Comparison: Belgian Griffon and Miniature Schnauzer

Belgian Griffon and Miniature Schnauzer are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Belgian Griffon
Photo: Ger Dekker, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Miniature Schnauzer
Photo: Ron Armstrong, CC BY 2.0, source
Belgian GriffonMiniature Schnauzer
FCI group9. Companion and Toy Dogs2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Country of originBelgiumGermany
Category–Small
Height at withers–30–35 cm
Weight3.5–6 kg4–8 kg
Life span–12–15 years
Recognition features
  • Harsh, slightly wavy, trimmed coat with beard and moustache
  • Black or black-and-tan colouring (the Brussels Griffon is red)
  • Almost human facial expression
  • Bushy moustache and eyebrows
  • Wiry coat, most often salt-and-pepper
  • Square build, up to 35 cm tall
CoatHarsh, naturally stiff, slightly wavy (not curly) coat with undercoat, trimmed; thick beard and moustache around the muzzle and eyebrows above the eyes. Black or black and tan (tan on the legs, chest, cheeks, above the eyes, inside the ears and under the tail); an admixture of red-brown is allowed, though pure black and black and tan are preferred.Wiry dense coat with undercoat; salt-and-pepper, black, black-and-silver.
PurposeA small guardian and companion dog, originally bred to guard carriages and keep stables free of rodents.A scaled-down German schnauzer bred to catch rats on farms; the most numerous schnauzer.

Breed page: Belgian Griffon · Breed page: Miniature Schnauzer

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.