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

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

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

The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) shed a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Is Brussels Griffon (Smooth) or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) bigger?

Brussels Griffon (Smooth) is the larger breed; Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Brussels Griffon (Smooth) or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?

Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Brussels Griffon (Smooth) is the quieter choice.

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

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

Brussels Griffon (Smooth) vs Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)

Brussels Griffon (Smooth) vs Chihuahua (Smooth Coat): full comparison

Trait	Brussels Griffon (Smooth)	Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
Size	Small	Very Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Low	Low
Grooming needs	Low	Very Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	High	Very High
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	Medium	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	15 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) is a larger dog than the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat), which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) is a small dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is a tiny, pocket-sized dog that slots into a studio apartment without trouble and travels almost anywhere with you. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. 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 (Smooth) is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and can share a home with children given careful, supervised introductions. The Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a great deal, which is worth considering with neighbors close by and can share a home with children given careful, supervised introductions. On guarding instinct, Brussels Griffon (Smooth) is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Brussels Griffon (Smooth) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Brussels Griffon (Smooth) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Brussels Griffon (Smooth) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) if you want a longer-lived breed, you want a more adaptable dog, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) or the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) better for families with children?: Both the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) and the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) or the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?: The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) or the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Brussels Griffon (Smooth) or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) bigger?: Brussels Griffon (Smooth) is the larger breed; Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Brussels Griffon (Smooth) or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?: Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Brussels Griffon (Smooth) is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Brussels Griffon (Smooth) or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?: For apartment or apartment living, Brussels Griffon (Smooth) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are an even match — either can work well.