

It was in the 19th century, that the Kennel Club settled on the name of Maltese for the dog breed. The dog has been selectively bred to keep its small size. The exact origin of the dog is unknown and there are various stories surrounding where its origins are, thought to be Italy.

It is believed that dogs such as spaniels and poodles have been used to bring about the Maltese. The American Kennel Club, a registry for pure bred dogs, recognized the breed in 1888.

Description

brussels griffon puppy - descriptionAll three types of Griffons are toy size dogs with short, thick bodies and distinctive brachycephalic heads. Regardless of coat color their muzzles and whiskers are black, and they have large eyes, also black, a mustache and beard. They have black eyelashes and a nose that is very black. All this is set against their red, beige, black or black and tan coat. Their forehead is dome shaped and the muzzle is short. The breed has small ears that are high up on the dog’s head. The ears might be cropped in the United States but would not be in Europe. The lower jaw is prominent and the jaw itself is undershot. They have black toenails and pads, with strong and muscular hind legs. The Griffon has a docked, high set tail in the U.S. and a full tail in Europe and all of the United Kingdom.

The rough coated types have a dense and wiry coat and the standard encourages the hardest possible wire coat. Their heads are also wiry and long around the chin, cheeks, nose and eyes. They should be hand-stripped and never left ungroomed. The coat can matt if not taken care of adequately. One of the most important features of the Brussels Griffon is its human like face or monkey like appearance.

maltese puppy - descriptionThe Maltese is looked upon as a toy dog. Both male and female stand roughly between 20-25cm in height and weigh between 1 and 4kg.

He is as cute as a button with a rounded skull, a pitch black nose, brown eyes and medium length floppy ears. The tail is feathery and is curled. He has a long, silky coat without an undercoat.

The color of his coat is pure white, and because he doesn’t shed he is looked upon as being hypoallergenic. Most people who own a Maltese like having the coat short to one length all round.

Temperament:

These little dogs have been bred to be companion dogs. They may be little, but it is a good idea to have him trained and socialized as they are inclined to be a bit snappy, especially with children.

He is intelligent, so training him won’t be difficult. Brought up the right way though, he can be good with children as well as pets in the home. They love their human families and want to be constantly with them. He is an energetic little dog too, and will just love ball games both inside and outside.

His very temperament and smallness make it that he fits perfectly into life in the city or the countryside. He is sweet and gentle but he makes a good watchdog, alerting you with his barking to strangers coming close by. Don’t leave him for long period of time as he hates being on his own and then he may start barking from sheer boredom and frustration.

Characteristics

Characteristics

brussels griffon dog - characteristicsThe Brussels Griffon is sociable, alert and very intelligent. She is very energetic, playful and loving. They bond deeply with their family. Housebreaking might be a challenge as it is with all toy/small breeds. They are incredibly lonely and restless when their people are not around them. They have great personalities, terrier like characteristics, and deep loyalty to their humans. They are great companions and love children. Just remember how small they are. They are susceptible to Little Dog Syndrome if the human does not establish themselves as the alpha right away.

maltese dog - characteristicsThe Maltese is a popular dog no doubt, and his smallness is a draw-card as he adapts easily to life in the city or the countryside.

He is loving, loyal, intelligent and responsive, making him a good family dog and being an excellent playmate for children. Teach your children how to respect animals because raucous, disrespectful kids might produce a nip from an agitated Maltese.

Being a light shedder is another draw-card, with him being looked upon as a hypoallergenic breed. He has got so many good things going for him that he is guaranteed to make you an ideal pet.

Health Problems

brussels griffon puppies - health problemsThe Brussels Griffon is susceptible to many of the diseases and genetic conditions that many other toy or small dogs have. Flat-faced breeds like the Griffon also suffer from difficulty with breathing under certain weather conditions and they are known to snore. They should not be kept in hot, sunny, humid climates for this reason. They may also display patella luxation (slipping kneecaps) and hip dysplasia. Lastly, they are susceptible to ear infections. Dams are often in need of cesarean sections to deliver their litters. They have very serious health issues due to the head shape and flat face. These might include eye and respiratory issues and syringomyelia – a deadly neurological disease. They are susceptible to epilepsy, dental issues and eye lash issues.

maltese puppies - health problemsYour Maltese is a feisty little thing who, with good care, can live for a good few years – up to 15 or even longer. As with any other dog, he can become ill. One or two illnesses to look out for include -

Skin Problems:

Sebaceous adenitis is caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands and is an uncommon skin disease found in some breeds of dog.

There are two types - one for long coated breeds and one for short coated breeds. For long or double-coated dogs, you’ll notice a white/silvery kind of dandruff on the coat as well as hair loss. There can also be skin lesions along the back and ears. It can make your pet miserable and he will need to see a vet.

Thyroid Problems:

A common hormonal problem is canine hypothyroidism, brought on by inadequate levels of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include hair loss, weight gain, coldness and a weakened immune system.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

brussels griffon dogs - caringThe Brussels Griffon can choke easily so take care with the size of kibble you feed them. They need about one fourth to one half of a cup of high quality dry food that is designed for small or toy dogs. Divide this amount into two or three small meals per day. Puppies should be fed more often than adults but never feed just one large meal per day. Be careful that your Brussels Griffon does not become obese.

Health issues

The Brussels Griffon, regardless of type has some very serious health issues due to the shape of their heads.

Syringomyelia – extremely painful and fatal neurological disease.

Brachycephalic Syndrome – This can cause all the respiratory issues as well as eye issues such as cataracts and corneal ulcers.

Epilepsy - Seizures

Dental Disease – gum disease

Puppy Mortality – one of every four Brussels Griffon pupped die at birth.

Exercise and games

This is a very playful and energetic breed that needs at least some exercise every day. They love to play with their family. They are smart and easy to train. They love agility, obedience, barn hunt and tracking activities. You can just as effectively play with and exercise your Brussels inside as well as out.

Diet:

maltese dogs - caringYour Maltese is going to require quality food, water, exercise and shelter to enjoy a good life. The type of food you feed any dog has a direct impact on his health.

You need to provide him with quality food, and if its commercially manufactured food, you need to read the labels carefully so that the food is appropriate to your Maltese. For instance, you can’t mistakenly pull a ‘large-breed’ packet of food off the shelves and expect your Maltese to be able to stomach it.

If you do buy him this kibble, make sure the ingredients are wholesome. To break the monotony of eating kibble every day, give him some boiled chicken, brown rice and some raw or cooked vegetables chopped up finely into his kibble. He will love you for this as it makes a tasty meal for him and will keep him healthy.

Try to keep his diet nice and simple to avoid digestive problems.

Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

General Care:

Make sure your Maltese dog has a nice warm, dry place to sleep.

Get him to the vet if you notice that he is ill.

Brush his hair twice a week and take him to have it professionally cut if you prefer.

Clip his nails when they become too long and check around his eyes and inside his ears for any kind of infection.

These little dogs are prone to dental problems and he will need to have his teeth brushed 2 or 3 times a week.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Brussels Griffon vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Brussels Griffon vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Brussels Griffon vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Brussels Griffon vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Brussels Griffon vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Brussels Griffon vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Brussels Griffon vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Brussels Griffon vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Brussels Griffon vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Brussels Griffon vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Brussels Griffon vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Brussels Griffon vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Brussels Griffon vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Brussels Griffon vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Brussels Griffon vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Brussels Griffon vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Brussels Griffon vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Brussels Griffon vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Brussels Griffon vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Brussels Griffon vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Brussels Griffon vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Brussels Griffon vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Brussels Griffon vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Brussels Griffon vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Brussels Griffon vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Maltese vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Maltese vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Maltese vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltese vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Maltese vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Maltese vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Maltese vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Maltese vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Maltese vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Maltese vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Maltese vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Maltese vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Maltese vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Maltese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Maltese vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Maltese vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Maltese vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Maltese vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Maltese vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Maltese vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Maltese vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Maltese vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison