Chussel

6-12 lbs
7-9"
North America
Brussels Griffon
Chihuahua
Chiffon, Bruss-Chi, Brussel Chiffon

Full of energy, playful and bossy best describes this little hybrid breed known as the Chussel. The Chussel hybrid is a cross between the Chihuahua and Brussels Griffon dogs. This small toy breed dog often appears to have a wiry coat, a short muzzle with a bit of an over-bite and is said to mildly resemble the famous Ewok from Star Wars. Although low maintenance in terms of grooming, they are best suited to committed owners, as despite their size they love to look for adventure.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
2000s
ancestry Ancestry
Brussels Griffon and Chihuahua

Chussel Health

Average Size
Male Chussel size stats
Height: 7-9 inches Weight: 6-12 lbs
Female Chussel size stats
Height: 7-9 inches Weight: 6-12 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Collapsed Trachea
Minor Concerns
  • Open Fontanel
  • Congenital Eye Defects
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Gastric Torsion
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Dental Examination
  • Blood Tests

Chussel Breed History

The Brussels Griffon is a small breed of Terrier lineage said to have originated during the 19th century in Belgium. These little Terriers were originally kept in stables and used to catch vermin such as rats, mice and foxes. Further developed by breeding them with the English Toy Spaniel, the Affenpinscher, and even the little Yorkshire Terrier,  this sturdy canine was fearless and clever. Around 1899 the Brussels Griffon made its way to the United States where he was shown at the Westminster Kennel Club. Eventually, due to a rise in popularity, he was added to the roster of the American Kennel Club. This took place in 1910, with an addition to the Toy Group. The Chihuahua is an ancient breed said to have originated likely during the 9th century in Mexico, though there is speculation that these little dogs may have originated from parts of Europe, Malta or China. There is little documented evidence about its exact origin, although it is known that the Aztec civilization cherished these dogs as royalty. Called the Techichi, they were an important part of the Toltec religion. Believed to have the gift of healing, they were placed on the beds of the sick and were said to accompany the dead in the afterlife. In 1850, the Chihuahua made its way to the United States where it gained popularity and was recognized by the AKC in 1904.

Chussel Breed Appearance

The Chussel is a small breed dog that can weigh anywhere from 6 to 12 pounds on average and can be between 7 and 9 inches in height. These hybrids tend to have a broad face shape if they take after the Brussels Griffon parent or the face may may be slightly rounded as is seen in the Chihuahua. Either facial shape will sport a short muzzle with a bit of an underbite, a feature common to the Brussels Griffon, possibly with a bearded chin of long fur that can look quite endearing when properly trimmed. His nose will be perky and dark. His alert expression is due to round brown eyes that could have the typical Brussels Griffon look of delight. The Chihuahua-like ears may stand straight up and be rather large for the head size. Other Chussel hybrids will have ears that are more in proportion to the head. It is hard to determine the exact look of a hybrid due to lack of breed standards, but for certain the body of the Chussel is typically sturdy and well built. The coat tends to be wiry and slightly rough, with a lot of feathering and fringing on the face, especially if the long haired Chihuahua is part of the mix as opposed to the short haired.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Chussel eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Chussel nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
cream Chussel coat
Cream
black Chussel coat
Black
brown Chussel coat
Brown
gray Chussel coat
Gray
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Chussel wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Chussel Breed Maintenance

Chussels are relatively low maintenance dogs; they require very little grooming if their fur is short and can be brushed with a slicker brush a few times a month. If the fur is long due to an influence of the long haired Chihuahua, then the pin brush is the best bet once a week. They should only be bathed when necessary - they are not known to be smelly at all. Because they are a small hybrid, they can be prone to dentition problems which can result in early decay and tooth loss. Because of this, the teeth need to be brushed several times a week. Check the ears every few weeks to make sure they are clean and trim the nails; this can be about twice a month or less. 

Brushes for Chussel
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Chussel requires monthly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Chussel Temperament

The Chussel is a playful, energetic dog that can have a bossy attitude. He can be stubborn and dominating and as a result, can be difficult to train. However, with proper training and socialization the Chussel can make an excellent companion for families with other pets and children. Around strangers the Chussel may be cautious, they can be really fearful of strangers and new places; however, some Chussels may be more friendly when encountering people they do not know. Taking your hybrid to obedience training will give him the opportunity to practise his social skills and give him confidence when meeting others in unfamiliar surroundings. He does like to play the role of the watchdog so may bark when someone comes to the door.

Chussel Activity Requirements

The Chussel loves to walk. This activity may be the highlight of his day. Taking him out and about the neighborhood will enable him to stretch those little legs and at the same time, learn how to interact with people and the canine who lives next door. He does not mind several short walks per day. Obedience classes are a good way for him to expend energy and you could even give him a chance at agility or flyball. He can adapt very well to an apartment and will also thrive in a home with a yard where he can explore. Just be sure to keep an eye on him when outside; he may decide to wiggle his way under the fence in search of a chase or adventure.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
9 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Chussel Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Chussel Owner Experiences

RiRi
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My RiRi is extremely energetic. She meets no strangers, she loves everyone. She just wants treats and belly rubs all day. She follows me everywhere. She wasn't hard to potty train but she can be stubborn in other ways and will give me "attitude" often. As soon as I sit down she will jump in my lap. She loves going on car rides and looking out of the window. She has brought me so much joy and fulfillment.
8 months, 3 weeks ago
Moxi
9 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play Fight
Tug-of-war
Fetch
Moxi bounced into my life when she was just 13 weeks and immediately claimed me as "hers". I had two additional dogs and she was allowed to be alpha for the first two days. I recently had to send my 15-year-old female cocker/lab mix, over the rainbow bridge. Moxi loves to wrestle with my 5-year-old male Lhasa Apso each morning. She dances on her hind legs like a cute circus dog and loves to wear clothing in our cold climate. She sticks to me like glue protecting me from invisible threats. She is clever and yet challenging to train. She is finally potty-trained! She's now decided that destroying furniture is a fun pastime, so that is our new habit-breaking mission. Moxi loves toys and enjoys hiding them even more! She is speedy and will hide your items too if she can reach them. She also loves to sneak attack with kisses! I love her little personality.
1 year, 9 months ago
Sasha
4 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have an adopted 4 year old Chussel named Sasha and she is an absolute delight! Very smart, obedient, lively, and curious. She is very territorial of me, loves to follow me around and won’t let me out of her sight. Doesn’t care too much for kids and other dogs but will tolerate them if necessary. She’s such a sweet dog, humorous at times, and has become my lil’ bestie.
2 years, 9 months ago
Rosie
3 Years
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
New family member. Adopted in January.
6 years, 5 months ago
Peanut
2 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is definitely a high energy dog, she barks a lot and is very territorial, she is afraid of other dogs and screams like she’s being tortured when encountering them, but we do have another dog that she gets along with. She is a good dog
5 years, 7 months ago
Soda
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We had a Chussel by the name of Soda. She got cancer of the spleen that spread to her liver at 7 years and we feel totally cheated out of the most wonderful dog we have ever had. She was very intelligent and we traveled with her in a RV she was a total pleasure to have as a co-pilot. Never shed, never needed a leash as she listened perfectly, was just the pulse of our lives. It has been a year and we still just miss her so very much. But we would like to find another Chussel and are willing to travel. anywhere in the western or mid USA. We will give this puppy a wonderful home and can supply references. Please email: koshelka@telusplanet.net Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/breed/chussel
5 years, 1 month ago
Benji
4 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My Benji is the cutest little thing. He has a lot of energy and is constantly wanting attention. He has a brother that is a Husky mix that he gets along with great. He does not like little kids, but loves being pet and held by adults. He does not play with other dogs, but doesnt mind being around them.
4 years, 9 months ago
Sarah
8 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I got Sarah when she was 6 months old. She was my nephew’s dog and was named Sarah after a crush in his third-grade class. She is the light of my life, full of so much personality. She’s also a handful to say the least (territorial, steals toys from other dogs, goes after people and other dogs if they go near her food/toys, major watch dog)! However, she is pretty well behaved when taken on (long) daily walks. I think with proper training as puppies and enough exercise, these dogs are more than capable of good behavior. Sarah is so loyal, affectionate, and my very best friend!
4 years, 3 months ago
Millie
2 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Cuddling
Walk
I got Millie when she was 4 months old. We had a difficult time potty training her, and sometimes she will still poop in the house but it is a rare occurrence. If she is not at my heels she is with the other dogs, and she is the princess of the house. I'm so glad I found her because she is my best fur-friend.
4 years, 2 months ago
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Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd