Brussels GriffonVSJapanese Chin

The Brussels Griffon is known for being alert, loyal, curious, while the Japanese Chin is typically described as charming, loyal, cat-like. 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 Japanese Chin'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 Japanese Chin is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is a small breed at 20–27 cm (8–11 in) and 2–5 kg (4–11 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 Japanese Chin sports a long coat in black and white, red and white, sable and white. 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 Japanese Chin has low energy (2/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

The Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin.

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 $150 for the Japanese Chin. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

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

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 Japanese Chin is prone to patellar luxation, heart murmurs, cataracts, GM2 gangliosidosis. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Brussels Griffon and $500 for the Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin, 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 Japanese Chin tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Brussels Griffon (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Japanese Chin is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

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

The initial purchase price for a Brussels Griffon ranges from $1,500–$3,000, while a Japanese Chin typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Brussels Griffon has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,000 for the Brussels Griffon and $950 for the Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin. 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.