Take 15% off your next purchase with code: SAVE15
0
$0
$0 $0 
The Chihuahua Pug, also known among dog enthusiasts as the Chug, is one of the most popular mixed breed pets around. It’s not surprising though as the two parent breeds – the Chihuahua and the Pug – are ranked highly in the list of most loved dogs in the United States.
There’s historically no records or proof as to the origins of the Chihuahua Pug mix. However, it was probably intentionally bred in the U.S sometime in the last 20 years. Luckily, while this hybrid’s history is a bit muddled, that of its parents are not.
As a matter of fact, both the Chihuahua and the Pug have long and esteemed histories. The former’s origins reportedly predated recorded history while the latter has been around for 2,000 years and were the favored companions of Chinese royalty.
Pugs have been raised by monks in monasteries and later on spread across Europe in the 16th century, thanks to Dutch merchants. Meanwhile, Chihuahuas caught the interest of Americans in the 1800s through the 1900s when the breed became standardized.
If you’re planning to be the owner of a Pug Chihuahua cross, it’s in your best interest to also learn more about the parent breeds as well. This will give you some ideas on what to expect from your mixed dog and how to raise it.
| Weight | 10 to 20 pounds |
| Height | 6 to 14 inches |
| Size | Toy |
| Coat Type | Dense but short |
| Coat Color | Black, brown, cream, golden and white; Could have brindling, spots, and sabling as markers |
| Amount of Shedding | Moderate |
| Eyes | Dark |
| Nose | Black |
| Ears | Erect or folded |
| Temperament | Affectionate, loyal, smart, stubborn, and has a short attention span |
| Life Expectancy | 10 to 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Kid Friendly | No |
| New Owner Friendly | No |
| Breed Recognition | American Hybrid Canine Club (ACHA), Dog Registry of America (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) |
If there’s one thing to be said about the Chihuahua Pug mix, it’s that it has a large personality stuffed inside a tiny body, albeit one that’s muscular and sturdy. It has a rounded face, almond-shaped, dark eyes, and a short, round nose that might be slightly pushed in. Some would say the Chug is looking like a miniature Boxer.
Personality wise, this dog can either have the sweet temperament of the Pug or the suspicious nature of the Chihuahua. This mixed breed is generally regarded to be affectionate, sociable, playful, active, and loyal. It’s quite smart but has a short attention span.
As the offspring of two breeds designed for companionship, the Pug Chihuahua loves to spend time with its family. Don’t be surprised if your dog follows you around constantly. This is another lovable “velcro” dog, always attached or cuddled to its owner. Unfortunately, its need for attention from its owner can result in behavior problems like separation anxiety.
A Pug Chihuahua mix likes to please its human. This trait is handy during training, as it makes the dog more willing to learn and follow orders. However, this dog also has a stubborn streak a mile wide.
This hybrid dog isn’t the friendliest pet around. A Chihuahua mixed with Pug will retain a certain wariness, a characteristic it inherited from its parents. Pugs tend to be wary around strangers initially, but they can learn to get along well with other animals and children if they’re socialized early.
In contrast, Chihuahuas don’t react well to other animals and children, particularly young ones that are too energetic and rough. As a matter of fact, they tend to only tolerate their fellow Chihuahuas or a Chihuahua mixed breed. This dog can also become aggressive, especially when they’re not socialized properly, scared, or when they feel someone is encroaching on their territory.
Raising a dog is a lifetime commitment, but a Chihuahua Pug mix brings with it additional health complications. If you are truly set on taking care of one, you should insist on parent breeds that have had proper health tests, with the results being registered at the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC). The organization requires genetic testingfor NME, dysplasia, and patellar luxation for Pugs and cardiac evaluation for Chihuahuas.
It’s in your best interest to only work with ethical and legitimate breeders. Make sure you clarify that the parent dogs have been tested before looking at the Pug Chihuahua mix puppies.
It’s also recommended that you avoid buying dogs from pet shops or from someone that you met online. These poor canines are probably from puppy mills, so there’s no way to guarantee that they are healthy. You should also never do business with a breeder who tells you they can provide you with a puppy with specific traits. It’s virtually impossible to really design a mixed breed dog so save your money and look elsewhere.
It’s up to you to look for the best Chihuahua Pug mix breeder in your area. To help you along, check out these known breeders –
Adoption is also a good way to get the puppy that you want. Check your local shelters or the ASPCA. These groups will be more than happy to render assistance. You should also check out sites like www.adoptapet.com or www.petfinder.com. There are numerous shelters and organizations listed there full of dogs looking for a loving family.
The coat of a Chihuahua mixed with Pug will depend on which parent breed’s genes are dominant. Hence, you can either have a dog with short, coarse, and dense hair like a Pug, or one with a medium length coat that’s silky like a Chihuahua. But with both parent breeds being moderate shedders, expect your Chug to require regular maintenance.
The Chug’s short hair means owners can get away with a weekly brushing at the very least. A twice-daily brushing is ideal though. It will get rid of any dead hair and will keep hair shiny and tangle-free. However, a longer-haired Pug Chihuahua mix might need to be brushed more often, especially during shedding season. It’s a good idea to invest in a slicker and pin brush for your dog.
An occasional bath is also fine with this dog. Again, you might have to bathe your Chug more often when it’s shedding. But if the Pug’s genes are more dominant and your Chihuahua Pug mix has been blessed with wrinkled skin, you might have to clean and dry the folds daily to prevent skinfold dermatitis.
Clean your dog’s ears regularly. You should also make it a habit to check regularly, especially for those with folder ears. You want their ears to be clean and free from moisture to lower the risk of infections.
Both parent breeds usually suffer from dental problems so consistent dental care is necessary for the Chug. Brush its teeth daily and choose treats that also encourage dental hygiene. Pick up some milk bones that also clean teeth or purchase toys that also double as floss.
Mixed breed dogs are generally thought to be hardier than purebred ones. While that’s true in some ways, a Pug mixed with Chihuahua sadly has the deck stacked against them. It’s the unfortunate outcome of having parents that are prone to numerous health problems. This has made Chugs susceptible to the following:
The Pug is also brachycephalic, a condition that gives it a flat face and makes it vulnerable to breathing issues, the problem with regulating body temperature through panting, and reverse sneezing. Any Pug mix will be brachycephalic to some extent and could inherit some of its parent’s medical issues. What’s more, the Pug is also genetically prone to degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia.
The Chihuahua side of your hybrid puppy is also rife with medical problems, like hydrocephalus. It’s also at higher risk for a collapsed trachea and hypoglycemia.
Owners of a Chihuahua crossed with Pug should monitor their pet’s food intake. Pugs have a tendency to overeat and giving them chow that is rich in fiber may be the best solution to make them eat less and let them think they are eating more! Unlike best dry dog food, these worst dry dog food brands are not likely to give you pooch anything except a few extra pounds!
Puppies, adults, and seniors all have different dietary needs. Explore the importance of age-appropriate nutrition by browsing these handy best puppy food brands and best senior dry dog food guides to make sure the pup is getting all the nutrients they need.
Don’t forget that excess weight can exacerbate its health problems.
The Chihuahua Pug mix should be given a diet created specifically for small breeds such as best dry dog food for small dogs. The size of your furball does matter when it comes to food and, by opting for best large breed dry dog food for a tiny pooch, you risk giving them an inadequate amount of nutrients. High-energy meals with meat as the main ingredient are best. A cup of the premiere, dry dog food is ideal.
Imbalance of protein and fat, as well as vitamins and minerals, can in the long run trigger all sorts of health conditions. Make sure your pet’s nutritional needs are satisfied by adding Nutra Thrive dog food supplement to their diet.
It’s also a good idea to go with hard and dry kibble as it will prevent tartar buildup.
Fortunately, you won’t have any problem looking for healthy food choices for your pet. Here are some of the best brands out in the market today:
A Pug crossed with Chihuahua doesn’t need a lot of exercises. Daily exercise lasting for 30 to 45 minutes is enough to keep your dog healthy. So is a weekly walk of five to six miles since this little dog gets tired easily. The brachycephalic genes it inherited from the Pug also makes it vulnerable to breathing issues due to strenuous activities.
Dog sports that showcase agility and obedience are also good ways to meed the Chug’s physical demands while also providing a way to continue with discipline training. You should also play with your dog for at least half an hour, one to three times a day. Don’t forget to invest in toys that will keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Here are some of the best toys for this breed out in the market today:
A lot of small dog owners tend to forego training and socializing their pet. Owners tend to dismiss them as a threat due to their size and lets them exhibit dominant behavior. This eventually leads to “small dog syndrome,” that learned behavior that causes toy breeds and other small statured dogs to become annoying, noisy, and difficult pets.
With a Chihuahua Pug already prone to aggressive tendencies, thanks to its Chihuahua side, owners should take steps to ensure their hybrid pet does not become some diva. In short, behavior that is not acceptable from adult large dogs should not be tolerated in small dogs either.
This mixed breed’s independent streak and stubborness mean it will need an experienced trainer. It will do well with someone who can provide a
Your Pug Chihuahua mix should undergo obedience training and socialization while its still a puppy. Owners should also continue with the training and socialization programs even when their dog becomes an adult to prevent the development of the syndrome.
Thanks to their propensity to please their owners, Chugs are easy to train. But owners should also make sure to assert their dominance and be consistent with the dog’s training.
Here are some interesting tips to consider when training a small dog like the Chug:
The Pug Chihuahua can be an awesome companion dog. It loves its human and will try its best to please its owner. However, you should be ready to provide your pet with lots of love and attention. Children should also be taught how to handle this dog properly. As a rule, they have to be careful not to rouse the Chug’s aggressive nature. This means families with very young children might not be a good match for this dog.
A Chihuahua Pug cross is an ideal pet for apartment dwellers, although it will thrive in all types of homes. It has to live indoors as its small stature means it can easily wiggle out of a fence. This dog also prefers warm weather, which is why it loves to snuggle so much. Don’t be surprised to find your Chug hiding among your blankets.
