Tenterfield Terrier vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison

Tenterfield Terrier vs Brussels Griffon - Breed ComparisonTenterfield Terrier is originated from Australia but Brussels Griffon is originated from Belgium. Tenterfield Terrier may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Brussels Griffon. Tenterfield Terrier may weigh 24 kg / 53 pounds more than Brussels Griffon. Both Tenterfield Terrier and Brussels Griffon has almost same life span. Both Tenterfield Terrier and Brussels Griffon has almost same litter size. Tenterfield Terrier requires Low maintenance. But Brussels Griffon requires Moderate maintenance

History

tenterfield terrier - historyThe ancestors of the Tenterfield Terrier came to Australia with the British and from them came this Australian breed. The English terriers were bred to be ratters on the ships to Australia. Today’s breed is a hardy, strong, athletic and agile dog. These first dogs were miniature Fox Terriers, bred for ratting. The miniature Fox Terrier was an established breed in the late 19th century in Australia with families and was know as a Mini Foxie. The breed became a steady presence in homes by the 1920’s.

The breed might not have been named after the area of Tenterfield as many have guessed. Instead they may have been named after a breeder. The owner of the Tenterfield saddlery was called Tenterfield Saddler and he owned several of the breed. In 1990, Don Burke, a television personality suggested the breed be named the Tenterfield Terrier.

The Miniature Fox Terrier Club of South Australia. Now there were several clubs in Australia and a lot of disagreement about exactly what type of dog a miniature fox terrier was. Some did not think the name was legitimate, but they wanted recognition from the Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC). So, they became the Tenterfield Terrier Club of Australia in 1993. They were recognized by 2002.

Today the breed standard for the Tenterfield Terrier is different from the one for the Miniature Fox Terrier. They are now entirely separate breeds. In addition to the ANKC, the breed is recognized by the New Zealand Kennel Club but not by the AKC. It is also recognized by the American Pet Registry, Inc, the American Canine Registry and the Dog Registry of America, Inc.

brussels griffon - historyThe Brussels Griffon is one of the three different types of Griffons. There is the Belgian, the Petit, and the Brussels Griffon. “Griffon” means wiry and the Brussels Griffon lives up to that moniker. The Brussels Griffon’s coat is longer than that of the Belgian Griffon and the Petit Brabanon (Griffon) has a smooth, short coat. The breed is probably originally developed by crossing Belgian street dogs with the Affenpinsher as early in the 1800’s. They were favored by the cabbies in Brussels as guard dogs. They were also bred to hunt rats. Sometime toward the end of the 19th century, the Griffon was again crossed this time with a pug. This accounts for the type of head that the Brussels Griffon has, namely a brachycephalic head. It also accounts for the smooth coat of the Petit Griffon. The modern-day Griffon may also have been crossed at some time with one or more of these breeds: the English Toy Spaniel, the Irish Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier.

By 1880, the breed was recognized and appeared in the Brussels Exhibition of 1880. They were also found in paintings of the same era by the Flemish painter, Van Eyck. In the beginning of the 20th century, the breed was extremely popular with the nobility in Belgium. As with so many other breeds, the number of Brussels Griffon was greatly reduced during the First World War. It did not take them long however to make a comeback after the war. Their popularity then spread around the globe.

The European FCI considers the Brussels Griffon, the Belgian Griffon and the Petit Brabancon (Griffon) to be three separate breeds with no interbreeding among them. They are shown as three separate breeds in Europe, with the difference between the Belgian and Brussels being the accepted colors. The Brussels is only red in color while the Belgium Griffon can be in all other colors. In the United States the three types of Griffons are considered one breed with three varieties. Only the Brussels Griffon is recognized by the AKC. The difference in coat and color make for the different varieties in the U.S.

Description

tenterfield terrier puppy - descriptionThe Tenterfield Terrier is square and compact. He has a head shaped like a wedge and unusual in the terrier group. They have pricked ears and are predominantly white mixed with tan or black. They could also be tri-colored in black/tan and white or tan/liver and white. They have naturally occurring bob tails or docked tails. The nose is usually black unless the dog is liver colored, they have liver noses. The jaws are strong, and lips are tight with a strong neck.

brussels griffon puppy - descriptionAll three types of Griffons are toy size dogs with short, thick bodies and distinctive brachycephalic heads. Regardless of coat color their muzzles and whiskers are black, and they have large eyes, also black, a mustache and beard. They have black eyelashes and a nose that is very black. All this is set against their red, beige, black or black and tan coat. Their forehead is dome shaped and the muzzle is short. The breed has small ears that are high up on the dog’s head. The ears might be cropped in the United States but would not be in Europe. The lower jaw is prominent and the jaw itself is undershot. They have black toenails and pads, with strong and muscular hind legs. The Griffon has a docked, high set tail in the U.S. and a full tail in Europe and all of the United Kingdom.

The rough coated types have a dense and wiry coat and the standard encourages the hardest possible wire coat. Their heads are also wiry and long around the chin, cheeks, nose and eyes. They should be hand-stripped and never left ungroomed. The coat can matt if not taken care of adequately. One of the most important features of the Brussels Griffon is its human like face or monkey like appearance.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness – yes like most other terriers they love kids.

2.Special talents –high prey drive and sense of smell.

tenterfield terrier dog - characteristics3.Adaptability – they need space even though they are small. They need a lot of exercise. They can adapt if they get another exercise. They can live in apartments and can play indoors as well as out.

4.Learning ability – They are extremely intelligent, but they can be stubborn like all terriers.

Characteristics

brussels griffon dog - characteristicsThe Brussels Griffon is sociable, alert and very intelligent. She is very energetic, playful and loving. They bond deeply with their family. Housebreaking might be a challenge as it is with all toy/small breeds. They are incredibly lonely and restless when their people are not around them. They have great personalities, terrier like characteristics, and deep loyalty to their humans. They are great companions and love children. Just remember how small they are. They are susceptible to Little Dog Syndrome if the human does not establish themselves as the alpha right away.

Health Problems

tenterfield terrier puppies - health problemsThey are small in stature and because of their face they seem to have dental issues. The breed does not have a lot of health issues but deals with the same issues as many small terriers. Not all members of the breed are susceptible to these, but some are just like the Australian Terrier.

1. Legg-Perthes Disease – hip disorder occurring in puppies.

2. Cruciate Ligament Rupture – Weakness can cause this to happen.

3. Seizures – Can be medicated.

4. Patellar Luxation – Moving kneecap can cause pain and lameness.

5. Diabetes – rare but does happen.

brussels griffon puppies - health problemsThe Brussels Griffon is susceptible to many of the diseases and genetic conditions that many other toy or small dogs have. Flat-faced breeds like the Griffon also suffer from difficulty with breathing under certain weather conditions and they are known to snore. They should not be kept in hot, sunny, humid climates for this reason. They may also display patella luxation (slipping kneecaps) and hip dysplasia. Lastly, they are susceptible to ear infections. Dams are often in need of cesarean sections to deliver their litters. They have very serious health issues due to the head shape and flat face. These might include eye and respiratory issues and syringomyelia – a deadly neurological disease. They are susceptible to epilepsy, dental issues and eye lash issues.

Caring The Pet

tenterfield terrier dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Don’t overfeed but do feed high quality puppy food for small breeds and terriers.

2.Feeding the adult – This is an active breed but don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality adult dog food for terriers or small breeds. Feed 2 times a day.

3.Points for Good Health – the breed has a lot of stamina and energy.

4. Games and Exercises – The breed has a high energy level and needs a lot of exercise. He is a terrier and loves to “go to ground”. Play activities that allow him to do that are best. He plays barn hunt, lure coursing and terrier specific competitions.

Feeding

brussels griffon dogs - caringThe Brussels Griffon can choke easily so take care with the size of kibble you feed them. They need about one fourth to one half of a cup of high quality dry food that is designed for small or toy dogs. Divide this amount into two or three small meals per day. Puppies should be fed more often than adults but never feed just one large meal per day. Be careful that your Brussels Griffon does not become obese.

Health issues

The Brussels Griffon, regardless of type has some very serious health issues due to the shape of their heads.

Syringomyelia – extremely painful and fatal neurological disease.

Brachycephalic Syndrome – This can cause all the respiratory issues as well as eye issues such as cataracts and corneal ulcers.

Epilepsy - Seizures

Dental Disease – gum disease

Puppy Mortality – one of every four Brussels Griffon pupped die at birth.

Exercise and games

This is a very playful and energetic breed that needs at least some exercise every day. They love to play with their family. They are smart and easy to train. They love agility, obedience, barn hunt and tracking activities. You can just as effectively play with and exercise your Brussels inside as well as out.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Australia
Belgium
Height Male:
26 - 31 cm
10 - 13 inches
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
Height Female:
23 - 27 cm
9 - 11 inches
16 - 18 cm
6 - 8 inches
Weight Male:
28 - 30 kg
61 - 67 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 28 kg
57 - 62 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
1 - 4
Size:
Small dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
mini foxie terrier, miniature fox terrier
Griffon Belge • Griffon Bruxellois • Brussels Griffon • Petit Brabancon • Belgian Griffon • Griffon
Colors Available:
white mixed with tan or black. They could also be tri-colored in black/tan and white or tan/liver and white
red, black-and-reddish-brown (called belge), black and tan, and black
Coat:
Short, smooth
rough and smooth types
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Chihuahua vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  2. Morkie vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  3. Havanese vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  4. Chorkie vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  5. Pekingese vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  6. Chinese Crested Dog vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  7. Chiweenie vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  8. Chug vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  9. Brussels Griffon vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Brussels Griffon vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Brussels Griffon vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  12. Chipoo vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  13. Chiapom vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  14. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  15. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  16. Russian Toy Terrier vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  17. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  18. Phalene vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  19. Bugg vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  20. Cockachon vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  22. Silky Terrier vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  23. Snorkie vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Bulldog vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Mi-Ki vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  26. Tenterfield Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Tenterfield Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Tenterfield Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Tenterfield Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  30. Tenterfield Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Tenterfield Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Tenterfield Terrier vs Rat Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Tenterfield Terrier vs Scottish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Tenterfield Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Tenterfield Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Tenterfield Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Tenterfield Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  38. Tenterfield Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Tenterfield Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Tenterfield Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Tenterfield Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Tenterfield Terrier vs Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Tenterfield Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  44. Tenterfield Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Tenterfield Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Tenterfield Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Tenterfield Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Tenterfield Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Tenterfield Terrier vs Schnorkie - Breed Comparison
  50. Tenterfield Terrier vs Sealyham Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds