The Husky Pug is a designer dog that combines the sled pulling Siberian Husky and the companion dog Pug. The two breeds are very different from one another in terms of appearance, size, and characteristics, but this mixed breed actually exists.
Also known as the Hug, the Husky Pug mix is an affectionate pet companion that will make an excellent addition to the family. Sometimes, these hybrid dogs are also used for protection and search and rescue services.
1. Not a Low Maintenance Breed
If you’re the type of dog owner who doesn’t like spending so much time on grooming their dogs, then you should probably think twice of owning a Siberian Husky mixed with Pug. The Husky Pug is an average to heavy shedder dog. You may expect an average shedding if your Husky Pug takes the soft, short coat of its Pug parent breed. While he’ll excessively shed if he inherits the long, thick coat of its Husky parent breed.
2. Not for First Time Dog Owners
The Pug Husky is not an aggressive dog nor is he suspicious of strangers, but this breed is not recommended for first-time pet owners. They require lots of exercises and extensive obedience training. This can be attributed to their Siberian Husky traits where in some instances, they may display a willful and stubborn behavior.
3. Not Ideal for Small Living Spaces
Because of the Siberian Husky breeding on his lineage, a Husky Pug mix may need a spacious area to run and spend his energy. When these dogs don’t use up their energy, they may end up getting bored and show destructive behaviors, such as chewing up your carpet and furniture.
Love huskies but not sure this particular pup is for you? Check out America’s most popular Husky mix breed dogs.
Weight | 30-60 lbs. |
Height | 16-22 inches |
Size | Medium |
Coat Type | Long, short, straight and smooth |
Coat Color | Black, gray, silver, red or white |
Amount of Shedding | Average to heavy |
Eyes | Brown, blue, black |
Nose | Black, Brown |
Temperament | Loving, intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal, energetic, may be stubborn at times |
Life Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Kids Friendly | Yes |
New Owners Friendly | No |
Breed Recognition | Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) |
The Hug will have the physical attributes of both the Pug and the Siberian Husky, but its exact appearance may be unpredictable depending on which characteristics they inherit from its parents. They can have a squashed appearance same as the Pug, or they can also have a face with a dark mask and flat or hanging pointy ears. They will generally have a muscular and stocky body with a curly or straight tail.
In terms of temperament and behavior, the Pug crossed with Husky is known to be an intelligent, loyal and lively breed. They are also very friendly towards children as well as other pets, which they got from their Pug parent breed. Moreover, these dogs can be lazy couch potatoes at times. You’ll see them sitting in bed, dozing or sleeping. It’s probably the reason why this mixed breed has obese tendencies.
Siberian Huskies may also pass their notable traits to its offspring, such as being highly intelligent, energetic and alert at all times. If your Husky Pug is more of the Siberian Husky type, expect your Hug to serve as great watchdogs. Living in a small apartment, however, would be a problem because these dogs love to move around a lot.
The Pug Husky mix is a favorite pet dog among families. When purchasing your Hug, it’s essential that you negotiate with a trusted dog breeder. On average, a Husky mixed with Pug would cost around $1230 to $2000, depending on the dog’s age and the breeder’s location and reputation.
Make sure to be a responsible buyer by doing your research first in choosing the right breeder for your dog. If it gets too easy for you to purchase your pup, you’re better off looking for another breeder. A trustable breeder will ask for several questions about your lifestyle, preferences, family setting at home and finances to see if you’re ready to take care of a dog.
A responsible breeder will also show you with proofs of health guarantee of the pup and its parents. Your new family pet companion should be screened for any possible health issues he might have. Make sure you also confirm from the breeder if he used purebred dogs and if he can show them to you, to ensure that you’re adopting a healthy Pug crossed with Husky puppy.
Moreover, avoid purchasing from puppy farms or puppy mills, which is a place where dogs are bred usually on an intensive basis and in conditions considered as inhumane just for the single purpose of selling them afterward. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also recommends not to buy puppies online. It’s still best to talk with the breeder in person and meet your new family pet companion. This is also to ensure that you’re getting your puppy from a reputable breeder.
The best place to get a mixed-breed pup is often at an animal shelter, where the cost is mostly limited to adoption, spay/neuter, and vaccination fees. The great thing about adopting a puppy, rather than purchasing one, is the benefit of knowing you have saved the life of a homeless dog through providing a warm home and serving as his new loving family.
Here are some rescue organizations to help you start off your search:
The Pug Husky will have a medium to long coat. He must be brushed weekly to get rid of dead hair and to keep its fur shiny. If your dog has the Pug’s short coat, brushing must be done at least twice a week. While if it inherits the long and thick coat of its Siberian Husky parent, he needs to be brushed or combed out at least four times weekly to prevent tangles and matting.
Clean your dog’s creases once a day with either a damp washcloth or baby wipes to prevent developing skin problems. Make sure to clean his ears weekly by using an ear wash specifically designed for dogs to flush away the bacteria that accumulates in their ears.
Your Hug will also need nails and paws care too. Monthly nail trimming should be done as overgrown nails can be painful and it might also serve as a site of dirt, moisture, and bacteria accumulation. A good call would be bringing your Pug Husky to the veterinarian clinic or to a pet groomer for it to be done professionally. Moreover, don’t forget to have your dog’s teeth checked up by the veterinarian to avoid the likelihood of unwanted dental problems.
A healthy Husky Pug mix can live as long as 12 to 15 years; however, these designer breed is also prone to some health conditions which they inherited from their parents. If you’re a potential owner of a Hug puppy, take note of the following diseases that you should be aware of:
As mentioned previously, this dog breed is prone to obesity, especially if it inherits the Pug’s small stature. Highly nutritious foods are recommended for your Pug Husky, but make sure diet schedules are set while keeping in mind your dog’s age and size. Feed your adult dog 2.5 cups of the best dry dog food daily, at most, and steer clear from the worst dry dog food brands.
It goes without saying that you should serve your young pup only the best puppy food brands, and when they are all grown up, transition into the best dry dog food for small dogs. If your Husky Pug develops a taste for the best large breed dry dog food instead, make sure to watch their portions, as these have more calories. Grandma and grandpa doggos should nibble only on the best senior dry dog food to ensure their fragile bones can stay strong even past their prime!
It’s essential that you control your Hug’s diet. Moreover, make sure to resist the urge of giving treats freely, no matter how much you love your pet. Food treats should comprise not more than 10 percent of your Husky Pug mix’s daily diet.
For healthier dog food choices, here are some recommendations that are best for Huskies and Pugs:
It’s strongly recommended to pay a visit to a veterinarian and ask for advice on what dog food is best for your pup to ensure that he receives the optimum nutrition he needs. Your Hug’s veterinarian can give you food suggestions that are appropriate for your dog’s age, size and health condition.
The Siberian Husky and the Pug have completely different energy levels, that is why you need to check for yourself how much endurance and strength your Husky Pug mix has as he grows up.
Generally, Siberian Huskies need at least two hours of heavy exercise daily. They are classified as active working dogs, and they need to release their energies; otherwise, they’ll quickly get bored. A bored Husky has tendencies to chew on anything he grabs. Siberian Huskies are also suited for agility classes and activities which channel their high intelligence productively.
Pugs love going on short walks, at least 40 minutes a day. They like to move around, and they prefer doing indoor games since they are quite sensitive to warmer weather.
Depending on which traits your Husky Pug inherits from its parents, make sure you attend to its daily activity needs to prevent developing unwanted behaviors. Getting them to do physical activities daily will keep your pet companion happy and healthy.
Properly training your pup is just as crucial as its regular exercise needs. You may need some patience on your part while training this dog breed since they may inherit the willfulness of their Siberian Husky parent.
Here are some quick tips for training your Pug crossed with a Husky:
The Husky mixed with Pug breed is a great family dog because of its easy-going and friendly personality. Due to its Pug breeding lineage, this hybrid has low aggressive tendencies and enjoys spending time with the family more than anything. They love demanding attention from anyone in the household, including children and even strangers.
When properly trained and socialized at an early age, the Husky Pug can get along well with other dogs and children. Kids love the Husky Pug because of its affectionate and lively personality. Their genuine nature and friendly disposition make them a devoted family dog companion.
Moreover, the Hugs make great therapy and companion dogs. They generally do well when given lots of attention and affection. They would cuddle with you when they want your attention. So give love lots of love to your Husky Pug mix and expect that it will shower you back with much affection.