Pug vs Brussels Griffon - Dog Breed Comparison - Similarities and Differences

Sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between the famous Pug and the lovable Brussels Griffon. These two dogs are both small and cute companions with pushed-in muzzles and large expressive eyes. However, there are some important differences as well, and in this video, I will show you all of them!

First of all, let's mention that there are three types of Brussels Griffon: the Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, and Petit Brabancon. The Griffon Belge and Griffon Bruxellois have longer, wiry coats, so you can easily distinguish them from the Pug. On the other hand, the Petit Brabancon has a smooth coat and looks much more similar to the Pug.

If you're curious about the striking similarities in appearance between these two breeds, it's important to note that they are related. The Pug is an ancient Chinese dog breed that dates back thousands of years and arrived in Europe in the 16th century. The Brussels Griffon, on the other hand, is a much younger breed with a history tracing back to 19th-century Belgium. They were developed from a rough-coated dog known as the Smousje and were later crossbred with the Pug and King Charles Spaniel. So, while the Pug is not the main ancestor of the Brussels Griffon, these two breeds are related.

At first glance, you can see the similarities between the two breeds. Both are small and have short, flat snouts. However, upon closer inspection, you will notice many differences in their appearance. The first difference is size. You can see the size comparison on the screen right now. The Pug is slightly taller but much heavier than the Brussels Griffon. Most of the time, this difference is visible, as the Brussels Griffon appears more athletic and lean, while the Pug looks more compact and robust.

Both dogs have pushed-in noses and large eyes, but the Pug is known to have more wrinkles on its muzzle and face. Pugs also have slightly larger eyes compared to Brussels Griffons.

Another major appearance difference is the tail. The tail of the Brussels Griffon is often docked. When undocked, it is carried upwards with the tip towards the back without reaching it or being curled. On the other hand, the Pug's tail should be tightly curled over the hip, and a double curl is highly desirable.

As I mentioned earlier, there are different coat types for the Brussels Griffon. Some have wiry coats, which are easily distinguishable from the Pug. However, the Petit Brabancon type has a short coat similar to the Pug. This type of coat is harsh, flat, and gleaming. The Pug's coat is smooth, short, and glossy. The coat type is quite similar for both breeds.

Despite the similar coat types, these two breeds come in different colors. Pugs can be silver, apricot, fawn, or black, with fawn being the predominant and most common color. The Petit Brabancon comes in red, black, or black and tan colors. They can have a few white hairs on the chest, and both breeds should have a black mask.

Now let's talk about temperament. Both dogs have big personalities, but they are not the same. The Brussels Griffon is much more watchful and alert; they are very inquisitive and interested in their surroundings. The Pug is a more social dog and is typically friendlier to strangers. They just enjoy being around people.

However, both dogs are extremely loyal to their owners. They are like shadows and want to be everywhere with you. Both can be good companions for kids and can be socialized to live with other dogs or pets in the household.

The Brussels Griffon is slightly more energetic and active, always ready for any kind of outdoor adventure. However, even Pugs need daily exercise to stay in good shape, but they are not as demanding in terms of exercise as the Brussels Griffon.

Both can be prone to health issues related to their large eyes and short snouts, but these problems are more prevalent in Pugs. Both breeds can suffer from breathing difficulties, heat stroke, various eye conditions, or cleft palate. In addition to that, Pugs can have problems with skin infections caused by their wrinkly skin, and many Pugs are prone to obesity. The average lifespan of the Brussels Griffon is around 13 or 14 years, while the average lifespan of Pugs is around 12 years.