Is the Brussels Griffon (Rough) or the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) better for families with children?

Both the Brussels Griffon (Rough) and the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Brussels Griffon (Rough) or the Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?

The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) sheds more than the Brussels Griffon (Rough). If shedding is a concern, the Brussels Griffon (Rough) is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Brussels Griffon (Rough) or the Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Brussels Griffon (Smooth) bigger?

Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?

For apartment or apartment living, Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are an even match — either can work well.

Brussels Griffon (Rough) vs Brussels Griffon (Smooth)

Brussels Griffon (Rough) vs Brussels Griffon (Smooth): full comparison

Trait	Brussels Griffon (Rough)	Brussels Griffon (Smooth)
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Low	Low
Grooming needs	High	Low
Shedding	Low	Medium
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Key differences at a glance

The Brussels Griffon (Rough) has noticeably higher grooming than the Brussels Griffon (Smooth).

Size and living space

The Brussels Griffon (Rough) is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Brussels Griffon (Rough) thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Brussels Griffon (Rough) needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and drops very little hair. The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Brussels Griffon (Rough) is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Brussels Griffon (Rough) trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and can live with children but needs careful, supervised introductions. The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and can live with children but needs careful, supervised introductions. On guarding instinct, Brussels Griffon (Rough) is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Brussels Griffon (Smooth) is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Brussels Griffon (Rough) has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Brussels Griffon (Rough) if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Brussels Griffon (Rough) or the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) better for families with children?: Both the Brussels Griffon (Rough) and the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Brussels Griffon (Rough) or the Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?: The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) sheds more than the Brussels Griffon (Rough). If shedding is a concern, the Brussels Griffon (Rough) is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Brussels Griffon (Rough) or the Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Brussels Griffon (Smooth) bigger?: Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?: For apartment or apartment living, Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are an even match — either can work well.