Welsh Corgi vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison

Welsh Corgi vs Brussels Griffon - Breed ComparisonWelsh Corgi is originated from United Kingdom but Brussels Griffon is originated from Belgium. Welsh Corgi may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Brussels Griffon. Welsh Corgi may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Brussels Griffon. Welsh Corgi may live 4 years more than Brussels Griffon. Welsh Corgi may have more litter size than Brussels Griffon. Welsh Corgi requires High maintenance. But Brussels Griffon requires Moderate maintenance

History

welsh corgi - historyThe Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi were once considered to be two types of the same breed. Today they are recognized as very different breeds, but cousins of sorts.. They are alike in many ways and very different in others. The general information in terms of height and weight above applies to the more popular and better known Pembroke Welsh Corgi, developed as a herding dog from the spitz line in Pembroke shire, Wales. The Pembroke is famous for being the breed favored since childhood by Queen Elizabeth, the current queen of England. It’s believed that the Pembroke came to the country around the 10th century with Flemish weavers. The Cardigan is thought to have come with the Norse people and be a relative of the Sedish Vallhund.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, also a herding dog has their ancestry in ancient Celtic dogs. They are older than the Pembroke and hail from Cardiganshire, Wales.

Both breeds are friendly, smart and independent. Both dogs herd cattle and sheep. About the end of the 19th century, farmers in Cardiganshire began to raising sheep rather than cattle. The corgis were herding dogs for cattle. “Heelers” who avoid the cattle kicking them by nipping at the cattle’s heel. Pembrokeshore and Cardiganshire are counties in South West Wales that adjoin each other.

Then the move was made from cattle to sheep in Cardiganshire they bred their corgis with the Welsh Sheepdog where the merle color is said to come from, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This caused the similarities between the two dwarf breeds. At the same time the distance grew between the two breeds and they grew into very distinct and different looking dogs. There are also some differences in their personalities.

The first corgi to appear at Crufts came in 1927 and in 1928 a Pembroke won a championship at Cardiff for the first ever corgi win. It was not until 1934 that the kennel club recognized them as separate breeds rather than a Pembroke shire type and a Cardiganshire type. From this point on the two are separate breeds with tremendous similarities. A Pem won the Reserve Best in Show at Crufts in 1955.

The first corgi came to the United States in 1933 by a breeder of Old English Sheepdogs. In 1934 the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized Corgis as one breed with 2 types. The Pembroke has always been the more popular of the two.

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

welsh corgi puppy - descriptionThey used to differentiate between the Cardigan and the Pembroke by saying the Cardigan was the one with the bigger ears and the Pembroke had no tail. In many parts of the world where tail docking has been banned, most Pembrokes now have tails. Only those born without don’t have them. Both dogs are long and low to the ground with big chests and short legs. This is because they are dwarfs. They are not little dogs.

Cardigan

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is heavier boned than the Pembroke, has large rounded ears and a flowing, fox like tail. The Cardigan comes in a variety of colors but never predominately white. He is double coated with a dense, harsh outer and a soft, short and thick undercoat.

Pembroke

Pembroke is smaller and longer than the Cardigan with pointed ears. They are intelligent, sturdy and strong with tremendous stamina. The tail is docked in the United States or the pups are bred not to have a tail. This was originally so that the cattle could not step on their tails and injure the dogs. The double coat on the Pembroke is short and weather resistant inner coat with a longer and rougher outercoat. He has the same deep dropped chest as the Cardigan. Both corgis shed voraciously.

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

Characteristics

welsh corgi dog - characteristics1Children friendliness For the most part they are good but can be grumpy and bossy. They are bossy personalities

2.Special talents – heelers, will herd anything, he needs a job

3.Adaptability – Very. Can live anywhere but they do need to run and they bark a lot.

4.Learning ability – incredibly smart but stubborn. Respond well to training that is reward based.

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

Health Problems

The two breeds have many of the same health issues with the primary issue being

welsh corgi puppies - health problems• Degenerative Myelopathy – a muscular neurological disease very similar to Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS. It is always fatal.

  • Cancer is prevalent in both breeds.
  • Most corgis die of old age.
  • Kidney Failure
  • More Pems have eye issues than the Cardis do.

• Some have cardiac issues while others may have hip dysplasia or Von Willebrand’s disease.

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

welsh corgi dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy prone to overweight, the pem needs ½ to 1 cup of small breed high quality food in 3-4 meals per day. The Cardigan needs ¾ to 1 ¼ cups of high quality small breed food in 3-4 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult – Don’t overfeed them. The Pem need 1 cup per day of high quality small breed food in 2 meals per day. The Cardigan needs 1-1 ½ cups per day in one to two meals.

3.Points for Good Health stamina, longevity

4. Games and Exercises

They are fast, athletic dogs. Agility, CAT, Barnhunt. Herding trials, flyball and they just love backyard ball fetching. Confirmation and obedience, along with rally.

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:
Herding dogs
Toy dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Belgium
Height Male:
22 - 30 cm
8 - 12 inches
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
Height Female:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
16 - 18 cm
6 - 8 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 15 kg
22 - 34 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 13 kg
17 - 29 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
1 - 4
Size:
Small dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
CWC, PWC, Pembroke, Cardigan
Griffon Belge • Griffon Bruxellois • Brussels Griffon • Petit Brabancon • Belgian Griffon • Griffon
Colors Available:
Pem is tricolor, red and white, fawn and white
red, black-and-reddish-brown (called belge), black and tan, and black
Coat:
Double, water resistent undercoat and thick outcoat
rough and smooth types
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
High maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Welsh Corgi vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Welsh Corgi vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Welsh Corgi vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Corgi vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  5. Welsh Corgi vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Corgi vs Toy Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Corgi vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Corgi vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Corgi vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  10. Welsh Corgi vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Welsh Corgi vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  12. Welsh Corgi vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Welsh Corgi vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Welsh Corgi vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  15. Welsh Corgi vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Corgi vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Corgi vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  18. Welsh Corgi vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Welsh Corgi vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Welsh Corgi vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  21. Welsh Corgi vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Corgi vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  23. Welsh Corgi vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  24. Chihuahua vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  25. Morkie vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  26. Havanese vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  27. Chorkie vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  28. Pekingese vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  29. Chinese Crested Dog vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  30. Chiweenie vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  31. Chug vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  32. Brussels Griffon vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Brussels Griffon vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  34. Brussels Griffon vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  35. Chipoo vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  36. Chiapom vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  37. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  38. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Toy Terrier vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  40. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  41. Phalene vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  42. Bugg vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  43. Cockachon vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  44. Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  45. Silky Terrier vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  46. Snorkie vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  47. Toy Bulldog vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  48. Toy Mi-Ki vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds