Relatively new on the designer dogs’ market, the Brussels Griffon Pug Mix represents a true joy to new owners! This small aristocrat may seem to be full of self-importance, but there is an honest companion standing behind the sassy look.
Being a mix of the popular street dog from Belgium – the Griff, and the Chinese Royal – the Pug, the Brug puppy has a personality for a whole set of dogs! With big, human-like eyes, and a high sense of importance, these canines appear heart-melting at all times.
What Is The Brussels Griffon Pug Mix?
To put it simply – this mixed breed is a mix of a Brussels Griffon and a Pug. Both of its parents belong to the group of small dogs, while Griffs are classified as a toy breed by the AKC. Their wiry, short-to-medium coat makes them one of the dogs that look like Star Wars’ Ewoks.
On the other hand, Pugs are short-coated, black-muzzled royals that come all the way from ancient China. The offspring of the two is an extremely playful and active canine that loves being the center of attention at all times.
They are members of several breed registries, such as the DBR, the ACHC, the IDCR, and the DRA.
The breed is perfect for big families as it enjoys spending time around people. This small-sized puppy doesn’t need to go out that often as all the exercise it needs can be done indoors. Still, it is smart to take the puppy out for at least a 30-minute walk a day.
This is a true companion dog that doesn’t show any sign of aggression unless provoked. The breed is generally recommended to families of adults as they are fragile and not recommended to play with small children.
Meet The Purebred Parents
Since this crossbreed is a relatively new breed, it is quite hard to predict its appearance and behavior in detail. That’s why we need to dig into the history of its parent breeds and see what to expect out of this gorgeous puppy with large eyes.
For starters, it is quite important to say that this hybrid comes from two fantastic family dog breeds, which is what gives us the guarantee that the offspring will be at least equally good in households.
Both Pug dogs and Belgian Brussels Griffons are extremely affectionate, loyal, and charismatic pooches that don’t stand being left alone. Both of these dogs, especially Griffs, seek attention and care.
A Brug came into life somewhere in the 1980s, which makes the breed quite new in the United States. Still, the puppy is becoming more and more popular as it makes an exquisite family dog, and it isn’t a demanding breed.
On the other hand, the beauty behind crossbreeding Pugs with Griffs is the fact that their offspring, the Brug, will be even healthier and a better family addition due to a broader set of genes represented in the puppy.
Pug
Coming all the way from royal China, Pugs have been among families for thousands of years. These royal puppies were first introduced by the Han dynasty, where they served as royal companions.
To this day, these canines are probably one of the most popular family dogs in the world, which makes them highly represented both in the United States and Europe.
When it comes to the Pug’s growth chart, these canines generally weigh between 14 and 18 pounds, while their height doesn’t exceed 13 inches at the shoulders.
The breed belongs to a club of small dogs, which makes the puppy suitable for indoor living. In fact, these canines are not adapted for an outside life as they seek attention, companionship, and love. Pug puppies are great with children despite their size.
On the other hand, these canines are popular in dog shows as they are easily trainable and eager to please. The breed has a smooth, short coat that comes in black and fawn color patterns.
Puppies have a short, wrinkled, and black muzzle, and often an underbite. Even though they have beautiful, big, dark eyes, the breed is prone to eye ulceration, which is one of the major health concerns in this puppy.
Brussels Griffon
On the other hand, Brussels Griffons (and their red-colored counterparts – Griffon Bruxellois), were initially popular as street dogs that served for vermin hunting in Belgian stables. This puppy is far more active than the Pug as these canines won’t mind playing all day long.
They often forget how small they are, and their curious character often gets them into trouble. Griffs are used to love and affection, and they often misperceive themselves as everyone’s sweetheart.
Dog professionals claim the puppy came into existence as a mix between a German Affenpinscher and a Belgian Street Dog, although many believe that the puppy contains the bloodline of English Toy Spaniels and Pugs.
These pooches have both a wiry, rough coat and a straight, smooth coat. It comes in various color patterns, among which black, tan, black and tan, beige, and red are recognized by the American Kennel Club as the breed standard.
These pooches don’t grow more than 10 inches, and their weight revolves between 8 and 10 pounds. Reputable Griff breeders emphasize the importance of a properly-designed feeding chart for these canines as they can become easily overweight.
Despite their toy size, these canines are always on alert, which makes them good watchdogs, but poor guardians due to their small size. Just like their coat buddies – Yorkies, Griffs make excellent companions, but at the same time, the breed can be extremely clingy.
The Crossbreed History
The exact history of the Brussels Griffon Pug Mix is still quite vague, especially if we assume that this is a relatively new breed. However, the history of its purebred parents is pretty familiar, which makes a Brug so much easier to predict.
Namely, the puppy has originated as a combination of two small, yet different dogs that have completely different origins. On one hand, their Pug parents have been royal dogs in China, and they were bred for companionship purposes exclusively.
On the other hand, Griff puppies have worked their paws off throughout their history as they were initially used as vermin hunters in Belgium. These canines were almost extinct in between world wars as owners couldn’t afford to keep these canines in households.
The hardworking background of these purebred dogs made them active, agile, and ready to move at all times.
On the other hand, Pug canines can be lazy at times, which is why they prefer staying at home rather than going out for a walk.
Pug breeders make sure to inform future owners that these canines can be easily overfed, which is why they need proper maintenance and a well-designed feeding chart.
The Brussels Griffon Pug Mix’s Appearance
Brussels Griffon Pug mixes generally have either a smooth or a wiry coat that grows short to medium-long.
The puppy is a low-shedder, which makes it perfect for indoor living. These charming canines generally have the mixed look of a Pug and a Griff, and none of them look equally the same.
They typically have a black, wrinkled muzzle, and big, round eyes. Their legs are tough and sturdy as they carry themselves with grace. These canines’ tail is often curled. The breed appears comical and sassy, while at the same time, they resemble small, bearded aristocrats.
The puppy has frequent grooming needs as they need to be brushed once or twice a week. On the other hand, they don’t need a frequent bath. However, nail clipping is recommended every month or so.
This is a small breed that adapts to house life easily. Generally, the majority of Pug mixes don’t have a problem adapting to indoor life as they are affectionate and prone to occasional laziness.
Still, this particular designer dog is anything but lazy. They enjoy all sorts of activities, which is a trait picked up from their Griff parent.
How Big Do These Hybrids Get?
The Brussels Griffon Pug Mix puppy stands up to 11 inches in height, and it weighs around 8 to 13 pounds. This is a small breed, which means that they don’t need as much feeding as some larger dogs.
Usually, one cup of wet food per day is enough, but make sure you feed your Brug puppy at least three times a day.
These canines are prone to obesity as they are not as active as large breeds. Giving them table scraps and unhealthy snacks is just wrong. The puppy needs a well-planned meal schedule.
Just like the feeding chart of Pug puppies – these canines’ feeding chart needs to be strict and to the point. Obesity in Brugs leads to further health problems, such as diabetes or cataracts.
Due to their small size, these canines are not recommended for families with small children. Despite their perky attitude, the breed has a fragile physique, and it is easily injured.
Also, make sure you always take your puppy out on a leash as they are natural wanderers and they can get into trouble easily.
Coat Type And Coat Color
Seeing this puppy in various coat colors is not that odd as Brugs can inherit both Pug and Griff colors. However, the most popular color patterns in these canines are black, fawn, tan, and beige.
These canines have a short to medium-long coat, which makes them easy to maintain. Their wiry (or smooth) coat is low-shedding.
Still, they need to be brushed every week, once or twice. Some Brug puppies can suffer from skin allergies, or irritation, which is why you need to make sure to use only the best puppy shampoos on the market.
Always consult a vet about dog shampoos as redness, lumps, and allergies are not that rare of symptoms in Brug puppies.
The same goes for Pug owners – these royal purebreds require the best shampoos on the market. In fact, bathing your Brug puppy more than recommended can strip natural oils from your dog’s coat. On the other hand, ear checking and teeth brushing are highly recommended.
Ear infections, as well as plaque on a Brug’s teeth are not that rare. The best way to get your puppy to love these small rituals is if you start from the puppyhood stage and give them a lot of praise.
The Brug’s Temperament
The Brussels Griffon Pug mix has a fine temperament, which is one of the main reasons why these canines are so favorable among families. Neither Griffs nor Pug puppies are aggressive by nature despite the fact that they can be stubborn at times.
Brug canines enjoy company, and never in a million years will they choose solitude over companionship. That characteristic makes them clingy at times, which is why you need to make sure that your puppy is used to a few hours of solitude during working days.
TV dog shows and chew toys are a good option in this regard.
The breed may seem self-important at times as these canines are used to love and affection at all times. Still, they are not as mischievous as Huskies, and they will do anything to get your attention.
In terms of their social skills – it is not the worst idea to obedience train them from an early age as these canines can display a prey-drive towards smaller pets, such as birds and hamsters.
Trainability
The Brussels Griffon Pug mix makes the best family puppy if you train it from an early age. Early socialization helps it adapt with other dogs and other pets if, by chance, you have any. On the other hand, obedience training is favorable, but not obligatory.
Training a Brug in the latter stages is quite demanding as these puppies are not the easiest dogs to potty train or to obedience train. You need to implement a lot of positive reinforcement techniques, which include praise, petting, and dog food rewards.
The breed doesn’t respond well to firm leadership or yelling. They might even display aggressive behavior as a self-defense mechanism to protect themselves from a harsh owner.
It is all about love and affection, really. If you want your Brug puppy to love and respect you – give love in return. Otherwise, neither you nor your pet will be happy.
The usage of interactive dog toys is highly favorable when it comes to Brug canines. They enjoy new, creative ways of entertainment as they are naturally curious. In that regard, this puppy just adores accompanying its owner on daily walks.
However, make sure you don’t overwhelm your Belgian royal. A moderate, thirty-minute walk on a daily basis will suffice the needs of your dog.
Socialization
Early socialization is the key to a well-behaved puppy. That’s why getting a puppy from a reputable breeder is always a better choice than getting a puppy from a shady puppy mill.
Socialized Brug dogs will gladly welcome your friends or other dogs into your family.
They won’t even mind approaching strangers, which is why the best environment for these canines is a fenced yard or an apartment. Walking a Brug on a leash is highly recommended as their indiscreet temperament can get them into trouble.
They are often unaware of their size, which is why these puppies won’t know the difference between aggressive dogs and friendly pooches.
Socialization training of a Brug is generally based on positive reinforcement. The usage of interactive dog toys, healthy snacks, and praise is highly recommended as these canines don’t respond well to toughness.
They require a patient and committed owner as their training process is long-term. However, once you go through the process, you will enjoy the company of a wonderful canine that displays only the best from both parents.
Having a Brug in your family means not worrying about their unpredictable behavior around other people. You can easily invite friends over and be sure that your puppy will behave as friendly as possible.
Brugs Around Other Pets And Children
Despite the fact that these puppies are friendly, they are not recommended for families with small children. The reason behind this lies in the fact that these are extremely fragile dogs that don’t stand rough play.
If you have children in your family, make sure the playtime is always supervised.
On the other hand, these pooches are friendly to other dogs, and even cats. However, they may perceive small pets, such as birds or hamsters, as prey.
Their friendliness comes mostly from their Pug parent as both male and female Pug puppies are open to socialization and strangers. On the other hand, Griffs can be slightly aloof with strangers, but not as much as Rotties or GSDs.
Health Issues Of A Brussels Griffon Pug Mix
Even though these canines are not among the top twenty healthiest dogs in the world, the breed is still quite healthy. They can easily reach up to 15 years of age if you maintain their feeding and exercise habits properly.
There are several major concerns in a Brug puppy: hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. However, the latter is not that likely to occur as it affects a small number of puppies.
Other than that, the Brug dog is a healthy pooch that lives a long and a happy life.
1. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in dogs is not a fatal issue, but it creates more problems than it solves. Namely, the issue represents a deformation in the hip joint, which manifests in a bunny walk. Other symptoms related to this issue are leg pain, reluctance to climb, jump, or run, and lethargy.
Dogs with this issue are generally reluctant to do anything as they have an unpleasant feeling in their hind legs. That’s why hip dysplasia needs to be treated as soon as the first symptoms are noticed.
It is generally treated surgically.
2. Patellar Luxation
A Luxating patella represents another major concern for Brug puppies. The issue manifests in a misaligned kneecap, which causes skipping, or hopping.
The issue is treated based on a disease grade. Generally, physical therapy is enough to cure a luxating patella.
However, more progressed stages require a surgical procedure. Still, this procedure is not too expensive as the average price of patellar luxation surgery revolves between $1000 and $5000.
3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy And Cataracts
Unfortunately, some Brug puppies can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy. This is a hereditary disease that leads to partial or total blindness. However, the issue itself is not fatal as dogs with PRA can live a long and happy life.
Puppies with PRA may start acting weird all of a sudden as they lose orientation and they are often confused. The important thing is to make sure that your puppy doesn’t get hurt by sharp edges or stairs. Also, if your puppy is suffering from PRA – avoid surprises!
On the other hand, cataracts affect older dogs mostly, but they can affect young dogs, too. This issue is rooted in the puppy’s genetics. However, dogs with diabetes are more prone to this issue than healthy puppies.
In most cases, cataracts are treated with surgery.
FAQs
Griff puppies are generally good family dogs. Unlike Pugs that belong to the club of lazy dog breeds, these canines are active, playful, and curious at all times.
They have naturally good social skills, which make them ideal for an indoor life. Griff puppies do well around other dogs, too.
Generally, these toy puppies live between 10 and 15 years. They live their whole life without major health problems. However, some puppies can experience hip dysplasia or cataracts.
The key to a healthy life for your Griff is a properly-established feeding chart. These canines don’t need much food during the day, and they get obese pretty easily. If you notice symptoms such as a swollen stomach, panting, or vomiting – that’s already a red flag!
Conclusion
The Brussels Griffon Pug mix puppies, despite being a brand new hybrid on the market, make wonderful family dogs that are suitable for all types of families.
However, the breed is less recommended to families with small children as these pooches are tiny and fragile. Still, with proper supervision, they can make great companions of kids, too.
If you already have a Brug as your life companion, then I hope this article has justified the purpose. If not – I bet you’re now one step closer to buying this adorable designer puppy.
Read more: A Guide To The Pitbull Pug Mix Breed