MyDogBreedsBugg is originated from United States but Billy is originated from France. Bugg may grow 30 cm / 11 inches shorter than Billy. Bugg may weigh 21 kg / 46 pounds lesser than Billy. Both Bugg and Billy has almost same life span. Bugg may have more litter size than Billy. Both Bugg and Billy requires Moderate maintenance.
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:
The Billy (or Billie) Dog is a rare breed developed in France and mostly still only found in France. Created in the 19th century by Monsieur Gaston Hublot de Rivault and named after his home, Chateau de Billy, he is hunting dog of high quality. The Billy dog was developed by crossing the Poitevin’s original three lines – the Larrye, the Ceris and the Montemboeuf. In developing the Billy, Rivault favored the colors found in the Ceris and Montemboeuf strains as opposed to the tricolors of the Larrye strain. The Billy is a scent hound from all the lines leading back to the monks of the Saint Hubert Monastery in the middle ages, in Belgium, then refined in Gaul (France). The Billy line was considered the most elegant French breed and they were the last breed to come from that large scent hound type that the French nobility and royalty loved to breed.
In 1886 the Federation Cynoloquique Internationale established the standard for the Billy breed. The breed was a great hunter with resilience, speed, scenting and fortitude. The Billy hunted in large packs in pursuit of Wild Boar and Roe Deer. This was accomplished by the crossing of great hunters developed for their specific skills. The Ceris was amazing in its skill to hunt down wolves and hares. The Montemboeuf was a large, elegant dog that hunted wild boar and Larrye for his strong scent ability. Since these three breeds were true French breeds, the Billy was a true aristocratic scent hound in a pure scent hound line.
This gregarious, handsome dog became extremely popular in France in the 19th century. Unfortunately, the World Wars of the 20th century would take their toll on this rare breed and they were almost extinct by the late 1900’. There were only two hounds left by the end of the Second World War. Anthony Rivault, the son of Gaston, set about saving the breed by incorporating the lines of Harrier, the Poilevin and the Porcelaine with the two remaining hounds. From there the breed has been revived and is no longer on the verge of extinction. They are still rare and certainly not “popular”, but they are excellent hunters, especially hunting in packs. Today they are considered one of the breeds used to develop the Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange in France and there are several packs that hunt roe deer in France, while a couple packs are used to hunt wild boar.
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 Billy dog is powerful, beautiful and built extremely well. He is large but he should also be light weight and lean. He has an athletic look, powerful muscles, and strong bones. He has floppy ears, dark eyes with dark rims and a white coat. This breed has a medium size head with a domed forehead and square muzzle. The ears are high on the head, flat and floppy while the neck is long and strong. Shoulders are also long and the back broad, the thighs muscular and the feet round. He has a long fluffy tail. The coat is short and can be seen through to the skin. He has white skin with brown spots and the fur is white or off white. The females are smaller than the males. He is a great family companion as well as a hunter. They have high pitched voices and they can be howlers. They have a strong prey drive and are great hunters. They can be great companion dogs for any family, just watch them with small children and small animals. They are big enough to need a lot of space and a lot of exercise. Scent hounds can be stubborn, and that trait is not lost on the Billy dog.
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.
Even though the Billy Breed is very rare and faced potential extinction it is a terrific sporting dog who loves children, other dogs, and adults. He could be a good family dog if his exercise needs are met. He is social, gregarious, and gentle with people. They are happiest in a pack and do not do well in a one dog household. They form extremely strong bonds with their people and household. They are friendly and outgoing. This makes them a poor choice for guard dog. They have an exceptionally well-developed prey drive do they might be aggressive toward any animal smaller than them. This includes the family cat, other smaller dogs, hamsters etc.
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.
Despite their history of almost becoming extinct the Billy dog is a hearty and healthy group. They do tend to get Bronchitis and colds due to the short, thin coat. Keep them indoors during winter. Another area of concern is the ears. They are prone to ear infections so keep their ears clean. They should not be exposed to cold weather. The Billy life expectancy is 10-14 years which is very good for such a large dog.
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.
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.
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.
The Billy dog is large, muscular and lean. Do not overfeed him, but you can safely free feed. Watch to be sure he does not gain too much weight and if he does go to two feedings per day.
As previously mentioned this is a healthy, long-lived dog. Watch for ear infections and keep him out of extreme cold.
This is a very athletic, active hunter, who needs a lot of exercise. Daily walks are good, but he needs 45 to 60 minutes of exercise every day. Remember he was bred to hunt and loves to do so. Find activities that let him use his athletic skills and strong sense of smell. He needs a big yard to romp in. He will excel at obedience, barn hunt and agility. A lure game might be good also, but he would be happier with a scent oriented “find it” game.