Combai vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Combai vs Brussels Griffon - Breed ComparisonBrussels Griffon is originated from Belgium but Combai is originated from India. Brussels Griffon may grow 44 cm / 17 inches shorter than Combai. Brussels Griffon may weigh 28 kg / 61 pounds lesser than Combai. Brussels Griffon may live 3 years less than Combai. Brussels Griffon may have less litter size than Combai. Brussels Griffon requires Moderate Maintenance. But Combai requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Hound dog
undefined
Belgium
India
Height Male:
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
43 - 64 cm
16 - 26 inches
Height Female:
16 - 18 cm
6 - 8 inches
43 - 64 cm
16 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
18 - 34 kg
39 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
18 - 34 kg
39 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 4
3 - 8
Size:
Toy
Medium
Other Names:
Griffon Belge • Griffon Bruxellois • Brussels Griffon • Petit Brabancon • Belgian Griffon • Griffon
Indian Bear Hound, Indian Bear Dog and Tamil Bear Hound
Colors Available:
red, black-and-reddish-brown (called belge), black and tan, and black
Brown, reddish, tan
Coat:
rough and smooth types
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

brussels griffonThe Brussels Griffon is one of the three different types of Griffons. There is the Belgian, the Petit, and the Brussels Griffon. “Griffon” means wiry and the Brussels Griffon lives up to that moniker. The Brussels Griffon’s coat is longer than that of the Belgian Griffon and the Petit Brabanon (Griffon) has a smooth, short coat. The breed is probably originally developed by crossing Belgian street dogs with the Affenpinsher as early in the 1800’s. They were favored by the cabbies in Brussels as guard dogs. They were also bred to hunt rats. Sometime toward the end of the 19th century, the Griffon was again crossed this time with a pug. This accounts for the type of head that the Brussels Griffon has, namely a brachycephalic head. It also accounts for the smooth coat of the Petit Griffon. The modern-day Griffon may also have been crossed at some time with one or more of these breeds: the English Toy Spaniel, the Irish Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier.

By 1880, the breed was recognized and appeared in the Brussels Exhibition of 1880. They were also found in paintings of the same era by the Flemish painter, Van Eyck. In the beginning of the 20th century, the breed was extremely popular with the nobility in Belgium. As with so many other breeds, the number of Brussels Griffon was greatly reduced during the First World War. It did not take them long however to make a comeback after the war. Their popularity then spread around the globe.

The European FCI considers the Brussels Griffon, the Belgian Griffon and the Petit Brabancon (Griffon) to be three separate breeds with no interbreeding among them. They are shown as three separate breeds in Europe, with the difference between the Belgian and Brussels being the accepted colors. The Brussels is only red in color while the Belgium Griffon can be in all other colors. In the United States the three types of Griffons are considered one breed with three varieties. Only the Brussels Griffon is recognized by the AKC. The difference in coat and color make for the different varieties in the U.S.

combaiThe Combai is a dog from Tamilnadu, Southern India, developed to hunt dangerous animals by the Indian royalty. It is a rare breed in India, believed to be close to extinction.

The dog is also known as the Indian Bear Hound, Indian Bear Dog and Tamil Bear Hound. You can spell the name of the dog with a ‘C’ or a ‘K’, Combai or Kombai.

Accurate records as to the history of this dog haven’t been kept, so much of the dog’s history is on speculation, although it is believed with some certainty, that the breed has been around since the 15th century. It is thought that the Combai was developed from Mastiff-type dogs, Pariah dogs, the Thai Ridgeback and Khoisan dogs.

Description

brussels griffon puppy - descriptionAll three types of Griffons are toy size dogs with short, thick bodies and distinctive brachycephalic heads. Regardless of coat color their muzzles and whiskers are black, and they have large eyes, also black, a mustache and beard. They have black eyelashes and a nose that is very black. All this is set against their red, beige, black or black and tan coat. Their forehead is dome shaped and the muzzle is short. The breed has small ears that are high up on the dog’s head. The ears might be cropped in the United States but would not be in Europe. The lower jaw is prominent and the jaw itself is undershot. They have black toenails and pads, with strong and muscular hind legs. The Griffon has a docked, high set tail in the U.S. and a full tail in Europe and all of the United Kingdom.

The rough coated types have a dense and wiry coat and the standard encourages the hardest possible wire coat. Their heads are also wiry and long around the chin, cheeks, nose and eyes. They should be hand-stripped and never left ungroomed. The coat can matt if not taken care of adequately. One of the most important features of the Brussels Griffon is its human like face or monkey like appearance.

combai puppy - descriptionThe Combai is a medium sized dog, standing at between 43 to 64cm in height and weighing up to 34kg. Possibly the most distinctive feature of the Combai is a ridge of fur that runs down its back, with the hair growing in the opposite direction to the dog’s body hair. The coat of the dog is short and smooth with colors being brown, tan or reddish. The dog is medium sized, though size does vary quite a bit . The dog is muscular, lean and athletic with a long tail that curls over the back.

The head of the Combai is fairly narrow with a muzzle which is quite long.The ears of the Combai vary as well and usually drop down or they fold backwards.

Temperament:

The Combai’s temperament is by no means gentle and it is believed to be a fierce, angry breed who will fight other dogs to the death.

It is sometimes hard to believe that the Combai, with training and socialization can make a good family pet. He then loves the company of his human family and remains loyal to them. When trained and socialized they also get on well with children in the home.

It isn’t recommended as a first dog choice for those who have never owned a dog as it does tend to be aggressive. The dog is also very territorial and alert and its why he makes a good watchdog.

Characteristics

Characteristics

brussels griffon dog - characteristicsThe Brussels Griffon is sociable, alert and very intelligent. She is very energetic, playful and loving. They bond deeply with their family. Housebreaking might be a challenge as it is with all toy/small breeds. They are incredibly lonely and restless when their people are not around them. They have great personalities, terrier like characteristics, and deep loyalty to their humans. They are great companions and love children. Just remember how small they are. They are susceptible to Little Dog Syndrome if the human does not establish themselves as the alpha right away.

combai dog - characteristicsThe Combai is known for its bravery and fearlessness and this is what makes him such an exceptional watch dog as he also doesn’t take kindly to strangers.

The Combai is full of energy too and won’t like to spend days lying around. He will require regular exercise.

Have him trained and socialized and he becomes the most loyal and devoted pet and companion.

Health Problems

brussels griffon puppies - health problemsThe Brussels Griffon is susceptible to many of the diseases and genetic conditions that many other toy or small dogs have. Flat-faced breeds like the Griffon also suffer from difficulty with breathing under certain weather conditions and they are known to snore. They should not be kept in hot, sunny, humid climates for this reason. They may also display patella luxation (slipping kneecaps) and hip dysplasia. Lastly, they are susceptible to ear infections. Dams are often in need of cesarean sections to deliver their litters. They have very serious health issues due to the head shape and flat face. These might include eye and respiratory issues and syringomyelia – a deadly neurological disease. They are susceptible to epilepsy, dental issues and eye lash issues.

combai puppies - health problemsMost dog experts will agree that the Combai is a breed that enjoys excellent health, and that in fact it seems as though the dog is disease- and parasite resistant.

There are however, always common dog illnesses that every dog owner should be aware of and it is always to a dog owner’s benefit to have their pet tested by Foundations such as the Orthopedic- and Canine Eye Registration Foundation who can perform tests to identify potential health defects before they show up.

Some of the ailments of concern in hounds include progressive retinal atrophy, demoid sinus and hip dysplasia.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

The Retina is the light sensitive part of the eye and also part of the central nervous system. In retinal degeneration, the cells of the retina decline in function and this is what leads to possible blindness.

Progressive retinal atrophy worsens with time. If your pet doesn’t seem to react to light properly it may be wise to have him checked by the vet.

Demoid Sinus:

This defect is found in newborns as well as later on in life, and found primarily in Ridgeback dogs. Dermoid sinus is a neural tube defect that is typically found along your dog’s back, the tail and the neck.

The role of the tubes is to drain out dead cells for example. Not correctly formed, they become infected and an abscess forms with discharge. You will have to get your pet to the vet who will proceed with treatment as your pet can experience pain and discomfort.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

brussels griffon dogs - caringThe Brussels Griffon can choke easily so take care with the size of kibble you feed them. They need about one fourth to one half of a cup of high quality dry food that is designed for small or toy dogs. Divide this amount into two or three small meals per day. Puppies should be fed more often than adults but never feed just one large meal per day. Be careful that your Brussels Griffon does not become obese.

Health issues

The Brussels Griffon, regardless of type has some very serious health issues due to the shape of their heads.

Syringomyelia – extremely painful and fatal neurological disease.

Brachycephalic Syndrome – This can cause all the respiratory issues as well as eye issues such as cataracts and corneal ulcers.

Epilepsy - Seizures

Dental Disease – gum disease

Puppy Mortality – one of every four Brussels Griffon pupped die at birth.

Exercise and games

This is a very playful and energetic breed that needs at least some exercise every day. They love to play with their family. They are smart and easy to train. They love agility, obedience, barn hunt and tracking activities. You can just as effectively play with and exercise your Brussels inside as well as out.

Exercise:

combai dogs - caringThe Combai is an active dog and he will require quite a bit of exercise. A good way of giving him exercise is to take him on walks or allow him to go jogging with you or cycling.

Denying him exercise will make him frustrated and destructive. His high exercise needs mean that he won’t do well in small apartments but will do well in the suburbs or in the country.

Grooming:

With his short coat, the Combai is a low maintenance breed.  This breed should never require professional grooming, only an occasional brushing.  Other than that, he will require his nails being clipped, his ears checked for infection and his teeth cleaned 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

High energy dogs like the Combai will require a top quality kibble diet recommended by your vet with raw meat included in his diet from time to time as well as nutritious cooked food added in such as brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken. Fresh water must be available to him night and day non-stop.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Brussels Griffon vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Brussels Griffon vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Brussels Griffon vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Brussels Griffon vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Brussels Griffon vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Brussels Griffon vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Brussels Griffon vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Brussels Griffon vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Brussels Griffon vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Brussels Griffon vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Brussels Griffon vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Brussels Griffon vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Brussels Griffon vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Brussels Griffon vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Brussels Griffon vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Brussels Griffon vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Brussels Griffon vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Brussels Griffon vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Brussels Griffon vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Brussels Griffon vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Brussels Griffon vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Brussels Griffon vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Brussels Griffon vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Brussels Griffon vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Brussels Griffon vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Combai vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Combai vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Combai vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Combai vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Combai vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Combai vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Combai vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Combai vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Combai vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Combai vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Combai vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Combai vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Combai vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Combai vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Combai vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Combai vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Combai vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Combai vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Combai vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Combai vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Combai vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Combai vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Combai vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Combai vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Combai vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison