Dog breed comparison
Brussels Griffon vs Pug
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Brussels Griffon | Pug |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 7 to 8 inches | 10 to 14 inches |
| Weight | 7 to 12 pounds | 14 to 18 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Brussels Griffon
Developed in Brussels in the 1800s to keep stables free of rats, then crossed with Pugs and toy spaniels to become a lapdog of Belgian royalty.
Its expressive, almost human face is said to have inspired the look of Chewbacca.
Health to watch
- Brachycephalic airway issues
- Syringomyelia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye injuries
The Pug
An ancient Chinese breed kept by emperors. It reached Europe with Dutch traders in the 1500s and became the mascot of the House of Orange.
Its flat face and prominent eyes cause breathing trouble, overheating and eye injuries.
Health to watch
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
- Pug dog encephalitis
- Corneal ulcers
- Hemivertebrae
- Obesity
Key differences
Where they differ most.
First-time owners
The Pug suits first-time owners better than the Brussels Griffon.
Energy
The Brussels Griffon has more energy than the Pug.
Intelligence
The Brussels Griffon is quicker to learn than the Pug.
Shedding
The Pug sheds more than the Brussels Griffon.
Easy to groom
The Pug is easier to groom than the Brussels Griffon.
Barking
The Brussels Griffon barks more than the Pug.
Which to choose
Brussels Griffon or Pug?
Choose the Brussels Griffon if…
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
Choose the Pug if…
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that barks less
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Brussels Griffon or the Pug?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Brussels Griffon or the Pug?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Brussels Griffon sheds less than the Pug. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Brussels Griffon and Pug have?
The Brussels Griffon is prone to brachycephalic airway issues, syringomyelia, patellar luxation. The Pug is prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, pug dog encephalitis, corneal ulcers. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
