Brussels GriffonVSEnglish Toy Spaniel

The Brussels Griffon is known for being alert, loyal, curious, while the English Toy Spaniel is typically described as gentle, quiet, loving. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

When it comes to playfulness, the Brussels Griffon has the edge with a 4/5 rating compared to the English Toy Spaniel's 3/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Brussels Griffon is your pick.

Noise-wise, the Brussels Griffon is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the English Toy Spaniel is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the English Toy Spaniel may be the better choice.

The Brussels Griffon is a small breed standing 18–20 cm (7–8 in) tall and weighing 3–5 kg (7–11 lbs). In comparison, the English Toy Spaniel is a small breed at 25–28 cm (10–11 in) and 4–6 kg (9–13 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Brussels Griffon has a wiry coat available in red, black and tan, black, belge, while the English Toy Spaniel sports a long coat in blenheim, prince charles, king charles, ruby. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Brussels Griffon has moderate energy (3/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The English Toy Spaniel has low energy (2/5) and very low exercise needs (1/5).

The Brussels Griffon requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The English Toy Spaniel is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

The English Toy Spaniel sheds more than the Brussels Griffon — 3/5 versus 2/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the English Toy Spaniel.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 3/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the Brussels Griffon and $200 for the English Toy Spaniel. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Brussels Griffon has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the English Toy Spaniel lives 10–12 years. The Brussels Griffon tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Brussels Griffon scores 3/5 compared to the English Toy Spaniel's 2/5. The Brussels Griffon is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Brussels Griffon include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, eye problems, respiratory issues. The English Toy Spaniel is prone to mitral valve disease, patellar luxation, open fontanel, retinal dysplasia. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Brussels Griffon and $600 for the English Toy Spaniel. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

The Brussels Griffon ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Brussels Griffon outranks the English Toy Spaniel with a score of 4/5 compared to 3/5. The Brussels Griffon tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Brussels Griffon leans toward instinctive intelligence — naturally excelling at the tasks their breed was designed for, like guarding or herding. The English Toy Spaniel, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The English Toy Spaniel edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 3/5 with children versus the Brussels Griffon's 2/5. The English Toy Spaniel's gentle temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the English Toy Spaniel tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Brussels Griffon (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the English Toy Spaniel is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The English Toy Spaniel is more welcoming to strangers (3/5), while the Brussels Griffon tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the English Toy Spaniel's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Brussels Griffon ranges from $1,500–$3,000, while a English Toy Spaniel typically costs $1,500–$3,000. Both breeds have similar purchase prices.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,000 for the Brussels Griffon and $1,100 for the English Toy Spaniel. The English Toy Spaniel costs more annually, largely because of veterinary bills.

Monthly food costs run about $25 for the Brussels Griffon and $25 for the English Toy Spaniel. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.