Key Takeaways
While pug mixes can inherit certain health issues from pugs, they may also receive beneficial traits, such as improved breathing ability.
Potential pet parents must consider their lifestyle, the dog’s exercise needs, and the mix’s grooming requirements when choosing a pug mix.
The pug is an instantly recognizable and incredibly lovable dog who’s popular for good reason—but some pug mixes are just as popular. A few popular pug mixes include the chug, puggle, and bugg. We talked with Amy Attas, DVM, and author of Pets and the City, on what potential pet parents can expect from a pug mix.
“When two breeds are crossed, the offspring will share traits from both,” she says. “Many breeds are commonly bred to pugs, and the resulting offspring have personalities that differ from both purebred lines—but they result in some adorable breed names.”
Because it’s harder to predict what traits a mixed-breed dog will inherit, and each dog will have their own personality despite genetics, Attas recommends making sure that the dog you’re looking to adopt or purchase aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.
Considerations Before Adopting a Pug Mix
Pugs are prone to certain health issues due to their brachycephalic, short-nosed structure, including breathing difficulties, skin fold dermatitis, and obesity, says Bethany Hsia, DVM, and co-founder of CodaPet. She encourages pet parents looking for a pug mix to research the potential health issues that can arise from mixing breeds with different genetic predispositions and each breed’s specific health concerns. Pet parents should consider factors such as size, energy level, temperament, and care requirements of the dog before bringing them home.
If you’re drawn to the breed characteristics of a pug and are considering welcoming a pug mix into your family, Attas says to be mindful of the following:
Most pug mixes require more exercise than pug purebredsSome pug crosses require much more grooming, whereas pugs only require regular brushing, as they do shed a lotSome pug crosses are more independent than the pug
“Whenever considering a dog, whether purebred or crossed, it must be stressed that this is a lifetime commitment,” she says. “Families must be prepared to provide love, attention, and medical care for the dog’s entire lifetime, which can be 15 years or more.”
