What dog type to choose, a purebred pug or a mixed breed pug? Pug characteristics vary widely between a purebred pug and the mixed breed: pug-cross. You may not be familiar with the mixed breed and may even think you are getting a pug and all the qualities of a pug, but you are not. Mixed breeds inherit just that: a mixture of genes from each breed and characteristics you should be aware of before choosing your dog. In this article we discuss the characteristics of the purebred pug and some popular mixed breed pug types; the puggle, the jug, bugg, frug and the chug.
Purebred Pug
The self confident, clever, relaxed and friendly pug is a human’s dream dog. You see, the sole purpose in a pug’s life is to please its owners and spend time with its beloved family. The playful pug is fantastic with children and its body type is well proportioned and stocky in build, which makes it ideal for children who often can play rough. Pugs tend to have a favourite human, and shadow its human, following it everywhere..even into the bathroom…in order to spend as much time as possible with that person. This attentive dog, is a true companion and loyal friend who will be by your side forever more. Unlike the mixed breed, the purebred pug needs to conform to the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) or in the States the AKC (American Kennel Club) standards for coat colour, size, tail curliness, muzzle colour and height. Most pure bred pugs are fawn, with jet black pigmentation on the ears and muzzle, but you can also find: apricot and black pugs. Apricot and black pugs are only ever one colour (without the cute black face and ears), so if you see a litter of “purebred” black or apricot pugs with other colours mixed into their fur then they are definitely NOT purebred and you should inquire about the mix of their breeding. Speaking of fur, you should all know that pugs DO SHED, they shed quite a bit, especially typical fawn pugs (the ones with the cute black faces) because fawn pugs for some reason have two coats! They have a shiny outer coat and a fluffy inner coat, which actually makes them hardier than the apricot and black pugs, as they are able to withstand the elements outside on their walks without the need of coats and rain protection. The fawn pug is a hardy little trooper on walks, but don’t think they can handle the heat on a summer’s day or that you’ll ever be able to own a dark-coloured carpet again!! Owning a pug is a true gift, but you will find fur in places you never thought possible. Regular brushing will help and we have found that our fawn pug “Pig” sheds much more in the spring and fall, as she is moulting her under coat in preparation of the new season. Black and apricot pugs only a single outer coat, no undercoat, so they shed much much less, but require coats to keep them warm and dry on their walks. Purebred Pugs generally weigh between 14 – 18 lbs, with an average shoulder height of 10 – 14 inches. Pugs are small dogs, with short faced masks and are generally a low energy dog, but when very excited they might run spazzy circles, followed by a power nap. Pugs very cute squishy faces unfortunately are the result of years of in-breeding and mean that every single pug will have breathing problems, so care must be taken to ensure that your pug is never in respiratory distress. This means short walks, especially in the heat and if you see your pug is panting heavily or has its tongue hanging out of its mouth that’s your cue to scoop it up and carry it home to rest and regain its breath. The great thing is that if you are your pugs favourite person then they will enjoy being carried by you and you will most likely get a little kiss of appreciation. We always know Pig our pug is happy to be carried home when she lets her tail fall and it swings back and forth as I carry her home.
Mixed Breed Pug: The Puggle
Puggles are a Beagle Pug cross. They are very affectionate, child-friendly and make a great family dog. Puggles have the inquisitive temperament of a beagle, meaning they like to jump around, sniff for things and howl. Puggles, like pugs, love to snuggle and cuddle. Their coats are typically tan, fawn or black. Puggles are generally larger than a pug and weigh between 14 – 30 lbs, with an average shoulder height of 8 – 15 inches. Puggles are a low energetic dog, but their energy level will depend on which traits they inherit from each parent. A puggle with a short pug nose will be less energetic than a puggle with longer Beagle muzzle because beagles tend to have more energy and don’t suffer from breathing issues like pugs do. A puggle with a more beagle-esque head will definitely be able to go on longer walks than a pug, maybe even longer hikes. I have a friend who used to take her beagle on very long mountain adventures and she loved it!! Puggles are generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to eye problems.
Mixed Breed Pug: The Jug
Jugs are a Jack Russel Pug cross. Jugs are intelligent, playful, loving dogs, with a big personality. When properly socialized, jugs make a good family dog. Jugs have the fearless trait of a Jack Russel terrier who likes to hunt and chase the likes of birds and squirrels and sometimes dig and explore….hope you aren’t attached to your garden!! Jugs are typically fawn, black, or tan/caramel and may also have black or fawn colored markings. Jugs have a smaller body structure and a lighter physique than a pug, but are as strong as a jack russell terrier. Jugs weigh between 12 – 16 lbs, with an average shoulder height of 10 – 14 inches. Jugs are generally a good healthy dog, healthier than a pug. Jugs inherit the black mask of the pug and the snout of the jack russell (so breathing isn’t usually an issue) and are pretty energetic. Jugs, however, like many terriers, can be prone to separation anxiety and when left alone. They will usually communicate their anxiety through constant barking and may become destructive in your home.
Mixed Breed Pug: The Bugg
Buggs are a Boston Terrier Pug cross. The characteristics of a boston terrier and pug are quite similar and make the Bugg the closest mixed breed to a purebred pug. Buggs are very affectionate and make wonderful companions to children. They are very playful: they love to play with children but their favourite are “chase me” games. Buggs like nothing more than cuddling on its owner’s lap at the end of the day. Buggs can also be territorial over food or sharing its owner’s affection towards another dog. Buggs are known to be more active than a pug and require more exercise. Buggs typically have a single coat, usually black with white markings or a black-brindle coat. Buggs weigh between 15 – 25 lbs, with an average shoulder height of 10 – 17 inches. They are generally healthier than a pug, but like pugs with their short muzzle, they will most-likely have breathing problems.
Mixed Breed Pug: The Frug
Frugs are a French Bulldog Pug cross. Frugs are a playful, loving, cuddly dog with a big personality. Frugs are another mix that make a great family dog or single human apartment dog. Frugs are intelligent and like pugs are attention seekers who like to spend as much time as possible with their favourite human. You will find that frugs like to follow you around your home looking for interaction and attention all the time. Frugs most likely have a single coat which is usually black, brown or tan, white or silver and can be spotted or speckled and sometimes a single coat with white markings. Frugs weigh between 15 – 30 lbs, with an average shoulder height of 13 – 15 inches. Frugs, like pugs, with their short muzzle may suffer from breathing problems.
Mixed Breed Pug: The Chug
Chugs are a Chihuahua Pug cross. Possibly the smallest of the pug crosses, this playful breed is not ideal for small children as the chug is so small that it may get injured playing with young kids, and might also bite children in an attempt to protect itself. The chug is an extremely loyal dog to its human owner and may become territorial to protect its master. Behavioural training can help. This affectionate, compact mix makes a good apartment dog and is ideal for adults, couples and seniors. Don’t be surprised that this compact dog has energy to burn and requires 30 – 45 minutes of daily exercise. Chugs coats are typically tan, fawn white or brown. Chugs weigh between 10 – 20 lbs, with an average shoulder height of 6 – 12 inches. Chugs are also prone to breathing issues with its short muzzle, but chihuahuas are not, so if you end up with a chug that has a longer muzzle then your pup might not have any issues breathing at all!
Conclusion
We are no pugsperts but from our personal experience raising a purebred pug and a bugg we have realized that mixed breeds are healthier happier dogs, as they are not as prone to breathing issues and are able to keep up on longer walks through the wilderness, and our bugg doesn’t follow us into the bathroom as often as our pug, if that appeals to you, but they both sure love their food! The best part of owning a mixed breed is less visits to the vet! But pet insurance is highly recommended for your furry friend of any type of breed of dog you have, as emergencies can and will happen! Pugs and mixed breed pugs both have genetic and personality qualities which might appeal to you, and it’s up to you decide what type of pug fits your lifestyle. We love our Pug as much as our Bugg but the bugg definitely is a smarter, more emotional and energetic dog. We’re no pugsperts but we’re here to help you choose the best type of pug for your family.
Pet Insurance Could Be an Option to Contemplate!
Our beloved animal friends, unfortunately, encounter health problems and medical conditions just as much as we do. As pet owners we want only the best for them, and this involves taking them regularly to the veterinarian to assure they’re always in tip-top shape.
If one of our furry friends is injured in an unexpected incident or develops a life-threatening condition, veterinary costs can certainly build up rapidly. This is where pet insurance can come in handy to minimize the expenses.
What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance normally costs between $38 to $70 US each month and it can cover up to 90% of our pet’s medical bills under some plans. We know it can be difficult to research the various pet insurance companies out there on your own so to give you a little hand we recommend reading Money.com’s great article for their review and recommendations on finding the right provider for you and your furry friend. Check it out! (https://money.com/best-pet-insurance/ )
Related: So you want a pug puppy! Good choice
