The Brussalier is a delightful little dog created by crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Brussels Griffon. With their adorable looks and lively personalities, they make great companions for families. These confident dogs are friendly towards everyone and respond well to training, especially when given lots of love and praise. Any unwanted behaviors, such as excessive barking, can be addressed through proper training. They thrive under the guidance of a caring and firm owner who provides strong leadership.
The Brussalier is an active player and loves to engage in games. It is recommended to take them for a daily walk to socialize with other people and pets, as well as to provide exercise and maintain their fitness. While they enjoy companionship, they are also well-behaved and tolerant when left alone with another dog or cat friend.
Below, we look at Brussalier dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Brussalier, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and a lot more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Brussaliers!
Dog Breed | Brussalier |
Size | Small |
Weight | 8-14 lbs (average) |
Height | 11-12″ (average) |
Location | England, United States |
Ancestry | Brussels Griffon and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
Date of Origin | Unknown |
Group | Companion |
Life Expectancy | 13-15 years |
Price | $600 – $1200 |
Family | Canidae |
Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Brussalier is a popular new hybrid breed of dog known for its small size and friendly personality, making it an ideal choice for smaller homes. While there is limited information about its breeding history, we can learn a lot about its characteristics by studying its parent breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel originated from Toy Spaniel breeds and quickly became favored by royal and noble families in England. They were even owned by historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots. While King Charles Spaniels were bred with other short-faced breeds, a specific line of red and white Toy Spaniels was maintained at Blenheim Castle, giving rise to the Blenheim-colored Cavalier King Charles Spaniels we see today. In the 1920s, the breed was revived by American Roswell Eldridge, leading to its recognition as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club. The Brussels Griffon, on the other hand, was originally a working dog bred to hunt and kill vermin in city stables. It gained popularity with nobles and workers and was created by breeding with the Affenpinscher, Pug, and English Toy Spaniel. Known for its human-like facial expressions, the Brussels Griffon was standardized by Belgian breeders in 1883. Belgium’s Queen, Marie Henrietta, played a significant role in breeding them and further popularized the breed. The Brussels Griffon was eventually exported to England and then to the United States, where it was officially recognized as a breed in 1900. While its numbers declined during the World Wars, the breed was kept alive by dedicated breeders in England. Today, the Brussels Griffon is a rare dog but experienced popularity in the 1950s and had another surge in the 1990s thanks to a memorable appearance in the movie “As Good As It Gets. ”
🐕 Brussalier Appearance
With a distinct nose and undershot teeth, the Brussalier dog is a tiny Spaniel that is quite handsome. The ears are floppy and stand out from the head, and the skull is somewhat rounded and dome-shaped. Short, robust legs and tiny, softly feathered paws are supported by the torso. The Brussalier is attractive due to its huge, round, expressive eyes. The nose is frequently black in color and has large nostrils. Depending on the dominant traits of the parent breeds, the coat may differ. Its coat is longer than the Brussels Griffon’s and frequently inherits the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent’s feathering. The tail might be small and coiled up over the back or long, feathered, and nearly plume-like. Although it can take on the coarser texture of the Griffon, the texture tends to be more silky like that of the Cavalier. The Brussalier is a wonderful blend of kind personality and attractive good appearance, regardless of their hereditary traits.
👀 Eye Color | Brown |
🐽 Nose Color | Black |
🐕 Coat Color | Black, Brown, White |
⚡ Fun Fact: Brussalier dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Brussalier
The Brussalier is dedicated to its owner and family and enjoys receiving attention. Although they have a tendency to exaggerate their own significance, they are also graceful, loving, and compassionate dogs. The Brussalier is like all canines in that they have various personalities. While some dogs are boisterous and extroverted, others are initially a little more reserved and hesitant with strangers. Although the Brussalier derives its elegance and tenderness from the Cavalier, it can occasionally exhibit intransigence because to the Brussels Griffon’s strong will. Given their sensitivity and gentle disposition, these dogs respond well to patient and loving handling. Your Brussalier will benefit from firm but fair and caring training, which will develop a self-assured, obedient pet. Although they can survive in most conditions, they are vulnerable to extremes of either heat or cold. They can get along with other dogs and, if socialized with the household cat early on, will form a close attachment. However, be aware that they do still enjoy pursuing and hunting, so keep an eye on the family bird. The Brussalier will also enjoy chasing your cat if it does so. Although if they take like their Griffon parent they may not be as accommodating, they enjoy to learn tricks and are very friendly to kids. Initial supervision is needed, and young children should be taught that a little dog might be damaged by hard play.
🤝 Are Brussaliers Friendly or Aggressive?
Brussalier dogs are generally sociable and get along well with other pets. They are also friendly towards strangers and tend to be average in their friendliness towards children. Brussaliers are known to be cat-friendly and get along well with other dogs. If you’re looking to expand your furry family or participate in dog meetups, the Brussalier can be a wonderful choice. Additionally, Brussaliers are often compatible with elderly individuals.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Alert
- Sensitive
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Affectionate
- Gentle
- Social
- Inquisitive
- Selfish
- Fearless
- Watchful
- Companionable
- Cheerful
- Quiet
- Nonaggressive
- Polite
- Graceful
- Sporty
- No tendency towards nervousness
🐩 Brussalier Care & Maintenance
The Brussalier is simple to care for; all they need is a weekly or biweekly brushing to keep their coat in good condition, especially if it is of the longer, silkier Cavalier kind. Make sure your dog is totally dry after bathing him as needed. Look for any sores, rashes, or indications of infection. A weekly checkup enables the early detection of any health issues. Check to see whether your dog’s feathering on its legs or ears is becoming matted. When removing matted hair, be gentle since it could hurt your dog. If your toenails are becoming too long, clip them and trim the hair on your toes as well. Early foot handling practice can help your Brussalier become accustomed to grooming and health checks later in life.
Brussalier dogs have a moderate amount of shedding, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Brushing their fur regularly helps to minimize the amount of hair that is shed. The extent of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the specific breed they belong to. In terms of bath time, it is recommended to give Brussaliers a bath every 6-8 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 1 cups daily, costing you about $0.75 – $1.00 daily, or approximately $25.00 – $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Brussalier dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 6 miles per week, which equates to about 45 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Brussalier dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
❤️🩹 Brussalier Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Brussalier Dog Breed can be:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Mitral Valve Disease
While minor concerns include:
- Patellar Luxation
- Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)
🤧 Important: Is Brussalier hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Brussalier.
⚡ Brussalier Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Brussalier a great choice for families with young children?
The Brussalier is a great choice for families with young children because they are gentle, affectionate, and graceful dogs. They are known to be extremely kind with children, although their tolerance may vary if they take after their Griffon parent. Supervision is advised at first, and it’s important to teach young children that such a small dog can be hurt with rough play.
Is the Brussalier breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Brussalier breed is considered suitable for apartment living. They are small dogs that adapt well to different environments, including smaller living spaces. However, it’s important to remember that they still require regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
How much exercise does a Brussalier require compared to other breeds?
The Brussalier requires a moderate amount of exercise compared to other breeds. A daily walk is recommended not only for exercise and fitness but also to socialize with other people and their pets. They enjoy a lot of play and will join in any game, so providing them with mental and physical stimulation is important.
Is the Brussalier breed known for being good with other pets?
The Brussalier breed is known for being good with other pets, including dogs and cats. If introduced early, they can live peacefully with other dogs and happily bond with the family cat. However, they do have a strong urge to hunt and enjoy chasing, so it’s important to supervise interactions and teach appropriate behavior.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Brussalier?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Brussalier include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Brussels Griffon, as these are the parent breeds of the Brussalier. Both of these breeds are known for their adaptability and ease of care.
What are the common health issues that Brussaliers are prone to?
Common health issues that Brussaliers are prone to include respiratory problems, eye conditions, and heart diseases. It’s important to regularly monitor their health and take them for regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being.
Are Brussaliers known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Brussaliers are known to be relatively easy to train compared to some other breeds. They are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats. However, it’s important to remember that individual dogs may vary in their trainability, and patient and kind handling is always beneficial.
Are Brussaliers more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Brussaliers can be prone to separation anxiety, as they are a breed that loves attention and is devoted to their owner and family. It’s important to gradually introduce them to being alone and provide them with mental stimulation and toys to keep them occupied when left alone.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Brussalier that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Brussalier that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. These breeds are known for their hypoallergenic coats, which produce fewer allergens.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Brussalier are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller sizes of dogs similar to the Brussalier would be best. The Brussalier itself is already a small dog, but other small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers would also be suitable for limited spaces.
Is the Brussalier breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Brussalier breed can be good with children with special needs, as they are generally gentle, affectionate, and patient dogs. However, it’s important to always supervise interactions and ensure that both the dog and the child are comfortable and safe.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Brussalier?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Brussalier are relatively low compared to some other breeds. They have a medium-length coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting, and they shed moderately. However, individual dogs may vary in their shedding, and some may shed more than others. Regular grooming and maintenance will help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Brussalier dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.