Of course, you never quite know what you’re getting with a crossbreed dog. But you can start by learning more about the parent breeds, and in this case, the Pug.
The Pug
Pugs are one of the most popular breeds in the world, but there’s a lot to consider before making one part of your family.
Physical characteristics of the Pug
Pugs are small dogs (10-14 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing in at 14-18 pounds). They have short coats which can come in black or various shades of fawn.
Pugs have curled tails, large round eyes, and lots of wrinkles on their face. Their most defining feature is probably their flat snout.
Pug personality and training
Pugs are easy-going dogs who just want to take part in all their owners’ activities. Due to their friendly personalities, they also do great with kids.
Because they love to please, Pugs can be trained - as long as you find the right motivator! But because they also love food, this shouldn’t be too hard.
Pug exercise requirements
Pugs are very adaptable and don’t need too much exercise to stay happy. A 30 minute walk a day should be sufficient. In fact, Pugs can’t over-exert themselves, as they suffer from respiratory issues due to their brachycephaly. However, if your Pug is more of a couch potato, make sure to watch what she eats. This breed is prone to obesity.
Grooming a Pug
Pugs are easy to groom - a quick brush through once a week should be sufficient to keep the coat clean and shiny. However, they are heavy shedders, so be prepared for a lot of dog hair in your house! The wrinkles on their faces need special attention to avoid them trapping moisture and causing skin infections.
Pug health issues
As a brachycephalic breed, Pugs mainly suffer from respiratory issues. Other common issues of the breed include a neurological disease known as Pug Dog Encephalitis, hip dysplasia, and obesity. However, a healthy Pug can live up to 15 years.
5 best Pug cross breeds
If you do decide to go with a Pug cross, make sure to buy only from a responsible, approved breeder. Be aware that cross breeds can vary widely in appearance, behaviour, and health.
The Jug
A Jug dog is a cross between a Pug and a Jack Russell. As you can imagine, that makes her pretty small and pretty sociable! They also tend to be intelligent and adaptable, which can make them a good choice for urban adults or those who live in small spaces or travel a lot. However, the Jug can also be a bit boisterous, so she’s not always suited to a family with young children. Jugs tend to have longer snouts than the purebred Pug, so they suffer from less respiratory problems.
The Shug
Do you like the temperament of the German Shepherd but find them a little serious in demeanour? A cross with a Pug will add a bit of fun to the mix while also lengthening that troublesome Pug snout. The Shug is a mid-sized, obedient dog who will need a bit of space to let off steam. Her coat is short so she won’t need too much grooming. She's a heavy shedder though, so have a vacuum at the ready.
The Daug
You want a dog but do you want a Daug? The Pug-Dachshund mix is a mid-sized dog with a terrier appearance. The Dachshund was originally a hunting dog (believe it or not) so he can still be a bit of a bold and stubborn fellow in the 21st-century. Crossed with a Pug, he becomes twice the eccentric old man! But as long as you start training early and keep him well-socialized, you should find yourself with a loyal and affectionate dog/daug.
The Pugalier
At its most regal, the Pug-Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cross deserves his courtly-sounding name. At his least regal, he looks a bit like someone pinned bunny-ears on him. Both extremes are adorable. And the Pugalier was bred to have a longer nose than the Pug, hopefully reducing the breathing trouble from which purebreds suffer. The Spaniel and the Pug are both friendly and affectionate creatures, so the Pugalier is twice so. He’s a great little character for a young family.
The Pug Shiba
Pugs are playful and friendly. Japanese Shiba Inus, on the other hand, are independent and stubborn. Your Pug Shiba should be a good in between! What your Pug Shiba will look like exactly is hard to predict, but the mix usually has a curled tail. Pug Shibas should live 12-16 years and hopefully – but not definitely – be spared some of the Pug’s breathing problems. However, both parent breeds are known to have eye and allergy trouble, so these will have to be watched carefully.
For the right owners, a Pug mix can make a wonderful pet!
Check out these other mixed breeds
- The Beagle cross
- The Border Collie cross
- The Border Terrier cross
- The Chihuahua cross
- The Dachshund cross
- The Dalmatian cross
- The French Bulldog cross
- The German Shepherd cross
- The Golden Retriever cross
- The Husky cross
- The Jack Russell cross
- The Labrador crossbreed
- The Pomeranian cross
- The Poodle cross
- The Rottweiler cross
- The Shih Tzu cross
