Brug vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison

Brug vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed ComparisonAustralian Silky Terrier is originated from Australia but Brug is originated from United States. Australian Silky Terrier may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Brug. Both Australian Silky Terrier and Brug are having almost same weight. Both Australian Silky Terrier and Brug has same life span. Both Australian Silky Terrier and Brug has almost same litter size. Australian Silky Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance. But Brug requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Miscellaneous dogs
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Australia
United States
Height Male:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
42 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
6 - 11 kg
13 - 25 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
4 - 10 kg
8 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
4 - 6
Size:
Small
Small
Other Names:
Silky Terrier, Sydney Silky
Griffon Pug
Colors Available:
blue/tan, grey/blue and cream.
Black, Dark Brown / Chocolate, Light Brown / Golden, White / Cream
Coat:
long, straight and silky
harsh
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

australian silky terrierMany toy breeds have been bred for centuries and were kept as lap dogs and companion dogs. Known at first as ‘The Sydney Silk’ the Australian Silky Terrier originated in Australia, but before the 2nd World War, the Australian SilkyTerrier was all but unknown outside Australia.

The toy breed came about by crossing the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier, but further crossings contributed to the silky coat and the small size we are familiar with today. Despite this little dog being classified in the Toy Group, this spunky dog has the ability to hunt and kill rodents.

Victorian and Tasmanian breeders claimed to be originators of the breed, so the official name, Australian Silky Terrier, was adopted in 1956. Since recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1955, the breed has enjoyed a solid build up of fans.

brugThe Brug or Griffon Pug is not a purebred dog at this point in time. It is a cross between a Pug and a Brussels Griffon, currently known as a “designer dog” or a hybrid. This hybrid is really rare at this time but growing in popularity and breeders. Its exact history or original development is unknown at this time and needs to be researched as the hybrid develops into a breed, or breed clubs are formed. If you like either of the two breeds involved, you are sure to like the Brug. They are obviously not recognized by the major kennel clubs, but they are registered with a variety of hybrid/designer dog clubs. These include:

  • Designer Breed Registry – DBR
  • International Designer Canine Registry – IDCR
  • Dog Registry of America, Inc. – DRA
  • American Canine Hybrid Club – ACHC
  • Designer Dogs Kennel Club – DDKC

Description

Small but Spunky

australian silky terrier puppy - descriptionThis is a small breed with Loads of Spunk. The Silky terrier is somewhat longer than tall and height is around 23cm, with weight being about 4kg. He has an athletic build and although the bone structure is refined, the small dog has amazing strength and durability with a keen, alert face. Small but sturdily built, the dark, almond-shaped eyes don’t miss a thing as do the small, erect v-shaped ears.

Full of fun and packed with character, the Silky Terrier isn’t your regular lap dog as he is bold, active, feisty and playful- always ready for action. He can be aggressive toward strange pets but becomes amicable with other pets in the home. He is sharp and clever, and can be trained to be an absolute pleasure in the home and a playmate for children trained to be kind to animals.

They are loving and devoted to their human family and can be excellent watchdogs even though they can’t offer much protection.

The Coat – the most Distinctive Feature

Of course, the Silky Terrier gets his name from the sleek, silky coat that if allowed to grow, flows down from their backs to the floor. It is the dogs most distinctive feature. They come in several solid colors and mixes of colors too such as blue/tan, grey/blue and cream.

He’s Adaptable

The Silky is an adaptable dog and even though he is energetic and will needs daily physical and mental exercise, he can be a country or an apartment dog, but will require plenty of exercise and getting out and about.

brug puppy - descriptionLike its two parental breeds, the Brug is a smaller sized dog – both parents are lab dogs and so is the Brug. Because they are hybrids, Brugs can be very different in appearance but most seem to have large eyes, squishy faces, black masks, fluffy hair, long black whiskers, short fluffy hair, flat ears and a fluffy tail. They could be in any of a number of colors including fawn, black, cream or apricot.

Characteristics

Caution with Small Children

australian silky terrier dog - characteristicsSmall in stature but with a strong personality, the Australian Silky Terrier is a keen, intelligent, active, energetic and spunky breed. He is affectionate and loyal towards his human family, and although good with older children and other pets, he may not get on too well with small children and their erratic movements.

Training Required for his Wilful Nature

Don’t leave him alone for too long as he becomes anxious and destructive. He is an active dog too and while he will adapt to apartment living, he will need exercise and games to keep him active, fit, stimulated and healthy. Your Silky is an intelligent dog but he is stubborn too and proper socialization and training will be important for Silky Terriers, as then he becomes quite sociable.

A firm but gentle hand will be needed to train this wilful little dog, but when you show him who’s boss, he becomes your devoted and loyal friend.

brug dog - characteristicsThis hybrid is a loyal little dog. They are an affectionate lap dog that wants to be with his humans all the time. They have a very pleasant disposition and do well with children and other dogs. They might be shy to begin with but will warm up to affection. However, they are willful and self-important at times. This is tempered by their great sense of humor and empathy to its peoples’ moods. Left alone too long, they will tend to bark excessively.

Health Problems

Some Ailments to Look out For

australian silky terrier puppies - health problemsThe Australian Silky Terrier is generally healthy and he has a lifespan of 11 – 14 years. However he may suffer from some problems such as Legg-Perthes disease. This means degeneration of the head on the femur bone of the dog's hind leg, resulting is osteoarthritis. This ailment is commonly seen in miniature-, small and toy breeds and can result in lameness and pain.

Silky Terriers are also prone to certain eye disorders, including PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy as well as cataracts. PRA can lead to total blindness.

Vaccinating your Pet – what’s required?

Getting the right puppy shots and vaccinations is also part of good health care for your Silky and you can speak to your vet about what injections are due at 6 – 8 weeks of age and what booster vaccinations may be necessary.

brug puppies - health problemsUsually the hybrid dog can have better health than either of the parents. This is true with the Brug as well, but there are also some issues they may inherit from the parents or face simply because of their size and complexion. These include:

Patella Luxation or slipped knee caps – can cause lameness

Eye Issues – various issues with irritation

Skin Allergies – folds and face can be irritated

Breathing Issues – Breeds with smashed faces are susceptible

Caring The Pet

Regular Brushing of the Silky Hair

australian silky terrier dogs - caringThe long, straight coat of the Silky will need a fair amount of brushing each day. This dog is considered a hypoallergenic breed, and although he doesn’t shed a lot, the length of the hair will require regular brushing to get rid of loose hairs but also ensure there is no tangling of the hair. If the hair of the dog is kept long, he may require a bath every now and then to keep his hair silky and clean and to get rid of dirt build-up.

Nutrition and Diet

A healthy, nutritional diet is important for keeping your canine friend healthy and free from disease and unhealthy skin. To stay health your pet will require correct amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Dog food companies make different types of dog food such as dry, semi-moist, and moist and these are available for dogs of different ages, activity levels and stage of life. Speak to your vet about selecting a dog food that is right for your Australian Silky Terrier and always ensure a bowl of fresh water is available to him.

Feeding

brug dogs - caringDon’t let this dog get overweight. Feed a high quality dry food intended for small or toy dogs. One fourth to one half of a cup per day in two separate meals is what is recommended.

Health

Patella Luxation or slipped knee caps – small dogs often have this issue. The patella is the knee cap and layman often called it a slipped knee cap, but it is also called slipped stifles. The femur, the tibia and the patella do not line up and this causes an abnormal gait or even lameness. Puppies are born with this, but it does not exhibit symptoms until years later. Arthritis is the most common result. Occasionally surgery is required.

Eye Issues – Cherry eye, a genetic disease, as well as irritation from air borne particles, allergies or scratches.

Skin Allergies – They can have skin allergies so watch for excessive licking or scratching.

Breathing Issues – Asthma and respiratory issues are common among small dogs with these types of faces.

Exercise and games

Like their 2 breed parents, the Brug is a small but energetic hybrid. They need to play and run on a daily basis. Leash walks are good, but they need a yard or dog park as well. They are athletic little dogs and are good at tracking, obedience and agility. You cannot force them to do an activity but if its fun they will jump right in.

Comparison with other breeds

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