Why the Collie is Better than the Brussels Griffon as a Pet

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Collie Versus Brussels Griffon: Introduction

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

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

Note that the Collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth collie and the rough collie. Read our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

See this article that compares the Border Collie to the Brussels Griffon.

Finally, just like the collie, the border collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough border collie and the smooth border collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Collie versus Brussels Griffon

Collie versus Brussels Griffon: Overview

A very important difference between the Collie and the Brussels Griffon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Collie is a medium-sized dog while the Brussels Griffon is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Brussels Griffon belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs 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.

Collie versus Brussels Griffon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Collie 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 Collie and the Brussels Griffon

FactorCollieBrussels Griffon
Does NOT Drool5/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/51/5
Life Span10 to 14 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/51/5
Easy To Groom2/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Height22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/52/5
General Health3/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/52/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/51/5
Dog Friendly4/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/53/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/52/5
Potential For Playfulness4/55/5
Easygoing1/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Does NOT Shed1/53/5
Weight50 to 70 pounds7 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan12.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1480$2400
Price Range$1000 – $1800$1800 – $3000
Temperament Score80.8 percent91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • 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 Breeds3793
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie 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 Collie is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Brussels Griffon is 72 out of 125.

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

    Collie versus Brussels Griffon

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Brussels Griffon

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

  • Collies 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.
  • Collies can tolerate cold weather. However, Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Collies have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Brussels Griffons have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Collie and the Brussels Griffon

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

  • Both the Collie and the Brussels Griffon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Collie and the Brussels Griffon require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Collie and the Brussels Griffon do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Collie and the Brussels Griffon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Collie and the Brussels Griffon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Collie and the Brussels Griffon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Collie and the Brussels Griffon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the Brussels Griffon are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Collie and the Brussels Griffon are very playful.
  • Both the Collie 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 Collie and the Brussels Griffon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Collie and the Brussels Griffon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size Comparison of the Collie versus Brussels Griffon

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

    The Collie weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Collie is 22 to 26 inches all 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 Collie versus Size of Brussels Griffon

    Lifespan of Collie versus Brussels Griffon

    The lifespan of the Collie is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.0 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 Brussels Griffon live longer than the Collie.

    Temperament of the Brussels Griffon Versus the Collie

    The Brussels Griffon has a better temperament than the Collie.

    This is because the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Collie is 80.8 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 80.8 percent, the Collie 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 Collie and the Brussels Griffon by measuring the temperaments of 896 Collies and 12 Brussels Griffons.

    Price of Collie versus Price of Brussels Griffon

    The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie 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 Collie.

    Collie Brussels Griffon
    Average Price $1480 $2400
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $1800 to $3000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Collies. 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 Collie 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.

    Check out our list of best Collie breeders here

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

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Collie is more popular with dog owners than the Brussels Griffon. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Collie is 37 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Brussels Griffon is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Collie

    Popularity of Collie

    Popularity of Brussels Griffon

    Popularity of Brussels Griffon

    Year Collie Popularity Rank Brussels Griffon Popularity Rank
    2013 35 84
    2014 36 91
    2015 36 95
    2016 37 97
    2017 40 94
    2018 38 98
    2019 38 96
    2020 40 89
    2021 38 97

    Health Problems of Collie 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 Collie 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 more genetic health problems than the Collie.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Brussels Griffon than for the Collie.

    4 health tests are recommended for Collie while 6 tests are recommended for the Brussels Griffon.

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

    Collie Health Problems

    Collies are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Collie 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 Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Collie 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 Collies for:

  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Collies 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 Collies 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 Collie Breed is Collie Eye Anomaly problems.

    This is because the Collie ranks 1 out of 7 dog breeds for Collie Eye Anomaly problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 114 Collies, 16 of them had Collie Eye Anomaly problems.

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

  • Collie Eye Anomaly problems: Rank 1 out of 7 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 1 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems: Rank 1 out of 7 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 13 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 16 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 65 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 107 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 182 out of 198 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 Collie and in Brussels Griffon and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Collie and the Brussels Griffon:

    Disease Collie Rank Brussels Griffon Rank
    Collie Eye Anomaly problems 1 out of 7 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 1 out of 182 dog breeds 169 out of 182 dog breeds
    Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems 1 out of 7 dog breeds Not Common
    Dentition Database problems 13 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 16 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 65 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 107 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 182 out of 198 dog breeds 5 out of 198 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 16 out of 145 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: Collie versus Brussels Griffon

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Collies shed more than Brussels Griffons?

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

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

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

    Collies 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 Collie or the Brussels Griffon?

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Collies good family dogs? What about Brussels Griffons?

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

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

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Brussels Griffon?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Collie or the Brussels Griffon

    Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Collies and Brussels Griffons?

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

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

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

    Collies have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not 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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about Brussels Griffons?

    Collies 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 Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Brussels Griffon

    Collies 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 Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

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

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Collies are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    Collie versus Kuvasz     Collie versus Dalmatian     Collie versus Bernedoodle     Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd     Collie versus Brussels Griffon     Collie versus King Shepherd     Collie versus Beagle     Collie versus Bordoodle     Collie versus Leonberger     Collie versus English Setter     Collie versus Chinese Crested     Collie versus Shichon     Collie versus Goldador     Collie versus Bracco Italiano     Collie versus Whoodle     Collie versus American Staffordshire Terrier     

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