Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Brug - Breed Comparison

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Brug - Breed ComparisonBoth Brug and Miniature Australian Shepherd are originated from United States. Both Brug and Miniature Australian Shepherd are of same height. Both Brug and Miniature Australian Shepherd are having almost same weight. Both Brug and Miniature Australian Shepherd has almost same life span. Brug may have less litter size than Miniature Australian Shepherd. Brug requires High Maintenance. But Miniature Australian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Herding dogs
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United States
United States
Height Male:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
Height Female:
42 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 11 kg
13 - 25 pounds
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 10 kg
8 - 23 pounds
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 9
Size:
Small
Small
Other Names:
Griffon Pug
Miniature American Shepherd, Mini Aussie
Colors Available:
Black, Dark Brown / Chocolate, Light Brown / Golden, White / Cream
red or black tri-color, Blue or red merle
Coat:
harsh
Long and thick
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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

miniature australian shepherdUnlike some miniaturized pure dog breeds, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is a breed of its own. The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club recognize that the miniature Australian Shepherd is the same as the miniature American Shepherd.

Certain breeding programs to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd have been established and this dog is a small version of the Australian Shepherd. You can say that the Mini Australian Shepherd was developed in the 1960s and hails from the USA. American ranchers bred small Australian Shepherd dogs to create smaller replicas of the breed.

Description

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.

miniature australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Miniature Australian Shepherd’s coat is medium-length and is straight or wavy. It comes in a range of colors such as blue or red merle and red or black tricolor. There are white or tan markings as well. He is a small dog, standing at 33 - 46 cm in height and weighing 6 – 16kg.

They have blue or brown eyes but some will even have one eye blue and the other brown. The ears are semi erect, semi floppy and the tail, while essentially left long and feathery, is sometimes docked.

Temperament:

Miniature Australian Shepherds are easygoing dogs who love being with their human families. They get on well with children in the home and are always willing to jump right in for a game.

They’re lively and agile and if its not games they’re busy with, they want to be on a walk. They’re loving and loyal and also eager to please, sensing what their owner wants.

They’re intelligent dogs too and easy to train so it is sure to go well with training and socialization, which is important for any dog. This training and socialization can actually help with problems a dog has such as being very nervous or being too active indoors. They become obedient and manageable wherever they are.

He is also willing to get on with other pets in the house. Just like the larger dog, the mini Australian Shepherd loves to be active and at work.

Characteristics

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.

miniature australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe wonderful friendly nature’s of these dogs make them excellent family pets, especially when they have been trained and socialized. They can live in the city or country but they will certainly require being exercised as they are an active breed, wanting to be busy with his human family.

You can’t describe these dogs as low maintenance as they have long, thick hair that sheds and which will also need to be brushed regularly.

If you’re able to provide a good home for this beautiful, lively dog, then he will make you a splendid pet.

Health Problems

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

miniature australian shepherd puppies - health problemsYour Miniature Australian Shepherd can enjoy good health if you make sure he has a nutritious diet, he is well exercised and he is happy and content because of the attention you give him. He can easily reach 13 years of age.

Also, say what you like, human beings constantly tampering with animals to produce certain looks has its drawbacks and can create health problems in dogs.

As a pure breed however, these dogs will be more susceptible to some common canine health problems such as hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, obesity, hip dysplasia, vision problems and cancer.

Caring The Pet

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.

Grooming:

miniature australian shepherd dogs - caringThe mini Australian Shepherd has a long coat with seasonal shedding. You will need to give the coat a good brush twice a week to keep it untangled and to remove loose hair.

Other grooming for your pet will be to check his eyes and ears for infection, check for unusual lumps when you brush him and check for fleas and ticks. Keep his nails trimmed and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to avoid plaque build up.

If you’re wondering how to keep your dog well groomed for the enhancement of this health, people such as your vet or professional groomers will do these grooming tasks for you.

Diet:

Top quality commercially manufactured dog food packed with vitamins and minerals needs to be your choice if you're going to be using these dog foods. Avoid the cheaper brands that use lots of fillers, sugar, salt, colorants and preservatives.

Home-made food is a wonderful treat for a dog and delicious, nutritious and simple ingredients such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables chopped up into his dry kibble from time to time will do him wonders.

Sometimes it will also be good to add in a little bit of raw meat too. Make sure there is a bowl of fresh, cool water available to your pet constantly.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  6. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  26. Brug vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Brug vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Brug vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  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