French Spaniel vs Bugg - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

The Bugg is generally a cross between a Boston Terrier and a Pug. There is no clear history in terms of who started this hybrid dog that was recognized initially be the IDCR or International Designer Canine Registry in 2009. This very cute little dog has become increasingly popular in a very short period of time. Crossing these two breeds created a small dog that loves to sit in your lap as well a romp and play.

At this time the Bugg is recognized by several of the hybrid and designer registries and clubs. This would include in addition to the IDCR:

• American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)
• Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA)
• Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC)
• Designer Breed Registry (DBR)

Developed in France and then in Canada, the French Spaniel is a descendent of 14th century hunting dogs. Originally the breed was very popular with the French royalty and nobility at the Court of Versailles, in the Middle Ages. A French Spaniel named Babe was owned by Catherine I of Russia.

Spaniels were mentioned in Gaston III of Foix-Beams’ The Master of the Game, or Livre de Chasse, in 14th Century France. Most believed that Spaniels had been developed during the 11th century Crusades. By 1650 the French Spaniel was differentiated from the King Charles Spaniel and determined to be its own type of spaniel.

In 1805, they were featured in the Sporting Magazine, hunting mallards. The French Spaniel was crossed with English Setters in the !850’s to develop the French Brittany (Spaniel). But by the end of the 19th century, hunting dogs from other countries were outpacing the French Spaniel so much that it was driven to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, a priest named Father Fournier saved the breed by taking all remaining Spaniels to his kennels at St. Hillarie and developing the lines we see in the breed today. This was followed by the founding of the French Spaniel Club in 1921. The various lines of the Spaniels included the French Spaniel of today, the Brittany of today, the Blue Picardy and the Picardy.

The French Spaniel however has been rare outside of its native country and Canada, where it was imported in the 1970’s to French speaking Quebec. Quebec Canadians fell in love with the breed for hunting grouse and woodcock. In order to ensure that the breed would be continued in line with its French standards, the Club de l’Epagneul Francais du Canada began in 1978. By 1985 the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the French Spaniel. Soon after they were recognized by the United Kennel Club, the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale, the UK Kennel Club and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, but not the AKC (American Kennel Club). They are also registered with organizations such as the American Canine Association, the Dog Registry of America and the America’s Pet Registry. They have been included in the AKC Foundation Stock Service as the first step toward AKC recognition.

This cross between the Boston Terrier and Pug can have several different looks depending upon whether the individual dog resembles the Pug or the Boston more. Some usual but not always physical characteristics include curly tails, droopy ears and a stocky body in a small dog. They usually have soft, straight coats. Most Buggs look more like the Boston than the Pug although they have the more smashed muzzles and shorter legs of the Pug. The heads are round with almond shaped eyes.

The French Spaniel is a very tall dog and as such is one of the spaniel breeds two tallest. They are taller than the English Springer Spaniel, have a deep chest and a muscular build. Their legs are very strong, and they have a thick tail that is never docked. It is long, slightly curved and hangs low. He is an elegant dog with dark amber eyes, long feathery ears, and a nose the color of the coat. If the coat is brown the nose is brown. If the coat is black and white the nose is black. Most French Spaniels are white with brown or dark liver or white with black.

This crossbreed is easily trainable and highly intelligent. They might be stubborn like the Boston or devoted like the Pug. They can have characteristics of both parents and be loving, playful lapdogs. They love to play with children, but they can be territorial like the Boston. The Bugg is a small dog with a big attitude. They are affectionate and sweet, friendly towards people and other animals. Since the Boston and the Pug have very similar characteristics and temperament, you can have a pretty good idea what your Bugg will be like.

Children friendliness

Yes, they are very good with children.

Special talents

They are great in filed trials as they can flush, point and retrieve.

Adaptability

The breed is very adaptable and can live in the city or in the country.

Learning ability

The breed is very intelligent and trainable.

Some of the issues that the Buggs are susceptible to include allergies, skin issues and respiratory issues. They are also inclined to get ear infections.

They should not get overheated, fly on airplanes or be overly exerted.

The French Spaniel is a healthy breed that adapts well to all types of conditions, especially wet ones. There are some potentially serious health issues that the breed may be susceptible to:

Acral Mutilation and Analgesia

This is a very serious inherited disorder. It is one of many Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathies (HSN) disorders. This is an agonizing infliction that causes the dogs to have no pain in certain extremities and therefore the ability to self-mutilate their feet, pads, claws and digits. They lick and bite their feet often amputating footpads, claws, and digits without feeling any pain. This leads to infection and most dogs end up being euthanized. The disorder shows up by 3-4 months of age.

Ear Infections

Make sure the dog’s ears are cleaned regularly to remove wax and prevent infections.

Epilepsy

This disease causes seizures but can be treated with medication.

Hip dysplasia

Can cause lameness and arthritis.

Feeding

Buggs love to eat and will anything you give them and some things that you don’t. They can become obese very easily so watch their food intake. These small dogs should be eating food made for small dogs. Feed them only ¾ to 1 and ½ cups of dry food per day split into two meals.

Health issues

The Bugg can inherit health problems from either the Boston or the Pug, or they may be healthier than either parent breed. Both of these parent breeds are given to Brachycephalic issues due to their mashed faces. They could face respiratory issues or eye issues because of this.

Exercise and games

The Bugg is a very energetic and playful dog. They love to run, play and go on walks. Just one walk or play session per day is enough exercise for this little dog. You can easily have your play time inside if you don’t have a fenced yard. Because of their faces and breathing issues do not let them get overheated.

Feed the puppy

A high quality dry food made for puppies and if possible for Spaniels. Feed two to three times a day about one fourth of a cup each time

Feed the adult

A high quality adult dry food made for Spaniels if possible. Feed twice a day about one half to three fourths of a cup at each meal.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision, stamina and speed.

Games and Exercises

These dog love to run and play. They are smart and learn easily. They like to chase balls, swim, play hide and seek, Find It, and go hiking. They can excel at learning tricks, agility, rally and obedience trials.