Why you Should Get the Pomeranian Instead of the Brussels Griffon.

Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022

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Pomeranian Versus Brussels Griffon: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian or the Brussels Griffon.

Pomeranian versus Brussels Griffon

Pomeranian versus Brussels Griffon: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon are Companion Dogs. This means both the Pomeranian 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.

Pomeranian versus Brussels Griffon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon

FactorPomeranianBrussels Griffon
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/51/5
Life Span12 to 16 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/52/5
Kid-Friendly2/54/5
Dog Friendly2/54/5
Easy To Groom2/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/53/5
Low Prey Drive4/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs4/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/53/5
General Health3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/51/5
Potential For Playfulness3/55/5
Weight3 to 7 pounds7 to 12 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/55/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Easygoing2/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/51/5
Does NOT Shed2/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/52/5
Height7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan14.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$2150$2400
Price Range$1500 – $2500$1800 – $3000
Temperament Score77.8 percent91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • 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 Breeds2293

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Brussels Griffon is 72 out of 125.

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

    Pomeranian versus Brussels Griffon

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon

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

  • Pomeranians 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.
  • Pomeranians can tolerate cold weather. However, Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon

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

  • Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Brussels Griffon

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

    The Pomeranian weighs 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. The Pomeranian is 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Brussels Griffon weighs 7 to 12 pounds when fully grown. The Brussels Griffon is 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Pomeranian versus Size of Brussels Griffon

    Appearance (Colors) of the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon

    Pomeranian Colors

    The Pomeranian comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • White / Cream
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Merle (Blue)
    • Sable
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Bicolor
    • Golden
    • Brindle

    The Pomeranian comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Brindle
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Apricot / Beige

    Brussels Griffon Colors

    The Brussels Griffon comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Sable
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Apricot / Beige

    The Brussels Griffon comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Golden
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black

    Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Brussels Griffon

    The lifespan of the Pomeranian is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Pomeranian is 14.0 years.

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

    The Pomeranian live longer than the Brussels Griffon.

    Pomeranian versus Brussels Griffon

    Temperament of the Brussels Griffon Versus the Pomeranian

    The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Pomeranian.

    This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Pomeranian is 77.8 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 77.8 percent, the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon by measuring the temperaments of 36 Pomeranians and 12 Brussels Griffons.

    Price of Pomeranian versus Price of Brussels Griffon

    The average price of the Pomeranian puppy is $2150. The price of the Pomeranian typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Pomeranian can be as low as $150 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1412 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian.

    Pomeranian Brussels Griffon
    Average Price $2150 $2400
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1800 to $3000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pomeranians. 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 Pomeranian 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.

    Pomeranian versus Brussels Griffon

    Adopting the Pomeranian versus Adopting the Brussels Griffon

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Pomeranians and many Brussels Griffons are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Pomeranian named Buddy that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Pomeranians like Buddy on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Pomeranians, Brussels Griffons are also available for adoption. For example, Kyle (Bullwinkle) is a Male Brussels Griffon that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Brussels Griffons like Kyle (Bullwinkle) that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Teddy is the name of another Pomeranian (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Pomeranians and Brussels Griffons that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Popularity of Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pomeranian is more popular with dog owners than the Brussels Griffon. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pomeranian is 22 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Brussels Griffon is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Pomeranian

    Popularity of Pomeranian

    Popularity of Brussels Griffon

    Popularity of Brussels Griffon

    Year Pomeranian Popularity Rank Brussels Griffon Popularity Rank
    2013 19 84
    2014 20 91
    2015 21 95
    2016 22 97
    2017 22 94
    2018 23 98
    2019 24 96
    2020 23 89
    2021 24 97

    Health Problems of Pomeranian versus Health Problems of Brussels Griffon

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Brussels Griffon is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Pomeranian.

    6 health tests are recommended for Pomeranian while 6 tests are recommended for the Brussels Griffon.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pomeranians and in Brussels Griffons.

    Pomeranian Health Problems

    Pomeranians are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pomeranian puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Pomeranian puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pomeranian breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pomeranians for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pomeranians here.

    Brussels Griffon Health Problems

    Brussels Griffons are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Brussels Griffon puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Brussels Griffon puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Brussels Griffon breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Brussels Griffons for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Syringomyelia – Recommend MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – no database registration

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Brussels Griffons here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Pomeranians and Brussels Griffons

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pomeranian Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Pomeranian ranks 1 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1542 Pomeranians, 456 of them had Patella problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pomeranians, and how common these diseases are in Pomeranians relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Patella problems: Rank 1 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 49 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 75 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 89 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 171 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Brussels Griffon Breed is Hips problems.

    This is because the Brussels Griffon ranks 5 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 160 Brussels Griffons, 84 of them had Hips problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Brussels Griffons, and how common these diseases are in Brussels Griffons relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Hips problems: Rank 5 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 16 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 169 out of 182 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Pomeranian and in Brussels Griffon and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon:

    Disease Pomeranian Rank Brussels Griffon Rank
    Patella problems 1 out of 145 dog breeds 16 out of 145 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems 49 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 75 out of 198 dog breeds 5 out of 198 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 89 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 171 out of 182 dog breeds 169 out of 182 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Brussels Griffon

    Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pomeranians shed more than Brussels Griffons?

    Pomeranians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

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

    Pomeranians require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Brussels Griffons?

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

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

    Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Brussels Griffon?

    Pomeranians are very easy to train.

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Brussels Griffon

    Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Brussels Griffons?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

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

    Pomeranians 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.

    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 Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Brussels Griffons?

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

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

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

    Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Brussels Griffon

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the Brussels Griffon?

    Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Pomeranian compares to other breeds aside from the Brussels Griffon. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Pomeranian to other breeds:

    Pomeranian versus Labrador Retriever     Pomeranian versus Azawakh     Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer     Pomeranian versus Norwegian Lundehund     Pomeranian versus English Setter     Pomeranian versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Pomeranian versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Pomeranian versus Chow Chow     Pomeranian versus French Spaniel     Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog     Pomeranian versus Mastiff     Pomeranian versus Carolina Dog     Pomeranian versus Cocker Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Brussels Griffon better suits you and your family.