Brusston
Hybrid Breed Description
The Brusston is a cross between the Boston Terrier and the Brussels Griffon. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Brusston. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a compact, well-proportioned small dog standing fifteen to seventeen inches tall at the shoulder, with males typically reaching seventeen inches and females around sixteen inches. These handsome dogs are classified into three weight categories ranging from under fifteen pounds to twenty-five pounds, with all classes maintaining the breed's characteristic sturdy, muscular build. Boston Terriers possess a distinctive square-shaped head that appears flat on top, featuring a short, square, broad muzzle that is approximately one-third the length of the skull. Their most recognizable feature is their large, round, dark eyes that are set wide apart and positioned squarely in the skull, conveying an alert, intelligent expression that has contributed to their endearing appeal. Small, erect ears sit near the corners of the skull like bat ears, though some individuals are born with floppy ears. The breed's compact body features a broad chest, slightly arched neck, and straight back that creates their balanced, boxy appearance. Their naturally short tail, which can be straight or corkscrew in shape, sets low on the rump and typically measures no more than two inches in length, with docking forbidden by breed standards. Boston Terriers carry themselves with a distinctive jaunty, rhythmic stride that conveys confidence and style, giving them a presence that exceeds their actual size. This carriage, combined with their refined deportment, exemplifies why the breed earned its endearing nickname. The Boston Terrier's smooth, short coat requires minimal grooming and comes in characteristic combinations that have become the breed's signature. Their coloration is characteristically marked with white in proportion to either black, brindle, or seal, which appears black but shows a reddish cast in good lighting. According to breed standards, required markings include a white chest, white muzzle band, and white band between the eyes, while desired markings extend to include a white collar and white on the forelegs up to the hocks on rear legs. This distinctive tuxedo-like pattern, featuring symmetrical markings that resemble formal evening wear, combined with their refined and pleasant personality, has earned Boston Terriers the affectionate title of the American Gentleman. The breed's overall appearance successfully balances their historical bull and terrier heritage with the refined companion dog they have become.
Key Characteristics
The Boston Terrier possesses a gentle, friendly temperament characterized by a happy-go-lucky attitude and delightful sense of humor that keeps their families entertained. These intelligent, eager-to-please dogs are generally easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement methods, though they can exhibit a stubborn streak that means they may understand commands perfectly but choose not to obey on certain occasions. Boston Terriers are remarkably social butterflies who thrive on human interaction and genuinely love being around people of all ages, making them excellent choices for families, singles, and elderly individuals alike. They form strong bonds with their owners and can be intensely devoted, sometimes following family members from room to room to maintain close proximity, earning them a reputation as affectionate shadow companions who dislike being left alone for extended periods. Despite their small size, Boston Terriers possess a confident, self-assured personality with surprising courage and determination inherited from their bull and terrier ancestry. They can be protective of their owners, which occasionally results in assertive or territorial behavior toward other pets and strangers if not properly socialized from an early age. However, when raised with children and other animals, Boston Terriers generally get along well with everyone in the household. Their sturdy build makes them more tolerant of active children compared to frailer toy breeds, though supervision remains important to ensure safe interactions. These dogs are notably sensible about barking, typically vocalizing only when necessary such as when someone approaches the door, making them excellent watchdogs while remaining suitable for apartment living where excessive noise would be problematic. Boston Terriers display moderate energy levels and require regular exercise through daily walks and play sessions, though they perform best with several shorter sessions rather than prolonged vigorous activity. Their favorite games include fetch and keep-away, and many enjoy burying toys or bones in creative locations around the home. These lively, playful dogs excel in various dog sports including obedience, agility, and rally, activities that provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation while strengthening the human-canine bond. Boston Terriers are notably sensitive dogs who respond poorly to harsh corrections or raised voices, quickly shutting down and becoming fearful when treated roughly. They thrive under patient, consistent training approaches using motivational techniques and gentle guidance that respects their sensitive spirit while encouraging their natural intelligence and eagerness to learn.
The Boston Terrier generally enjoys good health with an average lifespan of eleven to fourteen years, though some individuals have lived fifteen years or longer with attentive care. As a brachycephalic breed characterized by their shortened muzzle and flat facial structure, Boston Terriers face significant respiratory challenges that represent their most serious health concern. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome results from their compressed upper airway anatomy, including narrow nostrils, elongated soft palate, and sometimes undersized trachea, leading to breathing difficulties, noisy respiration, snoring, reduced exercise tolerance, and dangerous overheating. These anatomical limitations make panting less effective for cooling, rendering Boston Terriers poorly suited for hot weather exercise and requiring careful monitoring in warm climates. The breed's shortened face also creates complications during anesthesia and increases risks during surgical procedures, with over eighty percent of litters requiring caesarean delivery due to birthing difficulties. Eye health demands particular attention in Boston Terriers due to their large, prominent eyes that are highly susceptible to injury and disease. Common ocular conditions include cataracts that can develop at any age, including juvenile cataracts appearing as early as eight to twelve weeks, glaucoma causing increased eye pressure and potential blindness, corneal ulcers representing one of the most frequent eye problems in the breed, and cherry eye where the third eyelid gland protrudes visibly. Regular annual eye examinations by veterinary ophthalmologists are essential for early detection and treatment of these conditions. Orthopedic issues also affect Boston Terriers, particularly patellar luxation where the kneecap slips out of position, causing lameness, pain, and potential arthritis. Hip dysplasia, though less common in smaller breeds, can occur in Boston Terriers and lead to joint deterioration and mobility problems. Dental disease represents a chronic concern, with Boston Terriers being more prone to dental problems than many breeds, affecting eighty percent of dogs by age two if preventive care is neglected. Tartar buildup progresses to gum infection and tooth root disease that can shorten lifespan by one to three years through damage to kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. Additional health considerations include allergies manifesting as skin irritation or digestive issues, potential congenital deafness affecting some individuals, heart conditions such as mitral valve disease, and sensitivity to extreme temperatures in both heat and cold. Responsible breeding practices with health screening, maintaining appropriate weight, providing moderate exercise tailored to their breathing limitations, regular dental care, and consistent veterinary monitoring all contribute significantly to maximizing both longevity and quality of life for Boston Terriers.
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a diminutive toy breed with substantial presence despite its small stature, typically weighing between six and twelve pounds and standing seven to ten inches tall at the shoulder. These compact dogs possess a sturdy, well-balanced build with a square body shape and short back that contributes to their confident, purposeful gait. The breed features a distinctive large, rounded skull with a domed forehead and an exceptionally short muzzle that creates their characteristic pushed-in facial appearance. Their most striking features include prominent, widely-set dark eyes that convey an almost human-like expression of alert intelligence and curiosity, along with small, high-set ears that enhance their attentive demeanor. The Brussels Griffon comes in two distinct coat varieties that require different grooming approaches. Rough-coated Griffons display dense, wiry fur that is long but never shaggy, with distinctive longer hair framing the face that earned them the affectionate nickname of bearded dogs. This variety requires professional grooming every four to eight weeks plus weekly brushing, though they have the advantage of not shedding. In contrast, smooth-coated Brussels Griffons feature straight, short, tight, and glossy hair that lies close to the body, requiring only occasional brushing but experiencing seasonal shedding. The breed's color palette includes red, black, black and tan, and belge, which is a distinctive mix of black and reddish-brown hues. A thick ruff around the neck and chest area frames the head elegantly, adding to their regal appearance. The Brussels Griffon moves with a characteristic trot that appears both purposeful and endearing, befitting a breed that was refined from working ratters into cherished companions of European nobility. Their overall appearance successfully combines practical sturdiness with refined elegance.
Key Characteristics
The Brussels Griffon possesses an outsized personality that belies its tiny frame, often described as having enough character for ten ordinary dogs. These intelligent, alert dogs are intensely devoted to their owners and thrive on almost constant companionship, earning them the designation of Velcro dogs who prefer to remain within close proximity of their favorite humans at all times. They typically bond most strongly with one or two family members, following them from room to room and demanding substantial amounts of attention and interaction. Brussels Griffons are notably sensitive creatures that do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods, making them ideal companions for individuals who are home frequently or can include their dog in daily activities. These spirited little dogs display remarkable confidence and can be surprisingly assertive, sometimes forgetting their diminutive size when confronting larger dogs or unfamiliar situations. While generally affectionate and loving once they warm up to people, Brussels Griffons can be nervous or reserved around strangers and in new environments, requiring patient socialization from an early age. They make excellent watchdogs due to their alert nature and tendency to bark when someone approaches, though they are too small to serve as guard dogs. Despite their small stature, Griffons possess moderate energy levels and require regular exercise through daily walks and interactive play sessions. Training a Brussels Griffon benefits from their intelligence and strong desire to bond with owners, though they can exhibit an independent, stubborn streak that requires consistent, patient handling. These sensitive dogs respond best to positive reinforcement methods rather than harsh corrections, which can damage their delicate temperament. They are generally not recommended for families with very young children, as they lack patience for rough handling and may snap if frightened or uncomfortable. However, with proper socialization and supervision, they can coexist peacefully with older, respectful children and other household pets.
The Brussels Griffon is generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan ranging from twelve to fifteen years, though recent studies suggest they may live even longer with proper care. As a brachycephalic breed with a shortened skull and flat face, Brussels Griffons face specific respiratory challenges including narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates, and sometimes undersized tracheas that can lead to breathing difficulties, noisy snoring, and increased sensitivity to heat and humidity. These anatomical features also contribute to their vulnerability to brachycephalic airway syndrome, which can cause exercise intolerance and potentially dangerous oxygen deprivation, particularly in hot weather conditions. The breed experiences several orthopedic concerns, with patellar luxation being notably common among Brussels Griffons despite their small size. This condition, where the kneecap slips out of place, can cause pain and arthritis, though it often responds well to joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medications in mild cases. Hip dysplasia, more typically associated with larger breeds, also occurs in Brussels Griffons, resulting from improper fit of the hip joint that causes grinding, pain, and reduced mobility over time. While their small size minimizes clinical symptoms compared to larger dogs, management through medication and occasional surgical intervention may still be necessary. Eye health requires particular attention in Brussels Griffons due to their large, prominent eyes that protrude naturally and face increased vulnerability to injury. Common ocular conditions include progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited disease causing gradual blindness that typically manifests between three and five years of age, cataracts that can develop at any age, and various injuries from environmental hazards. Additional health concerns include syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation, serious neurological conditions that can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis. Regular veterinary examinations, responsible breeding practices with genetic health testing, proper dental care, and maintaining appropriate weight through diet and exercise all contribute significantly to promoting longevity and quality of life for Brussels Griffons.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Brusston may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Boston Terrier and Brussels Griffon to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.