Toy Poodle vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

More and more people are opting not to clip their Poodles ith those ridiculous hair cuts with pom poms. Clipped properly, he can be just as cute as any other dog.

It is thought that the Toy Poodle hails from France, with the standard poodle having originated in Germany. The first poodles were used as herders so they’re not just useless dogs with silly pom-pom haircuts.

Some rough-coated water dogs are believed to be ancestors of the Poodle. It was in the 19th century that these dogs became show dogs. Their popularity died out in the 1920s, but it has once again become a popular dog.

The Belgian Griffon isn’t your most attractive dog, but maybe its his quirky, gremlin looks that makes him such an adored pet for many. There are different varieties of Griffon, and the Belgian- and Brussels Griffon are one and the same. All small Belgian dogs have the same breed standards, with the Belgian having a rough coat The dog hails from Belguim and its ancestors were no doubt a mix of the Belgian street dog, the Stable Griffon and the Affenpinscher.

Later on in the 1800s, this combination was then crossed with the Pug, giving the dog the brachycephalic or flat faced look.

Unfortunately no written records were kept about the precise origin of this breed, but there is also the idea that the King Charles- and English Toy Spaniel were also involved in its development. These small dogs were bred to catch rats in the barns of European estates.

Toy Poodles stand between 24 to 28 cm in height and weigh in the region of 2 to 5kg. Poodles are light-shedding dogs and are thought to be hypo-allergenic. If you have an allergy, a Toy Poodle can e a great dog for you.

The crip, curly coat comes in a number of colors – cream, apricot, brown, chocolate, and black and he can be clipped if you find that he is too high maintenance. If the hair is allowed to grow it can become very matted and turn into dreadlocks.

Many Toy Poodle owners find this very difficult to maintain and opt to have the dog’s hair clipped. The poodle has medium-length floppy ears. Docking of the tail is important if you want to keep the distinctive look of your poodle. Fortunately, docking is still permitted in the USA and this is best done when the puppy is very young.

Temperament:

Toy Poodles are intelligent dogs and are capable of learning a whole lot of commands and tricks. They’re also excellent athletes, being lively and energetic.

Being lively and alert, the Toy Poodle can be a good watchdog too, barking sharply at intruders. The Toy Poodle is very social and won’t take kindly to being left alone for hours.

Then again, he is gentle and sensitive and won’t do well with undisciplined children and their shrill screams. They are definitely dogs that want peace and harmony. And having him trained and socialized will get you a well mannered, obedient dog. He is small enough to adapt to life in the city or the countryside.

Small but Full of Attitude

There are different variations of this dog to give it its distinctive look and size. This quaint looking little Griffon canine comes with two different coat types - soft or wiry. With the Belgian Griffon, his wiry coat of red, tan or black will need to be brushed at least twice a week. Shedding with this dog is seasonal.

He has a compact, sturdy little body, and he trots around with attitude. With his sharp pointed ears and whiskers, he has been given the nickname ‘bearded dog’. His dark black eyes are alert. He is self-confident, intelligent and curious breed, a great family pet and good with children if he has grown up with them in the home. He is good with other pets. The fact that this is a small breed and that he doesn’t have excessive energy levels, means he is adaptable to city- and country living.

This dog breed is very loyal to its family. It doesn't do well when left for hours on its own.

Energetic and lively, you’ll find your Toy Poodle such a pleasure to have around. He is very intelligent too, so with training and socialization he becomes a super little pet.

Playful and social, he is like a small ray of sunshine that comes into your home and your heart.

The Belgian Griffon is an affectionate pet and often establishes a strong bond with one member of the family. You’ll have your Griffon with you for about 15 years so make sure he is trained and a pleasure to have around.They are difficult to train, being somewhat stubborn so they are going to require patience. They’re sensitive too, and they won’t respond well to aggressive treatment.

They’re much more indoor dogs than outdoor dogs because they’re also vulnerable to heat stroke. They just want to come indoors and be with their human family, and when you do that for them, they’ll become a wonderful friend and companion to you.

Good food and exercise keep the Toy Poodle as healthy as possible, but like other dogs, the Toy Poodle can also get sick. Cancer, bloat, ear infections, and obesity are common dog ailments.

Too many dog owners don’t realize the importance of healthy teeth. You need to look into the mouth of your pet regularly to make sure there are no rotting teeth. These problematic teeth can jeopardize the health of your pet.

Infection of teeth and gums can cause a host of other problems such as kidney and heart disease.

Check your Toy Poodle for parasites – fleas, ticks, worms as these can take a toll on your pet’s health. Your pet can become lethargic and the coat becomes listless, thin and dull. Your pet will also lose weight. Speak to your vet about treatments that can prevent these infestations.

When you get your Griffon from a reputable breeder, you always have a better chance that he’ll be healthy. As it is, the Belgian Griffon has few hereditary health issues. However his dark eyes will have some genetic problems to contend with and he could suffer with progressive retinal atrophy. This is an illness which can lead to blindness

Other health issues to look out for are -

Syringomyelia – this is a neurological condition – an abnormality of the spinal cord – a disease which occurs more frequently in small breeds. It can cause your pet to endure a lot of pain.

Birthing Issues - these little dogs often have problems with giving birth, and a vet often has to intervene and perform a cesarean.

Make sure to exercise your Toy Poodle every day. If you’re lucky to have a garden, play ball games with him, play hide and seek and take him for walks.

Brush your Toy Poodle twice a week. His curly coat can become a source of concern for you and then you can have his coat clipped short.

Provide your pet with training and socialization and get him used to walking on a leash.

Take your Toy Poodle for regular visits to the vet. There are some serious canine diseases that can kill your pet.

Provide your pet with a nice dry, peaceful sleeping area. He needs his own water and food bowls. Wash these regularly.

Provide your Toy Poodle with the best dog food there is. Try and go for natural foods free from colorants and fillers. Try and also give him some home-made food such as boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Dogs like the same good foods which are simple and nutritious.

Food and Water

The Belgian Griffon will do well if you invest in high quality foods. You can make your own, but if you’re concerned about his health, it would be best to check what ingredients should go into his home-prepared meals to ensure he gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs.

If you want to go with commercially manufactured dog foods, check with your vet about wet- and dry foods. Your vet will help with choosing a food appropriate to his size and age. Always ensure that there is clean, fresh water available to your pet.

Exercise

Even though he is a small breed, he is fairly active and he will need his fair share of exercise like ball games and walks. Training and socialization are a must for him. You’ll notice that training isn’t particularly easy with this breed, and first time dog owners might not have the patience with him.