Brug is originated from United States but Smalandsstovare is originated from Sweden. Brug may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Smalandsstovare. Brug may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Smalandsstovare. Both Brug and Smalandsstovare has almost same life span. Both Brug and Smalandsstovare has almost same litter size. Brug requires High Maintenance. But Smalandsstovare requires Low Maintenance
The 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:
The Smålandsstövare has got quite a long history and dates back to the 1600s. He is the smallest of the Swedish hound breeds. This is a scenthound.
Hounds similar to the Smålandsstövare were bred with European hounds and then brought to Småland and bred with local spitz-type farm dogs to create the foundation stock for the Smålandsstövare.
The dog was used to hunt but nearly died out in the 20th century, but breeders restored it and the first official standard emerged by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1921.
The Smålandsstövare is a rare dog breed but it is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association as well as other major kennel clubs, one of which is the Federation Cynologique Internationale as well as the United Kennel Club.
Like 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.
The Smålandsstövare is a muscled, compact looking dog. The double coat is shortish to medium length and is thick and quite coarse to the touch. He sheds seasonally. The coat is usually black with tan markings.
The high set ears are medium length and floppy, the head is slim and the tail can be naturally short. Sometimes the tail is long and can be slightly curved in the spitz-like sabre fashion.
The eyes are brown and friendly. The height of these dogs is about 46 to 54cm and he weighs anything from 15 to 18kg.
Usually a well behaved, quiet, calm, gentle dog, the Smålandsstövare takes his role as guard dog seriously, wanting to protect his family.
His good temperament ensures he gets on well with all members of the family. He is full of energy and will need to be exercised well, whether it be ball games in the garden, a walk around the block, a run in the park or joining his family on hikes and camping trips.
It is why he won’t settle down well on a small property in the city. He needs larger premises to expend his energy, and if in cramped premises without exercise, he may resort to barking and whining and this may well drive your neighbors bats.
Training and socializing your Smålandsstövare will be necessary and it should be easy as he is intelligent.
This 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.
The Smålandsstövare is a robust dog with a lot of stamina. He will be wanting a lot of exercise and is ideal as a pet in the suburbs or the countryside but not ideal for city living.
He makes a wonderful family pet, forming strong bonds with his owners. He makes an excellent watchdog too wanting to protect his family, and with this amicable, calm dog, you’re going to have a true friend.
Usually 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:
The Smålandsstövare is a rare dog breed and not much is known about congenital conditions to which he may be particularly prone.
With good care he can reach 14 or 15 years of age. The floppy ears put him at risk for ear infections, while other conditions to watch for include hip dysplasia, cancer, bloat and obesity.
If you see your dog shaking his head or pawing at his ears, look inside because the ears may be red and inflamed. It is important to get help quickly for ear problems in dogs.
Ear canals are sensitive so if you don’t want to clean the ear and work on it yourself it is important to get your pet to the vet. The vet will clean your dog’s ears and also prescribe antibiotics.
For future treatment, you will need to clean your dog’s ears and keep them dry. If you don’t want to do this yourself, make sure to get him to professional groomers who will do this for you.
Don’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.
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.
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.
Choosing a good diet is imperative for the Smålandsstövare. Choose a commercially manufactured dog food high in vitamins and minerals.
Give your dog a treat by providing him with some home-made food. It can be added into the dry kibble about twice a week as a treat. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and give it to your dog in small portions. Also try to include some raw meat into the diet.
The Smålandsstövare is a very energetic breed and he is going to require some vigorous exercise every day. Take him for walks, allow him to run with you when you cycle or jog or take him swimming.