Brussalier

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Brussalier is a cross between the pure breeds Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Griffon Brussels. It is a small dog, eminently suited to be a family pet and lap dog, and can charm practically anyone.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or Cavie, is one the smallest among Spaniels, and one of the more more popular, especially in the UK. The modern breed is the result of efforts to revive the Cavie's original look. In the 17th century, it had been interbred with brachycephalic types, and began to acquire the flat, pushed-in face and muzzle. Breeders wishing to return the breed to what they believed its original standards were made efforts to breed out the flat-nosed characteristic, and the Cavie of today no longer shares so much of the characteristics of breeds such as Pugs and Pekingese.

The Brussels Griffon, often identified with two other breeds, the Petit Brabancois and the Griffon Belge, is known for its almost-human expression, seeming to show worry at times, and is a spunky, spirited, playful Belgian breed. It is descended from ratters and was also initially put to work ridding barns and homes of vermin. It was popular with both the wealthy classes and the common people in the 19th century.

Color

The Brussalier can come in varied, but defined, sets of colors and color combinations. The Cavie parent can contribute Blenheim coloration (rich chestnut on white), the classic black, tricolor, and ruby. The Brussels Griffon can turn out red, beige (black and red), and solid black. Both breeds have the black and tan bi-color in common, too.

Coat

The Brussalier's coat, if it takes after the Cavie parent, will be of medium length, silky, and straight. It might be slightly wavy, but never curly. On the other hand, the Brussels Griffon parent will show up in two coat types, smooth or rough, with the latter being slightly longer than the former. The rough coat is wiry and dense, hard to the touch, while the smooth coat is flat on the skin and glossy.

Personality

The Brussalier is a big dog, with a correspondingly big personality, stuffed into a toy dog size. Supremely self-assured and positive, the Brussalier goes around in the firm belief that everyone is its friend, and if they're not, then they soon will be. It is excitable and playful around children, and can switch off a bit and relax around older, slower people. Used to being petted and indulged, the Brussalier may have a tendency to always try and get things its way. An owner should be on the lookout not to lose his dominance over this dog. Other dogs and pets will not be a problem for the Brussalier --- not unless it feels it is being unduly ignored in favor of them. Strange birds and smaller animals, though, especially rodent-like ones, might trigger a chase on walks.

Care

The Brussalier's coat will benefit from twice-weekly brushing, and will not need more than a monthly bath. Care should be taken in hot or humid weather that the dog is able to cool itself, as flat-mouthed types have trouble with respiration and can be vulnerable to heat. The Brussalier's eyes, due to their size and placement on the flat skull, is prone to scratching and injury. Regular checks will prevent any injury from escalation into probable blindness.

Training

Obedience training and socialization can take care of bad Brussalier habits, such as barkiness and playing the dominance card with its owner. It is intelligent and easy enough to train. Coupled with its urge to please and entertain, the Brussalier can quickly learn basic commands and enjoy tricks as well.

Activity

The Brussalier, with its active and energetic personality, can take care of a large part of its activity requirements. However, it still needs to be taken out daily, even if for just a short walk. A leash or harness is recommended, to prevent impetuous runs and curious wanderings.