Information on ductile and brittle failure modes is critical for proper design of timber connections in Crosslaminated Timber (CLT). While considerable research has been conducted in Europe and Canada on the ductile performance of connections in CLT, little is known about the brittle behaviour. This paper presents new information from testing programs and analysis performed in Canada and in New Zealand on the brittle performance of dowel-type fasteners in CLT. The testing programs have been designed to trigger brittle failure modes based on minimum end distances and fasteners spacings specified in the Canadian timber design standard. Timber rivets and bolts/dowels are covered under this study. At the time of writing of this abstract, the testing program is advancing and results will be available at the time of paper submission.