Latvian Hound vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison

Latvian Hound vs Brussels Griffon - Breed ComparisonBrussels Griffon is originated from Belgium but Latvian Hound is originated from Russia. Brussels Griffon may grow 28 cm / 11 inches shorter than Latvian Hound. Brussels Griffon may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than Latvian Hound. Both Brussels Griffon and Latvian Hound has almost same life span. Brussels Griffon may have less litter size than Latvian Hound. Brussels Griffon requires Moderate Maintenance. But Latvian Hound requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Hound dog
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Belgium
Russia
Height Male:
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
40 - 48 cm
15 - 19 inches
Height Female:
16 - 18 cm
6 - 8 inches
40 - 48 cm
15 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 4
6 - 12
Size:
Toy
Medium
Other Names:
Griffon Belge • Griffon Bruxellois • Brussels Griffon • Petit Brabancon • Belgian Griffon • Griffon
Latvijas Dzinejsuns
Colors Available:
red, black-and-reddish-brown (called belge), black and tan, and black
Black, tan, brown
Coat:
rough and smooth types
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

brussels griffonThe 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.

latvian houndThe Latvian Hound is a medium sized Russian or Latvian hunting hound. The dog was bred in Latvia, Russia.

He was developed from a number of English and Polish dogs as well as Lucernese breeds.

It is by no means a new breed and records of it go way back to the 1600s. A certain Duke Courland developed the dog so that it was also known as the Courland Hound. In 1922 the Latvian Association of Hunters' Associations was formed.

It was in 1971 that the Latvian Hound was was approved with it's name and a new standard was developed and approved. It isn't recognized by the AKC or the FCI.

Description

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.

latvian hound puppy - descriptionThe Latvian Hound is a medium sized dog standing at between 40 to 48cm in height and weighing about 15 to 20kg.

He has a deep chest, fairly long, floppy ears, a long tail with strong legs. The coat is double and is short, shiny and dense. He is an average shedder. He is essentially black with tan markings, with tan spots above the eyes. The eyes are dark brown and the nose is black.

Temperament:

The Latvian Hound may well be an exceptional hunter but he also makes a great family pet. He is looked upon as being a friendly, amicable, sweet dog.

Because he has been a working dog, he likes to be busy and will happily join in with all your hikes and swimming. He will also run with you while you cycle.

It’s a dog that doesn’t like to be left alone for long periods of time, being inclined to suffer with separation anxiety. He doesn’t take kindly to strangers either, but a dog which has been socialized and trained becomes more amicable.

Your Latvian is intelligent so you won’t have any trouble teaching him some simply commands. He is a friendly, lively dog and just having him in your home brings in a joyous atmosphere. He is an easy-going dog, but even so, if you don’t have a fair sized garden and you don’t have the time to exercise him, he is better off living on a farm or where there is a fair sized garden.

Characteristics

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.

latvian hound dog - characteristicsThe Latvian Hound is an outgoing, fun dog to have around and a great dog for first-time dog owners too. He has always been a working dog, so he has developed skills such as being focused and tenacious.

As a companion and family dog, you will have a true friend as he is sweet, loving and loyal and thrives on the attention of his human family. He is a playful dog, feisty and energetic, and will be protective too. Bring him into your home and you'll see what a bright place it becomes just having him there as pet and friend.

Health Problems

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.

latvian hound puppies - health problemsThe life span of the Latvian Hound is 12 to 14 years, and while there are no reported major health issues, all dogs face some kind of medical issues during their lives. The Latvian Hound can face things like hip dysplasia, eye problems, bloat and ear infections.

Vaccinations:

Vaccines can protect your dog from contracting some illnesses which can be fatal.

There is controversy over pet vaccines but the problem is more about HOW the dog is vaccinated.

There was a time when puppies were vaccinated many times, but newer guidelines were updated in 2017, stating that core vaccines be given to adult dogs in intervals of 3 years or more, rather than every year.

Puppy vaccines still need to be done about every 3 weeks between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks against the likes of parvovirus and distemper. Get yourself a good vet who is skilled and safe with vaccines.

Caring The Pet

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.

Grooming:

latvian hound dogs - caringThe Latvian Hound has a short coat that is easy to groom. He is a moderate shedder and brushing him twice a week will take care of all that loose hair. He’ll thrive on the attention this grooming session gives him and its the time to check him over for ticks and fleas too.

Check the inside of his ears. Without even realizing it, dirt and wax can build up and result in an ear infection. His ear may be red and you’ll notice him shaking his head and scratching at his ears. Be very careful about cleaning his ears as going to deep can damage the ear.

Any grooming of your dog that you can’t manage can be attended to by professional dog groomers.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Latvian Hound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  3. Latvian Hound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Latvian Hound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Latvian Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Latvian Hound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Latvian Hound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Latvian Hound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Latvian Hound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Latvian Hound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Latvian Hound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  16. Latvian Hound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Latvian Hound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
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  25. Latvian Hound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Brussels Griffon vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Brussels Griffon vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Brussels Griffon vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Brussels Griffon vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Brussels Griffon vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Brussels Griffon vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Brussels Griffon vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Brussels Griffon vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Brussels Griffon vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Brussels Griffon vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Brussels Griffon vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Brussels Griffon vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Brussels Griffon vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Brussels Griffon vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Brussels Griffon vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Brussels Griffon vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Brussels Griffon vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Brussels Griffon vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Brussels Griffon vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Brussels Griffon vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Brussels Griffon vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Brussels Griffon vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Brussels Griffon vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Brussels Griffon vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Brussels Griffon vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison