Brussels GriffonVSItalian Greyhound

The Brussels Griffon is known for being alert, loyal, curious, while the Italian Greyhound is typically described as affectionate, agile, playful. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 4/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the Brussels Griffon is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Italian Greyhound is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound is a small breed at 33–38 cm (13–15 in) and 3–5 kg (7–11 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 Italian Greyhound sports a short coat in gray, blue, fawn, red, cream, black. 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 Italian Greyhound has moderate energy (3/5) and moderate exercise needs (3/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Italian Greyhound, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Brussels Griffon is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

When it comes to shedding, the Brussels Griffon drops more fur with a shedding level of 2/5, while the Italian Greyhound is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Italian Greyhound will be easier to live with.

The Brussels Griffon demands more grooming attention with a score of 3/5, while the Italian Greyhound is lower-maintenance at 1/5. The Brussels Griffon's wiry coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the Brussels Griffon and $50 for the Italian Greyhound. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Brussels Griffon has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Italian Greyhound lives 14–15 years. The Italian Greyhound generally has a longer lifespan.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Brussels Griffon include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, eye problems, respiratory issues. The Italian Greyhound is prone to leg fractures, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, dental disease. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Brussels Griffon and $500 for the Italian Greyhound. 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.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

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.

Both the Brussels Griffon and Italian Greyhound score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

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 Italian Greyhound, 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.

Both breeds score 2/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

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

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

The initial purchase price for a Brussels Griffon ranges from $1,500–$3,000, while a Italian Greyhound typically costs $1,200–$3,000. The Brussels Griffon has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,000 for the Brussels Griffon and $850 for the Italian Greyhound. The Brussels Griffon is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $25 for the Brussels Griffon and $25 for the Italian Greyhound. 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.