Cockalier vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Cockalier vs Brussels Griffon - Breed ComparisonBrussels Griffon is originated from Belgium but Cockalier is originated from United States. Brussels Griffon may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Cockalier. Brussels Griffon may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Cockalier. Brussels Griffon may live 3 years less than Cockalier. Both Brussels Griffon and Cockalier has almost same litter size. Both Brussels Griffon and Cockalier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Gun dog
undefined
Belgium
United States
Height Male:
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
30 - 38 cm
11 - 15 inches
Height Female:
16 - 18 cm
6 - 8 inches
30 - 38 cm
11 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
5 - 12 kg
11 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
5 - 12 kg
11 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 4
3 - 5
Size:
Toy
Medium
Other Names:
Griffon Belge • Griffon Bruxellois • Brussels Griffon • Petit Brabancon • Belgian Griffon • Griffon
Cockalier Spaniel
Colors Available:
red, black-and-reddish-brown (called belge), black and tan, and black
red, black or bi-color, Golden
Coat:
rough and smooth types
Medium length, silky and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, 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
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.

cockalierKnown also as the Cockalier Spaniel, the Cockalier is a sweet crossbreed – a mix between the Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

Both of these spaniels do have some differences. The Cockalier is a designer breed that hails from the USA. Because he is a hybrid breed the Cockalier isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club, but as a hybrid, it is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).

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.

cockalier puppy - descriptionThe Cockalier is a medium-sized dog standing at between 30 and 38cm in height and weighing roughly between 5 and 12kg.

The coat of the Cockalier is silky and wavy. The coat is medium length and can be in colors such as golden, red, black or maybe white and brown.

The ears are fairly long and floppy, the eyes brown and expressive and the tail docked. If left, the tail is long and feathery.

Temperament:

The Cockalier is lively, gentle, intelligent and friendly with his human family, though he can be a little bit aloof with strangers.

He bonds very strongly with his family. They’re robust and are playful with children. They’re active dogs too and love nothing more than a hectic ball game. They don’t know when to stop and can become utterly exhausted if you don’t stop the game.

Have him trained and socialized and then he becomes even more amicable and he’s smart enough to learn basic commands without any trouble.

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.

cockalier dog - characteristicsThe Cockalier is such a clever dog and he wants to please. He just loves his human owners, protecting them against strangers. He doesn’t take too kindly to strangers, preferring to devote all his love and loyalty to those he knows.

He just craves attention and wants to be in your vicinity all the time. He is also good with children and will get on well with other pets in the home.

Once you’ve had a Cockalier in your life, you’ll want to reconsider having one of them again as they make awesome pets and companions.

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.

cockalier puppies - health problemsThe Cockalier is a healthy dog breed and can reach between 12 and 15 years of age. Look out for common canine health issues such as hearing loss and ear infection and vision issues.

Ear Infections:

Cockaliers that have an ear infection will shake their head and scratch their ears. The inside of the ears may be red and there may be an unpleasant smell coming from the ears. Your pet will need to see the vet.

Mitral Valve Disease:

This is a common disease with King Charles Spaniels where the mitral valve wears out and leaks and is associated with a heart murmur.

The earliest sign of a leaking mitral valve is normally a heart murmur, but it doesn’t mean heart failure is imminent, but congestive heart failure will eventuallt occur. Your dog will tire when walking, be lethargic and also have a cough. It will definitely be time to see the vet.

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:

cockalier dogs - caringWhen you choose one of the commercially manufactured dog foods there are, you want to avoid those more inferior ones that have ingredients in them that can cause your dog to get sick.

Look for the high-quality ones and choose the foods that have natural, wholesome ingredients in them. The vet can always help you with your decision to select a food that will of benefit to your pet.

Try to give your pet some good homemade food too such as some raw meat occasionally as well as boiled chicken, vegetables and brown rice. Fresh, cool water should be constantly available.

Grooming:

The Cockalier is going to require some brushing because he sheds quite a bit. Some dog owners prefer to get the Cockalier professionally trimmed. During grooming, check your pet over for any unusual lumps.

Your Cockalier will also need to have his nails trimmed, and because of the long ears, you will need to look inside the ears to ensure there is no redness and signs of infection.

Also, the teeth should also be checked.

Some dog owners don’t have the time or they don’t want to probe inside their pet’s ears and then a doggy-grooming-parlor can be a good idea as they do all this for you.

Exercise:

The Cockalier is an energetic dog, requiring a lot of exercise and games. These dogs love water games and will love you spraying him with water from the garden hose. Failing that, he’ll jump right into the swimming pool with you. Ball games are just up his street, and he will remind you every day that it’s time for his walk.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Cockalier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Cockalier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Cockalier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Cockalier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Cockalier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Cockalier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Cockalier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Cockalier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Cockalier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Cockalier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Cockalier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Cockalier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Cockalier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Cockalier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Cockalier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Cockalier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Cockalier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Cockalier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Cockalier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Cockalier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Cockalier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Cockalier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Cockalier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Cockalier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Cockalier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  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