Clumber Spaniel vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison

Clumber Spaniel vs Brussels Griffon - Breed ComparisonBrussels Griffon is originated from Belgium but Clumber Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. Brussels Griffon may grow 31 cm / 12 inches shorter than Clumber Spaniel. Brussels Griffon may weigh 33 kg / 72 pounds lesser than Clumber Spaniel. Both Brussels Griffon and Clumber Spaniel has same life span. Brussels Griffon may have less litter size than Clumber Spaniel. Brussels Griffon requires Moderate Maintenance. But Clumber Spaniel requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Gun dog
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Belgium
United Kingdom
Height Male:
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
41 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
16 - 18 cm
6 - 8 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
25 - 39 kg
55 - 86 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
23 - 37 kg
50 - 82 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 4
2 - 8
Size:
Toy
Medium
Other Names:
Griffon Belge • Griffon Bruxellois • Brussels Griffon • Petit Brabancon • Belgian Griffon • Griffon
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Colors Available:
red, black-and-reddish-brown (called belge), black and tan, and black
orange and red markings, White with brown
Coat:
rough and smooth types
soft, straight, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Gentle, Loyal, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
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.

clumber spanielEver since winning in Confirmation at Westminster Kennel Club’s annual show, the popularity of the Clumber Spaniel has increased markedly. The breed of Clumber Spaniel comes from the United Kingdom and it is the largest of all the spaniels. The breed is named for the Clumber Park where it was developed in Nottinghamshire. The Clumber Spaniel a=was designed to be a gundog or hunter in heavy weeds or cover. They have been popular with the Royal Family and were kept by King George V, King Edward VII, and Prince Albert.

The ancestry of the Clumber is not really known, only theorized:

It is possible that during the French Revolution, the Duc de Noailles gave his spaniels to the Duke of Newcastle in Nottinghamshire, These spaniels, Alpine Spaniel, are extinct. At the time they were bred with Basset Hounds and Great Pyrenees.

Another line of thought has the Clumber Spaniel descending form an ancient Bleinheim Spaniel, which was used to later develop the King Charles Spaniel.

Whichever theory is true, we know that they were first bred and improved by William Mansell. They were shown in 1859 in England. They were bred almost exclusively by nobility until the mid-19th century. Then World War 1 caused all breeding to be discontinued and the number of Clumbers declined drastically, only to be redeveloped after the was by King George V.

The Cumber won Best in Show at the prestige’s Crufts 1991 Centenary Show. When the American Kennel Club recognized the Clumber Spaniel, there were only 9 other breeds officially recognized. They came to Canada in the same year of 1884. They are also recognized by the UK Kennel Club as a Vulnerable Native Breed. A Clumber bred by Doug Johnson won Best in Show at the 1996 Westminster Dog Show.

The Clumber Spaniel is a loyal, gentle soul who is not very friendly with strangers. They shed all the time and snore loudly.

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.

clumber spaniel puppy - descriptionThe Clumber Spaniel is heavy-boned, with a very large head and a square muzzle. Of all spaniels, he is the biggest. His expressive face wears a dopey, sad look and his eyes are large, shaped like leaves. The muzzle is as large as the head and his nose is square. He has freckles on his muzzle and a deep chest. His legs are straight, and his feet are solid.

The Clumber Spaniel gives off a dignified air and despite his expressions, he is ready to play or to work at any time.

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.

clumber spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, loving dog though he is wary of strangers. He is loyal, dignified and affectionate with his own family. If there ever was a canine couch potato this breed is it. They love to curl up and sleep or eat on your living room couch. He has a great sense of smell and he has good stamina

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.

clumber spaniel puppies - health problemsThe Clumber Spaniel can suffer from a variety of conditions due to its very design and genetics. Lameness early in life can be attributed to the large and fast-growing bones in the Clumber. This lameness will dissipate when the pup is fully grown. Other issues include:

  • Impacted anal gland sacs
  • A vet may need to empty them regularly.
  • Heat Stroke or Sensitivity

Can become dehydrated and all the problems that arise from a dog being overheated and dehydrated.

Difficulty giving birth

Must have a caesarian section. They may also have a sensitivity to the anesthesia used in the procedure.

Hypothyroidism with ear and skin complications.

They cannot take sulfa drugs.

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.

Feeding

clumber spaniel dogs - caringThe Clumber has a tendency to gain weight and become obese. Feed them wisely. Feed about ¼ to ½ of a cup of high quality dry dog food twice a day.

Health issues

Additional health issues faced by the Clumber Spaniel include:

  • Dysplasia of the hip and/or elbow
  • Can cause lameness
  • Spinal Disc Herniation

This can be cervical or spinal. The discs can be bulging or ruptured. Can lead to paralysis if not treated properly.

Eye issues

Entropion with inward rolling of eyelid or Ectropion with outward rolling of eyelid.

Exercise and games

The Clumber Spaniel is not the most energetic of canines. He still needs moderate exercise daily but don’t overdo it. Walks, fetch, swimming, chase or confirmation are good activities for a Clumber.

Comparison with other breeds

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