Which is Better between the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon? A Very Detailed Review.

Last Updated: Mar 21, 2022

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Chihuahua Versus Brussels Griffon: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Chihuahua and for the Brussels Griffon. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Chihuahua or the Brussels Griffon.

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Brussels Griffon

Chihuahua versus Brussels Griffon: Overview

Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon are similar in size. The Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon are Companion Dogs. This means both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Chihuahua versus Brussels Griffon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Brussels Griffon based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon

FactorChihuahuaBrussels Griffon
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs5/52/5
Life Span10 to 18 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/52/5
Dog Friendly2/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/53/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
General Health2/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Low Prey Drive3/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/52/5
NOT Rambunctious3/51/5
Weight3 to 6 pounds7 to 12 pounds
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/55/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/55/5
Easygoing1/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Easy To Groom5/53/5
Height6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan14.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1820$2400
Price Range$850 – $2500$1800 – $3000
Temperament Score69.6 percent91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Syringomyelia – Recommend MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – no database registration
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds3093

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Brussels Griffon. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Brussels Griffon is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chihuahua is a better pet than the Brussels Griffon. So, you should get a Chihuahua!

    Chihuahua versus Brussels Griffon

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon

    Below is a list of where the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon are most different:

  • Chihuahuas have low exercise needs. However, Brussels Griffons require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Brussels Griffons have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon

    The Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon are most similar:

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Brussels Griffon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon.

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Brussels Griffons weigh 7 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Brussels Griffons are 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Brussels Griffon

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Brussels Griffons is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Brussels Griffons is 13.5 years.

    Chihuahuas live longer than Brussels Griffons.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Temperament of the Brussels Griffon Versus the Chihuahua

    The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Chihuahua.

    This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Brussels Griffon has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 12 Brussels Griffons.

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Brussels Griffon

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1820. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $15500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1980 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Brussels Griffon puppy is $2400. The price of the Brussels Griffon typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. However, the price of the Brussels Griffon can be as low as $500 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 214 Brussels Griffon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Brussels Griffon is more expensive than the Chihuahua.

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    Chihuahua Brussels Griffon
    Average Price $1820 $2400
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $1800 to $3000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Chihuahua and Brussels Griffon. For different price points, the charts show how many Chihuahua puppies or how many Brussels Griffon puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Brussels Griffons

    A breakdown of the prices of Brussels Griffons

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chihuahua puppy or the Brussels Griffon puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    The Popularity of Chihuahua versus Popularity of Brussels Griffon

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chihuahua is more popular with dog owners than the Brussels Griffon. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chihuahua is 30 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Brussels Griffon is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Brussels Griffon

    Popularity of Brussels Griffon

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    Year Chihuahua Popularity Rank Brussels Griffon Popularity Rank
    2013 22 84
    2014 24 91
    2015 28 95
    2016 30 97
    2017 32 94
    2018 33 98
    2019 35 96
    2020 34 89
    2021 37 97

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Brussels Griffon

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Brussels Griffons?

    Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Brussels Griffon?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

    Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Brussels Griffon?

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Brussels Griffons?

    Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

    Brussels Griffons are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Brussels Griffon?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Brussels Griffon

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Brussels Griffons?

    Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Brussels Griffons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Brussels Griffon?

    Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Brussels Griffons have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Brussels Griffons?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

    Brussels Griffons are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Brussels Griffon

    Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Brussels Griffons have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Brussels Griffon?

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chihuahua or the Brussels Griffon?

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

    Brussels Griffons are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Brussels Griffon. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Chihuahua and the Brussels Griffon better suits you and your family.