Mountain Cur vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison

Mountain Cur vs Brussels Griffon - Breed ComparisonBrussels Griffon is originated from Belgium but Mountain Cur is originated from United States. Brussels Griffon may grow 46 cm / 18 inches shorter than Mountain Cur. Brussels Griffon may weigh 21 kg / 46 pounds lesser than Mountain Cur. Brussels Griffon may live 4 years less than Mountain Cur. Brussels Griffon may have less litter size than Mountain Cur. Brussels Griffon requires Moderate Maintenance. But Mountain Cur requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Hound dog
undefined
Belgium
United States
Height Male:
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
46 - 66 cm
18 - 26 inches
Height Female:
16 - 18 cm
6 - 8 inches
41 - 61 cm
16 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
12 - 25 kg
26 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 4
3 - 8
Size:
Toy
Large
Other Names:
Griffon Belge • Griffon Bruxellois • Brussels Griffon • Petit Brabancon • Belgian Griffon • Griffon
MC
Colors Available:
red, black-and-reddish-brown (called belge), black and tan, and black
yellow, brown, blue, or brindle white on face and chest
Coat:
rough and smooth types
short
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Alert, Courageous, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

mountain curFrom The United States in the hound group comes the Mountain Cur. This breed was developed especially to “tree” their prey and to trail other smaller game. They treed and bayed larger prey like the wild boar and bears in the mountains and they trailed the smaller ones like the raccoon and squirrel. There are many types of curs and this breed is just one. Curs can be water dogs, farm dogs, hunting dogs and guard dogs. However, they are not great family dogs because they were born to hunt.

The Mountain Cur comes out of Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Virginia. The ancestors of the American Mountain Cur came with European settlers almost 200 years ago. They worked with the settlers to hunt for animals that would provide them with pelts and meat in order to survive on the frontier. The breed became rare when the descendants of the settlers moved to the factories after the second world war.

The breed was brought back by four ambitious men who saved the Mountain Cur. They form the Original Mountain Cur Breeder’s Association of OMCBA in 1956. But they argued over the standard and 2 of the 4 left to form their own association: The Stephen Stock Mountain Cur Association. By 1957 the Mountain Cur Breeder’s Association formed but it took until 1998 for the Mountain Cur to be registered with the United Kennel Club.

The Mountain Cur is a tough, courageous dog as are all the Curs. They are willing to face large and ferocious prey. They are fearless watch dogs, using their trait of being quiet on the hunt to their advantage. The Mountain Cur wants nothing more than making you happy. They have been known to corner bears and even bulls. Given the independence and intelligence of the Mountain Cur it is important that the human be the pack leader, or the Cur will assume the role. If angry the Cur will growl and bite, so being the pack leader is vital for humans.

The novel “Old Yeller” was written about a Mountain Cur – a yellow shorthaired dog with a bobbed tail and terrier blood. Like all Mountain Curs “Old Yeller” hunted and treed prey, fought a bear and held onto the nose of a charging bull. The Cur was the first American purebred dog. Other early lines come from the Appalachian Mountains and near them in southern states. Mixing hounds and terriers created this tough, courageous dog whose tenacity and grit are second to none. Today the Mountain Cur has been split into four distinct breeds: the Mountain Cur, The Mountain View Cur, the Stephens Stock, and the Treeing Tennessee Brindle.

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.

mountain cur puppy - descriptionBred to be a hard working hunter and protector, the Mountain Cur is rugged and stocky. They are muscular with strong neck, wide head and expressive dark brown eyes. Some may have blue or green eyes, but they will be darker instead of light. They have a heavy muzzle, high set short ears and feet that are catlike, muscular and strong. The Cur has straight legs, deep chests and 50% are born with the tail bobbed.

Their coat is short and heavy. The colors could be yellow, red, blue, brindle, black and brindle, yellow with white points, dark brown and red.

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.

Children friendliness

mountain cur dog - characteristicsThey are friendly with kids but don’t make good house pets.

Special talents

Tree climbing

Adaptability

They need space and they do not make good indoor pets

Learning ability

He is very intelligent and learns quickly.

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.

mountain cur puppies - health problemsThere are a few health issues that the Mountain Cur is susceptible to. They include:

  • Skin Issues – infections and allergies.
  • Ear Infections – Keep them cleaned and hair trimmed in ears.
  • Hunting Injuries – this is probably the most common health issue.
  • Bloat – Can be fatal.
  • Obesity – Can lead to bloat, injuries, other issues.
  • Hip Dysplasia – Can cause arthritis and lameness – can be caused or aggravated by obesity.

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.

Feeding the puppy

mountain cur dogs - caringMountain Cure puppies should eat four bowls of high quality dog food in four separate meals each day until 3 months old. From three months to six months feed them 3 times per day and from six months to a year just twice a day.

Feeding the adult

The adult Mountain Cur would eat 3 cups of high quality dog food in one or two meals per day. Don’t overfeed them as they have a tendency toward obesity.

Points for Good Health

Athleticism

Games and Exercises

This breed is an active dog and he needs to get plenty of exercise. He needs daily exercise – daily walks – and enjoys canine sports like barn hunt and agility. They do well in field trials.

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. Mountain Cur vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Mountain Cur vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Mountain Cur vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Mountain Cur vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Mountain Cur vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Mountain Cur vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Mountain Cur vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Mountain Cur vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Mountain Cur vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Mountain Cur vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Mountain Cur vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Mountain Cur vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Mountain Cur vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Mountain Cur vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Mountain Cur vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Mountain Cur vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Mountain Cur vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Mountain Cur vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Mountain Cur vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Mountain Cur vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Mountain Cur vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Mountain Cur vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Mountain Cur vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Mountain Cur vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Mountain Cur vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison