Muggin vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Muggin vs Belgian Griffon - Breed ComparisonBelgian Griffon is originated from Belgium but Muggin is originated from United States. Belgian Griffon may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Muggin. Belgian Griffon may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than Muggin. Both Belgian Griffon and Muggin has same life span. Belgian Griffon may have less litter size than Muggin. Belgian Griffon requires Moderate Maintenance. But Muggin requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Companion dog
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Belgium
United States
Height Male:
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
10 - 14 cm
3 - 6 inches
Height Female:
16 - 20 cm
6 - 8 inches
8 - 10 cm
3 - 4 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
12 - 22 kg
26 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
10 - 20 kg
22 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 3
6 - 8
Size:
Small
Small
Other Names:
Brussels Griffon, Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois Petit Brabançon
Carlin Pinscher Pug Miniature Pinscher Mix, , Pug-Pin, Pugscher, Min Pin Pug Mix
Colors Available:
red, tan or black
brown, black, golden, white and everything in between , cream
Coat:
2 types - soft or wiry
short and fine
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Loving, Loyal, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

belgian griffonThe 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.

mugginThe Muggin is not a purebred dog but rather a cross breed. The hybrid dog population has exploding in the United States in the past ten to fifteen years. A lot of the success of crossbreeding can be attributed to the marketing of these dogs as “Designer Breeds”.

Designer breeds are developed because someone wants some of the characteristics of Breed X and some of the characteristics of Breed Y. Therefore, Designer breed XY is developed. In order to understand this hybrid dog, you need to understand the two purebred breeds they come from. The Muggin is the result of crossing the purebred Pug and the purebred Miniature Pinscher or Min Pin. So, we need to look at the origins of these two purebred breeds.

They are also referred to as Pin Pugs, Min Pin Pug, Pug Pin, Pugscher and were originally the Carlin Pinscher. However, these days there are other breeds besides the Pug and Min Pin making up the gene pool for the Carlin Pinscher. Because of this the Muggin has been separated from the Carlin Pinscher. The American Canine Hybrid Club has accepted the Muggin name for the Pug Min Pin cross.

Pugs are originally a Chinese breed and they were companions rather than working dogs of any kind. During the Han Dynasty they were the dogs of royalty. At the same time there were dogs very much like the pug in Japan and Tibet. The Pugs came to Europe by way of trades with the Dutch who then brought them to Europe. They were named the Mopshond and they caught the eye of the royalty in Europe as well.

Pugs were imported to the United States after the U.S. Civil War and in 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club and called Pugs.

The Min Pin traces its origins to Germany a few hundred years ago. They were “ratters”, guarding the house and stables from all types of vermin. Most dog people believe that the Min Pin is much older than this, perhaps by thousands of years. Yet there is no detailed history to support that. Most believe the breed comes from the German Pinscher line. There might also be some Daschund and Greyhound in that line.

They were once called the Reh Pinscher. This was their name when they came to North America in 1919 and then the breed was renamed in 1972. The Miniature Pinscher Club of America was started in the early 1900’s while the AKC recognized the Min Pin in 1929. Today the Miniature Pinscher is a family dog, a companion.

The Muggin is a loving and loyal dog. All they want is for you to be happy and to share that happiness with them. They can also easily become a one person dog and bond intensely with that one person. They are not a hybrid that you can leave home alone while you go to work for 8 to 10 hours a day. No, the Muggin needs attention and lots of it. Despite this they are great with both kids and other dogs.

Because they are a cross breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, some hybrid registries do recognize the Muggin. These include the Designer Breed Registry, the International Designer Canine Registry, The Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the American Canine Hybrid Club, and the Dog Registry of America.

Description

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.

muggin puppy - descriptionAs previously mentioned, the Muggin is a cross between the Pug and the Miniature Pinscher. They are small, shave sturdy legs, floppy ears, and a wrinkled forehead for the most part. Like all hybrids however, all first generation dogs do not look the same. Some might resemble the Min Pin more and others the Pug. Some might have the stockier body of the Pug and the short tail of the Min Pin. Or one could have the Pug’s curly tail and the athletic body of the Min Pin. The snout can be short or long, the ears heavy and floppy or small and thin.

Their coats will usually be fine and short, and colors can vary a lot. They might be black and tan like a Min Pin, or more like a Pug with a solid color of cream, brown, black, white or golden. They also tend to shed quite a bit no matter which parent they take after the most. They will either have brown noses and black eyes or brown eyes and black noses or any combination of black and brown.

If Muggins are only bred to Muggins the second and third generations will resemble each other more than the first generations will. However, at this point many breeders will try to strengthen the breed by occasionally adding in to the gene pool other dog breeds.

Characteristics

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.

Children friendliness

muggin dog - characteristicsThey are good with children but should be supervised.

Special talents

Energetic and loving little dogs.

Adaptability

Very adaptable if taken for walks or has space in a yard. Can live anywhere under those circumstances.

Learning ability

Very intelligent but strong willed dog. Needs strong leadership from their person.

Health Problems

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.

muggin puppies - health problemsThe first generation of Muggins may face all the health issues of either or both their parents, while second and third generations tend to have less health issues, They types of issues the first generation of Muggins might face include:

Nerve Degeneration – Degenerative Myelopathy or Dm – causes paralysis and eventually fatal.

  • Hip Dysplasia – causes lameness and arthritis.
  • Epilepsy – can be treated with medication to prevent seizures.
  • Patellar Luxation – kneecap movement can cause lameness and arthritis.
  • Hypothyroidism – responds to medication.
  • Demodectic Mange and skin issues including allergies
  • Eye issues – including cataracts and Cherry Eye.
  • Yeast and Staph infections
  • Myotonia Congenite -Rare disease cause muscle contractions and stiffness.
  • Von Willebrand’s – inherited clotting disorder – no treatment unless needing surgery
  • Congenital Magaeshphagus – enlarged esophagus from birth is treatable.
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes – small dog hip joint disorder causes lameness.
  • Liver Issues – cause discomfort and could be fatal
  • Reverse sneezing – minor issue not serious but may sound like the dog is choking.

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding the puppy

muggin dogs - caringThis crossbreed has a definite propensity to overeat and become obese from puppyhood. Feed the puppy a small dog dry food 3-4 times a day a total of ¾ of a cup to 1 cup.

Feeding the adult

Again don’t over feed the adult Muggin or he will become obese easily. Feed at least twice a day one to one and half cups total.

Points for Good Health

High Energy

Games and Exercises

With the athleticism of the Min Pin taking precedence over the less active Pug, the Muggin is a fairly active dog. The Muggin is also not effective by the Pug’s difficulty with heat and cold. They love to go on long walks and need exercise to keep from being bored and destructive. However, remember there is a Pug in your Muggin and if she is not into exercise don’t try to get her to do more than she can.

You do want your Muggin to get enough exercise to fend off any tendency to be overweight. They are good at agility, jogging, obedience and watchdog activities.

Comparison with other breeds

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  44. Muggin vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Muggin vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Muggin vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Muggin vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Muggin vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Muggin vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Muggin vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison