Bichon Bolognese vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison

Bichon Bolognese vs Belgian Griffon - Breed ComparisonBichon Bolognese is originated from Spain but Belgian Griffon is originated from Belgium. Bichon Bolognese may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Belgian Griffon. Bichon Bolognese may weigh 24 kg / 53 pounds more than Belgian Griffon. Both Bichon Bolognese and Belgian Griffon has same life span. Both Bichon Bolognese and Belgian Griffon has almost same litter size. Bichon Bolognese requires Low maintenance. But Belgian Griffon requires Moderate maintenance

History

bichon bolognese - historyThe Bichon Bolognese is one of 4 types of Bichon breeds the others being the Havense, the Bichon Frise and the Maltese. The Lowchen and the Coton de Tulear are also listed in this grouping at times. The Bolognese was developed in Italy and is a small, companion animal. They are named after the city of Bologna in Northern Italy. The Bichon Bolognese is considered a toy dog and are considered an ancient breed that lived with Italian nobility. Their precise ancestry is not known and the Maltese is considered its closest relative. They have been known to exist since at least 1200.

The Bichon Bolognese is found in many works of art throughout the centuries. They were the favorite of many an Italian artist since the 17th century including Titian, Watteau, Gosse and Goya. They were known to be owned by Duke Frederico Gonzaga, Madame De Pompadour, Catherine the Great of Russia and Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Cosimo de Medici gave eight Bolognese to Belgian noblemen. The Duke d’Este was given two as a gift.

Of all the Bichon group – the Bolognese is the hardest to find and the best problem solver. They read body language amazingly well, stick with their owners and are attentive and devoted. Liz Stannard brought them to England in 1990 and they were entered in the breed registry that same year and joined the show ring cycle in 2001. By 2002 they were shown at Crufts, England’s International Dog Show.

belgian griffon - historyThe Belgian Griffon isn’t your most attractive dog, but maybe its his quirky, gremlin looks that makes him such an adored pet for many. There are different varieties of Griffon, and the Belgian- and Brussels Griffon are one and the same. All small Belgian dogs have the same breed standards, with the Belgian having a rough coat The dog hails from Belguim and its ancestors were no doubt a mix of the Belgian street dog, the Stable Griffon and the Affenpinscher.

Later on in the 1800s, this combination was then crossed with the Pug, giving the dog the brachycephalic or flat faced look.

Unfortunately no written records were kept about the precise origin of this breed, but there is also the idea that the King Charles- and English Toy Spaniel were also involved in its development. These small dogs were bred to catch rats in the barns of European estates.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Spain
Belgium
Height Male:
3 - 4 cm
1 - 2 inches
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
Height Female:
2 - 3 cm
0 - 2 inches
16 - 20 cm
6 - 8 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 30 kg
59 - 67 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 28 kg
55 - 62 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
1 - 3
Size:
Toy dog
Small dog
Other Names:
the Bolognese Toy Dog, the Bolognese, Bolo, the Botoli, the Bottolo
Brussels Griffon, Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois Petit Brabançon
Colors Available:
white
red, tan or black
Coat:
the Bolognese Toy Dog, the Bolognese, Bolo, the Botoli, the Bottolo
2 types - soft or wiry
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

bichon bolognese puppy - descriptionLike the other members of the Bichon group, the Bolognese is a compact, little white dog. It is considered a member of the toy group and is stocky in its build. It is a muscled, square dog of medium length with an ovoid skull and large, square, black muzzle. The jaw is well developed, and they have black lips, black nose and black eyelids. They have a straight muzzle with a strong, aligned bite and its eyes are round and wide. They have long, high set ears that hang down to a rigid base. The coat is white, long and shorter only at the muzzle. The coat is fluffy but not fringed.

Small but Full of Attitude

belgian griffon puppy - descriptionThere are different variations of this dog to give it its distinctive look and size. This quaint looking little Griffon canine comes with two different coat types - soft or wiry. With the Belgian Griffon, his wiry coat of red, tan or black will need to be brushed at least twice a week. Shedding with this dog is seasonal.

He has a compact, sturdy little body, and he trots around with attitude. With his sharp pointed ears and whiskers, he has been given the nickname ‘bearded dog’. His dark black eyes are alert. He is self-confident, intelligent and curious breed, a great family pet and good with children if he has grown up with them in the home. He is good with other pets. The fact that this is a small breed and that he doesn’t have excessive energy levels, means he is adaptable to city- and country living.

Characteristics

bichon bolognese dog - characteristicsThese little white dogs with the shaggy hair are intelligent, loving, playful, loyal, and happy to do whatever you ask them to. They are more reserved than their relative the Bichon Frise. They are great at obedience training and seem to love it. They learn quickly and love to please you, yet they can also be very stubborn. Like the Bichon Frise, they are difficult to housebreak. They need to be with their people who they will develop bad habits and a bad attitude. They are bred to be companion dogs. If socialized when young they are great with strangers after you have indicated that the strangers are ok. They are barking watchdogs but not continuous barkers. They get along with other dogs but are ok by themselves as well. They do get separation anxiety when their people are gone for extended periods of time. They can be very serious and docile, but they love to be with people. They are very loyal and very bonded to their family.

Be sure you are the pack leader as they can acquire Small Dog Syndrome. With this syndrome the dog comes to believe he is the alpha and the humans are his pack. This causes many kinds of problems with behavior including howling when not getting attention, their separation anxiety and destructiveness can also come from this.

belgian griffon dog - characteristicsThe Belgian Griffon is an affectionate pet and often establishes a strong bond with one member of the family. You’ll have your Griffon with you for about 15 years so make sure he is trained and a pleasure to have around.They are difficult to train, being somewhat stubborn so they are going to require patience. They’re sensitive too, and they won’t respond well to aggressive treatment.

They’re much more indoor dogs than outdoor dogs because they’re also vulnerable to heat stroke. They just want to come indoors and be with their human family, and when you do that for them, they’ll become a wonderful friend and companion to you.

Health Problems

bichon bolognese puppies - health problemsLike others in the Bichon group, they have moving kneecaps (luxating patella’s). They also have some eye conditions. They should be tested for any genetic issues, although the breed is a very healthy one and they do not usually have major health issues.

belgian griffon puppies - health problemsWhen you get your Griffon from a reputable breeder, you always have a better chance that he’ll be healthy. As it is, the Belgian Griffon has few hereditary health issues. However his dark eyes will have some genetic problems to contend with and he could suffer with progressive retinal atrophy. This is an illness which can lead to blindness

Other health issues to look out for are -

Syringomyelia – this is a neurological condition – an abnormality of the spinal cord – a disease which occurs more frequently in small breeds. It can cause your pet to endure a lot of pain.

Birthing Issues - these little dogs often have problems with giving birth, and a vet often has to intervene and perform a cesarean.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

bichon bolognese dogs - caringLike other toy breeds do not overfeed the Bolognese. Feed them ¼ of a cup of high quality dry food once a day. Treats are often used for training just be judicious with them.

Health issues

They are very healthy with a propensity toward: Moving kneecaps (Luxating patella)

Hip Dysplasia

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease – This causes the thigh bones to shrink due to a loss of blood supply. It can be repaired surgically.

Periodontal Disease due to their small mouth size.

Exercise and games

They need to walk everyday but they can be couch potatoes. One long 20-minute walk will do or a couple 10-minute walks.

While Bolognese are perfectly happy to lounge around the house, they should also have a daily walk.[7] A suitable walk would be around 20–25 minute a couple of times a day or substitute 10-minute walks a few times a day. They love to play off-lead, whether its in the house or in a fenced in yard or dog park.

Food and Water

belgian griffon dogs - caringThe Belgian Griffon will do well if you invest in high quality foods. You can make your own, but if you’re concerned about his health, it would be best to check what ingredients should go into his home-prepared meals to ensure he gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs.

If you want to go with commercially manufactured dog foods, check with your vet about wet- and dry foods. Your vet will help with choosing a food appropriate to his size and age. Always ensure that there is clean, fresh water available to your pet.

Exercise

Even though he is a small breed, he is fairly active and he will need his fair share of exercise like ball games and walks. Training and socialization are a must for him. You’ll notice that training isn’t particularly easy with this breed, and first time dog owners might not have the patience with him.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Chihuahua vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  2. Morkie vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  3. Havanese vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  4. Chorkie vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  5. Pekingese vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  6. Chinese Crested Dog vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  7. Chiweenie vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  8. Chug vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  9. Brussels Griffon vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  10. Chipoo vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  11. Chiapom vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  12. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  13. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  14. Bichon Bolognese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Bichon Bolognese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  16. Russian Toy Terrier vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  17. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  18. Phalene vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  19. Bugg vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  20. Cockachon vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  22. Silky Terrier vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  23. Snorkie vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Bulldog vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Mi-Ki vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  26. Pomeranian vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  27. Maltese vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  28. Pug vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltipoo vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  30. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  31. Cockapoo vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  32. Cavapoo vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  33. Cavachon vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  34. Papillon vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  35. Japanese Chin vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  36. Miniature English Bulldog vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  37. Bolognese vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  38. Italian Greyhound vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  39. Jug vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  40. Miniature Pinscher vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  41. Dorgi vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  42. Belgian Griffon vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Belgian Griffon vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  44. Carlin Pinscher vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  45. Dorkie vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  46. German Spitz (Klein) vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  47. Doxiepoo vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  48. Bospin vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  49. Damchi vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  50. Lowchen vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds