Chihuahua cross pug dog — The Chug is a mix between a Chihuahua and a Pug.
© Shutterstock

Chihuahua cross Pug: everything you need to know

By Alice Lang Copywriter

Updated on the 03/05/2022

The 'Chug' or 'Pugwawa' is a cross between a Chihuahua and a pug. Though their origin remains a mystery, these little dogs have made a real impact in the past 10 to 15 years thanks to their sweet personality and cute looks. Here's everything you need to know about the Chihuahua cross Pug.

No one is quite sure who started mixing Pugs with Chihuahuas, and they’ve only been on the scene since the early 2000’s. The thing about the Chug is that they come from two very different breeds - making it hard to predict what the average Chug puppy will look or act like.

What to expect from your Chug

Mostly, this depends on which of the parents the pup takes more characteristics from, and the proportions vary from puppy to puppy. However, it is widely believed that in most cases, a Chug will gain a higher percentage of traits from their mother.

To understand this mix breed better, you must first learn about both parent breeds:

The Chihuahua

longhaired chihuahuas running in grass — Long-coated Chihuahuas ©Shutterstock

This Mexican breed is a toy dog by excellence, making it the quintessential lap dog! What's more, Chihuahuas can't think of a better to place to be than on their owner's lap. They do, however, think they are much bigger than they actually are, so they need to be properly trained and socialised just like any other breed of dog - lest you have a tempermental pooch on your hands!

The Pug

Pug resting head on ground — Pug ©Shutterstock

Pugs are also small-sized dogs bred for companionship, but they do tend to be more easy-going than Chihuahuas. Pugs generally get along well with all manners of people and animals, and are happy to engage in any activity - as long as it's with their owner. Unfortunately, being a brachycephalic breed, the Pug suffers from a panoply of health issues, including respiratory and eye problems.

Physical attributes of the Chihuahua cross Pug

Although the traits of a Pug x Chihuahua are not fixed and can rarely be predicted by a breeder, you can expect them to fall somewhere in the following range.

Height: Between 15.5cm and 30cm
Weight: Between 10 to 20 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-13 years

It’s no secret that Chugs are beautiful looking dogs, with huge, round brown eyes, a petite yet muscular physique, short legs and small feet. In terms of facial attributes, the Chihuahua characteristically has more of a defined nose and mouth, while the Pug has a rather ‘flat’ looking face. This means that the Chug’s face and head can vary entirely - some looking more like one breed, and some looking like a real mix of the two. Generally, though, you can expect a rounded face, which pokes out slightly with ears set well apart.

They tend to have fine, straight coats which are predominantly short - unless the puppy had a long-haired Chihuahua in their bloodline. The Chihuahua cross Pug coat comes in a wide array of colours, most commonly brown, black and brown, black and tan, chocolate or cream. They are not hypoallergenic and in most cases, their coat sheds rather heavily.

Personality/temperament of the Chihuahua cross Pug

The personality of a Chug can vary quite heavily, depending on which breed’s traits they inherit more. However, Pug x Chihuahua mixes are normally animated, bubbly and bouncy dogs by nature, who like to make friends with whoever is in their company. This is even more apparent when the Chug is socialised from a young age.

But have you ever come across a super ‘yappy’ and feisty Chihuahua? In some cases, a little bit of this can come through in the Chug, who can challenge other dogs, no matter how big or small, if they’re not socialised well.

Chihuahua cross Pugs are generally sociable creatures, and won’t fend well when left on their own for extended periods of time. Often, Chugs who are left on their own all day develop behavioural issues and can be pretty destructive in the home.

For this reason, those who work full-time or are out the house all day aren’t best suited to this breed. They’re a known as a great ‘companion’ dog - fantastic for elderly people who are looking for company or those who work from home.

Furthermore, Chugs can be very mischievous (at their best, in a cute way) and remain playful well into their older years.

Exercising your Chug

Like all dogs, the Chihuahua cross Pug does need regular physical activity and will love nothing more than a daily work or a gallivant around the garden. However, they are low maintenance and will easily adapt to their owner’s lifestyle. Just make sure they’re exercised and let out in the fresh air for at least half an hour each day, and that they have lots of toys to stimulate them mentally, especially if you live in a flat or apartment. If your Chug has more Chihuahua traits, they’ll probably be very energetic and need lots of playtime and attention.

Feeding your Chug

Feed your Chug a good quality, commercial dog food which is made specifically for small dogs. This way, you can be sure they’re getting the high-energy nutrition which small, energetic dogs require.

Thanks to their pug genes, you might find your Chug will gobble down his meals in seconds. This breed does tend to love food and will overindulge if allowed to do so. Excess weight can be problematic, causing severe breathing difficulties - so go easy on the treats.

Training your Chug

You should aim to begin training your Chihuahua cross Pug from a young age. Chugs are clever dogs and can be trained quickly, but sometimes you may find they’ve got quite a short attention span. If this is the case, train your pup for short periods of time and include lots of games, activities and (healthy) food rewards to keep them focused.

If a Chug gets their way too often, especially when they’re young, they can easily develop the classic ‘small dog syndrome’, causing behavioural issues and neurotic tendencies. Try and stick to the rules and don’t give in to their misbehaviour. We know they’re cute, but the boundaries need to be set!

Chugs can make a wonderful companion and now you know everything about them, you'll be able to provide a loving forever home!

Read these articles to discover other mixed-breeds: