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

The Lhasa Apso tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

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

The Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Lhasa Apso shed a similar amount (low).

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

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

Is Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Lhasa Apso bigger?

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

Which barks more, Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Lhasa Apso?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

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

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

Brussels Griffon (Rough) vs Lhasa Apso: Easier to Groom?

Brussels Griffon (Rough) vs Lhasa Apso: full comparison

Trait	Brussels Griffon (Rough)	Lhasa Apso
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Low	Medium
Grooming needs	High	Very High
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Size and living space

The Brussels Griffon (Rough) is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Lhasa Apso is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. 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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and drops very little hair. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. 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, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and can live with children but needs careful, supervised introductions. The Lhasa Apso trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Brussels Griffon (Rough) is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Lhasa Apso is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Lhasa Apso are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Lhasa Apso has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Lhasa Apso are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Lhasa Apso has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Lhasa Apso are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

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

Choose the Lhasa Apso if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Brussels Griffon (Rough) or the Lhasa Apso better for families with children?: The Lhasa Apso tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Brussels Griffon (Rough) or the Lhasa Apso?: The Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Lhasa Apso shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Brussels Griffon (Rough) or the Lhasa Apso?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Lhasa Apso bigger?: Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Lhasa Apso are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Lhasa Apso?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Lhasa Apso?: For apartment or apartment living, Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Lhasa Apso are an even match — either can work well.

Brussels Griffon (Rough) vs Lhasa Apso