 |
Brussalier |
|
He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Belgium <> Great Britain -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Brussalier |
| The Brussalier is an energetic, intelligent little dog that's the result of crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Griffon Bruxellois. They make ideal pets and are charming companion dogs with a great personality. The Brussalier is a confident dog, friendly to everyone. They respond well to training, reacting best to lots of praise and cuddles. Training will take care of any unpleasant habits that may develop, such as excessive barking. They respect a strong leader and are better dogs for having a kind but firm owner. Brussaliers love to play and will join in any game. A daily walk is recommended not only for exercise and fitness, but also to socialize with other people and their pets. The Brussalier loves company, but if left alone with a companion, whether it's another dog or a cat, it behaves well and tolerates it well. |
History of the Brussalier |
| The Brussalier is a new hybrid breed of dog that is becoming popular because of its size (small, cute and ideal for small homes) and friendly personality. There's not much data on their breeding history, but by looking at parent breeds, we can determine a lot about the characteristics they may inherit. |
A little of the Brussels Griffon |
||
| The Brussels Griffon began life as a working dog. It was bred to hunt and kill vermin in the city's stables, but quickly gained popularity with nobles and workers alike. They were created from breeding with the Affenpinscher, Pug and English Toy Spaniel. Most notable was their almost human face or expressions. In 1883, Belgian breeders created a standard for the Brussels Griffon. Marie Henriette, Queen of Belgium, fell in love with the breed and began breeding them herself. The Brussels Griffon was exported to England in the 1890s, then found its way to the United States in 1899, where it was registered with the AKC. It was officially recognized as a breed in 1900. The number of dogs declined during the two world wars, as people couldn't afford to keep dogs. Fortunately for the Brussels Griffon, the breed was kept alive by dedicated breeders in England. It's a fairly rare dog today, but enjoyed great popularity in the 1950s, and enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 1990s when a Brussels Griffon surprised actor Jack Nicolson in a film entitled "As Good as It Gets". | ||
 |
||
| Standard of the Brussels Griffon | ||
A little of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
||
| The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel originated from Toy Spaniel breeds less than a century ago. They immediately became favorites of England's royal and noble families. Mary Queen of Scots had one to accompany her on her final journey to beheading. The grandson and great-grandson of King Charles I and II were so fond of the little dogs that they named them after themselves. While King Charles Spaniels were bred with Carlins and other short-faced breeds, a bastion of the breed at the Duke of Marlborough's estate at Blenheim Castle maintained a breed of red and white Toy Spaniels. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels of this color are now called Blenheim. In the 1920s, American Roswell Eldridge began reviving the old breed, and the name Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was chosen to distinguish it from the flat-faced King Charles Spaniel. After many years of hard work by breeders, the Cavalier was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a distinct breed. In 1952, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel had its real debut in America, becoming the popular little dog we see today. | ||
 |
||
| Standard of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
Appearance of the Brussalier |
| The Brussalier is an attractive little Spaniel with a defined muzzle and lower teeth. The head is slightly rounded and domed, with floppy ears that stand out from the head. The body is robust, supporting short legs and small, lightly feathered paws. The Brussalier has large, round, expressive eyes that add to its appeal. The nose has large nostrils and is often black. The coat can vary according to the dominant characteristics of parent breeds. It is longer than the coat of the Griffon Bruxellois, often taking on the plumage of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. The tail can vary from long, feathered and almost plume-like, to short and curled over the back. Texture leans more towards the silkiness of the Cavalier, but can inherit the harder texture of the Griffon. Regardless of their inherited characteristics, Brussaliers are a winning combination of gentle nature and adorable beauty. |
Temperament of the Brussalier |
| Brussaliers love attention and are devoted to their owner and family. Although they can be full of their own self-importance, they are also gentle, affectionate and graceful dogs. All dogs vary in nature, and the Brussalier is no different. Some dogs are outgoing and very gregarious, while others are a little more reserved and shy with strangers until they get to know them. While the Brussalier inherits its grace and gentleness from the Cavalier, it can also inherit the willpower of the Griffon Bruxellois and show stubbornness at times. Patient, gentle handling is preferable with these dogs, as they are sensitive by nature and have a gentle spirit. Firm but fair and kind training will benefit your Brussalier, building an obedient and confident pet. They are adaptable to most climates but are affected by extreme heat or cold. They can live peacefully with other dogs and, if introduced early, will happily bond with the family cat. Beware though, they still have a strong urge to hunt and enjoy the chase, so keep an eye on the family bird and if your cat goes after it, the Brussalier will love it. They love to learn tricks, are extremely friendly with children, although if they take after their Griffon parent, they may not be so tolerant. Supervision is advisable at first, and teach young children that such a small dog can be hurt by rough play. |
Needs and activities of the Brussalier |
| The Brussalier doesn't need much extra exercise, as it's quite active at home. A house with a small fenced-in yard suits these dogs, and they are ideal for apartment living provided they go for daily walks. These dogs are people dogs, and like to be with their human family. The Brussalier will play with other dogs and even cats to which they are accustomed. If they have to be left alone, it's easier if they have company, like a cat friend or another dog, so they feel safe. They do well in most climates, but are not good with extremes. The Brussalier is a real lapdog, loving to be cuddled and happy to sit on your lap while you read or enjoy the TV. |
Maintenance of the Brussalier |
| The Brussalier is easy to care for, simply brushing 1-2 times a week to maintain its coat, especially if it's the silkier Cavalier type. Bathe if necessary and make sure your dog is completely dry. Look for sores, rashes or signs of infection. A weekly check-up can quickly pinpoint potential health problems. If your dog has feathers on his ears or paws, make sure they don't get tangled. Be gentle when combing out matted hairs, as this could be painful for your dog. Trim the hair on the toes and trim the nails if they become too long. Getting your Brussalier used to having his feet handled early in life will provide a good basis for grooming and health check-ups later on. |
English (United Kingdom) 
Comments