Clumber Spaniel vs Brug - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

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

Ever since winning in Confirmation at Westminster Kennel Club’s annual show, the popularity of the Clumber Spaniel has increased markedly. The breed of Clumber Spaniel comes from the United Kingdom and it is the largest of all the spaniels. The breed is named for the Clumber Park where it was developed in Nottinghamshire. The Clumber Spaniel a=was designed to be a gundog or hunter in heavy weeds or cover. They have been popular with the Royal Family and were kept by King George V, King Edward VII, and Prince Albert.

The ancestry of the Clumber is not really known, only theorized:

It is possible that during the French Revolution, the Duc de Noailles gave his spaniels to the Duke of Newcastle in Nottinghamshire, These spaniels, Alpine Spaniel, are extinct. At the time they were bred with Basset Hounds and Great Pyrenees.

Another line of thought has the Clumber Spaniel descending form an ancient Bleinheim Spaniel, which was used to later develop the King Charles Spaniel.

Whichever theory is true, we know that they were first bred and improved by William Mansell. They were shown in 1859 in England. They were bred almost exclusively by nobility until the mid-19th century. Then World War 1 caused all breeding to be discontinued and the number of Clumbers declined drastically, only to be redeveloped after the was by King George V.

The Cumber won Best in Show at the prestige’s Crufts 1991 Centenary Show. When the American Kennel Club recognized the Clumber Spaniel, there were only 9 other breeds officially recognized. They came to Canada in the same year of 1884. They are also recognized by the UK Kennel Club as a Vulnerable Native Breed. A Clumber bred by Doug Johnson won Best in Show at the 1996 Westminster Dog Show.

The Clumber Spaniel is a loyal, gentle soul who is not very friendly with strangers. They shed all the time and snore loudly.

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 Clumber Spaniel is heavy-boned, with a very large head and a square muzzle. Of all spaniels, he is the biggest. His expressive face wears a dopey, sad look and his eyes are large, shaped like leaves. The muzzle is as large as the head and his nose is square. He has freckles on his muzzle and a deep chest. His legs are straight, and his feet are solid.

The Clumber Spaniel gives off a dignified air and despite his expressions, he is ready to play or to work at any time.

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.

This is a gentle, loving dog though he is wary of strangers. He is loyal, dignified and affectionate with his own family. If there ever was a canine couch potato this breed is it. They love to curl up and sleep or eat on your living room couch. He has a great sense of smell and he has good stamina

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

The Clumber Spaniel can suffer from a variety of conditions due to its very design and genetics. Lameness early in life can be attributed to the large and fast-growing bones in the Clumber. This lameness will dissipate when the pup is fully grown. Other issues include:

• Impacted anal gland sacs
• A vet may need to empty them regularly.
• Heat Stroke or Sensitivity

Can become dehydrated and all the problems that arise from a dog being overheated and dehydrated.

Difficulty giving birth

Must have a caesarian section. They may also have a sensitivity to the anesthesia used in the procedure.

Hypothyroidism with ear and skin complications.

They cannot take sulfa drugs.

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.

Feeding

The Clumber has a tendency to gain weight and become obese. Feed them wisely. Feed about ¼ to ½ of a cup of high quality dry dog food twice a day.

Health issues

Additional health issues faced by the Clumber Spaniel include:

• Dysplasia of the hip and/or elbow
• Can cause lameness
• Spinal Disc Herniation

This can be cervical or spinal. The discs can be bulging or ruptured. Can lead to paralysis if not treated properly.

Eye issues

Entropion with inward rolling of eyelid or Ectropion with outward rolling of eyelid.

Exercise and games

The Clumber Spaniel is not the most energetic of canines. He still needs moderate exercise daily but don’t overdo it. Walks, fetch, swimming, chase or confirmation are good activities for a Clumber.