Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Brug - Breed Comparison

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:

• 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

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is one of the oldest scenthounds in France and has always been part of a pack when hunting wolves and wild boar.

Once wolves started dying out in the 19th century and the dogs were no longer needed, they nearly became extinct. Luckily in 1949, Marcel Pambrun founded the Club de Fauve de Bretagne to bring the breed back from extinction.

Hailing from France, the dog is still used as a hunting dog in the country but is considered rare outside of Europe.

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.

Griffon Fauve de Bretagne are medium-sized muscular dogs standing at between 48 to 56cm and weighing in the region of 17 to 21 kg.

The fur of this dog is a tawny, golden, orange shade and is shaggy and coarse, being longer around the face. Known also as the Fawn Brittany Griffon, this scenthound has floppy ears and a long tail carried somewhat up and in a slight curve.

Temperament:

The GFB as he is also sometimes known by, is an affectionate and loyal dog that loves spending time with his human family.

He is a social, friendly dog, and when he is socialized and trained, he becomes even more amicable. He has been bred as a working dog and while he loves to spend relaxing hours indoors, he is essentially a dog that loves to be out and about chasing after prey.

He is alert and intelligent and therefore makes a good watchdog. Your Griffon is energetic and active and will require lots of exercise. He will love coming on walks with you, but this won't be enough and he will require ball- and rope games as well as the chance to join you on your jogging or cycling outings.

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.

You won't find a better canine friend than the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, once known as the Grand Fauve de Bretagne.

They have always loved their role as working- and hunting dog but when they're in the company of their human owners, they are loyal and loving, wanting to please.

This good nature of theirs sees them getting on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.Your golden Griffon Fauve De Bretagne is such a friendly, sociable dog and this is what makes him such a popular and sought after family pet.

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:

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

Capable of reaching 10 to 13 years of age with good care, the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne isn't likely to cause you too much concern with dog illnesses, but there are those common dog illnesses that are worth knowing about because they affect so many dogs.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is such a common dog ailment that it requires mentioning every time. It's a condition where the hip joint bones don't fit properly, resulting in unnatural wear and tear which ultimately leads to pain and arthritis.

Sometimes it takes a while for the illness to become evident and you'll notice your pet being loathe to take part in the games he loves so much or battling to get up after lying down. It can start in a young dog and will require vet intervention.

Keep an eye on your dog for other common illnesses such as eye diseases, skin allergies and bloat, a disease which can be life-threatening and where the stomach of your dog swells up.

Feeding

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.

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.

Grooming:

Your GFB, with his shaggy coat, will need a brush a couple of times a week and nothing much more, being looked upon as a fairly low maintenance breed.

He will require you checking inside his ears to ensure he is free of infection. You will need to have his nails trimmed if he doesn't wear them down himself and he will need to have his teeth brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week with special dog toothpaste- and toothbrush.

General Care:

As a medium sized dog, the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne will need a high-quality dog food full of all the right vitamins and minerals to ensure health and a long life.

He is a hunting dog so you want to make sure that protein is listed high on the ingredients list of his food packaging. You can vary his diet by adding in homemade fare such as cooked chicken, rice and vegetables and you can also try to include some raw meat into his diet too. This raw meat plays an important role in preventing skin allergies.

Never leave him without a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Ensure your 4-legged friend has a nice dry, warm spot with clean blankets to sleep on.