Norwegian Buhund vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison

Norwegian Buhund vs Brussels Griffon - Breed ComparisonBrussels Griffon is originated from Belgium but Norwegian Buhund is originated from Norway. Brussels Griffon may grow 27 cm / 10 inches shorter than Norwegian Buhund. Brussels Griffon may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than Norwegian Buhund. Brussels Griffon may live 3 years less than Norwegian Buhund. Both Brussels Griffon and Norwegian Buhund has almost same litter size. Both Brussels Griffon and Norwegian Buhund requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Herding dogs
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Belgium
Norway
Height Male:
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
41 - 47 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
16 - 18 cm
6 - 8 inches
41 - 47 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 4
3 - 5
Size:
Toy
Medium
Other Names:
Griffon Belge • Griffon Bruxellois • Brussels Griffon • Petit Brabancon • Belgian Griffon • Griffon
Norsk Buhund
Colors Available:
red, black-and-reddish-brown (called belge), black and tan, and black
bright orange, Wheaten, pale cream, black
Coat:
rough and smooth types
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
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, Stubborn, 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.

norwegian buhundThe Norwegian Buhund is a spitz type dog belonging to the herding group of dogs. The dog is related to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jämthund.

This dog breed dates back thousands of years to Nordic Viking times. For centuries these dogs have served working dogs, being herders as well as guardians of flock. Even today in remote parts of Norway, you’ll still find this dog doing farm work.

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.

norwegian buhund puppy - descriptionThe Norwegian Buhund stands at 41 to 47cm in height both male and female. He is a medium sized dog and weighs between 12 and 18kg.

Known as a herding dog, he is described as being deep chested with a well built, compact body, erect ears and a tail which curves over the back. The head of the dog is wedge-shaped and he has a bright, intelligent look to him.

The coat is essentially a wheaten color but it can be other shades such as a pale cream color to bright orange and sometimes even black. The coat is short to medium in length and he sheds moderately with some seasonal shedding as well.

Temperament:

Fun loving, friendly and social, the Norwegian Buhund is also an active dog who will always be pleading with you for a game or walkies. His pleading brown eyes will hopefully soften your heart towards him so that you give him a ball game or a run in the park. It is why this dog breed gets on well with children – he loves to be playing games with them.

They are such lovable dogs, wanting to spend time with their human family and always ready with a doggy kiss. They want to protect the ones they love and this makes them good watchdogs too, being wary around strangers. He is highly intelligent and will go through training and socialization with ease.

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.

The Norwegian Buhund is a cheerful, social and active breed.

norwegian buhund dog - characteristicsHe will need exercise on a daily basis. They are lovable dogs and are affectionate towards children in the home. They form strong bonds with their human family.

He is a strong willed dog, and will require training and socialization. As a working and herding dog, he wants to be busy, and is perhaps best suited to life in the suburbs or countryside as opposed to living in the city.

He makes an awesome companion dog and he wants to please his human family and be an active part of their lives.

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.

norwegian buhund puppies - health problemsProvide your Norwegian Buhund with the right care and he can get to 15 years of age. Hip dysplasia is always an issue with dogs and you should be very wary of it as it can cause lameness and pain.

Cataracts is another illness that you want to be aware of. Although not painful, this eye aliment can lead to blindness.

Look out for other common dog illnesses such as bloat, skin allergies and cancer.

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.

Exercise:

norwegian buhund dogs - caringYou’re going to need to provide this dog of yours with activities that stimulate him physically and mentally. The Norwegian Buhund isn’t a couch-potato type of dog and he doesn’t do well with just lying around. Take him on walks and hikes, throw balls or frisbees for him and buy him some toys that can entertain him. You want to avoid him barking and digging from sheer boredom.

Grooming:

Like all other spitz-breed dogs, the Norwegian Buhund has a thick double coat, and because he sheds moderately, you will need to brush him at least twice a week. Check simultaneously for ticks and fleas.

Check your pets eye and ears for infection and check his teeth. A rotting tooth at the back of his mouth can be the cause of a lot of pain and problems throughout the body. Keep his nails clipped as well so as to prevent them hooking onto things.

Provide your pet with a nice warm, dry, comfortable place to sleep. If he goes outside, make sure he has a place to lie in the shade or in the sun.

Take your pet to the vet when he appears to be lethargic and sick. Remember to keep his vaccines up to date.

Diet:

Feed your pet food which is known for its nutritional value. Home made food is a real treat for your pet, but high quality commercially manufactured food can be good and convenient too.

Dogs love simple, consistent diets which don’t upset their stomachs. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, and some vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots chopped up into his food from time to time can be superbly nutritious for your pet. Try and also include a little bit of raw meat occasionally. Always have a bowl of fresh, cool water available to your pet.

Comparison with other breeds

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  5. Norwegian Buhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Norwegian Buhund vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Norwegian Buhund vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Norwegian Buhund vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Norwegian Buhund vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Norwegian Buhund vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  17. Norwegian Buhund 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