Pug Mix

Pugs are unique little dogs with adorable features. They are a very popular breed for crossbreeding as they are laidback, have moderate exercise needs, and are great with children. Unfortunately, the pug has been inbred for decades, and due to their brachycephalic syndrome, they suffer from multiple health problems. However, when combining them with another breed, the offspring may have fewer health conditions than its parents. There are many pug mixes to choose from, but this article will focus on the puggle, a pug and beagle mix. But first, here are a few of the most popular pug mixes.

Types of Pug Mixes

The pug might be one of the most adorable breeds around, but when mixed with another breed, the result is even cuter! So, here are three of the most popular pug hybrids:

Chug

The chug is the perfect option for someone looking for a smaller pug mix. This combination of pug and Chihuahua only weighs between 10 and 20 pounds and measures around 6 to 12 inches tall. Luckily, the chug is an occasional barker, and they don’t have high energy levels, so they make excellent apartment dogs. Additionally, chugs are loyal, intelligent, and affectionate. However, they can be stubborn, making them challenging to train. Lastly, this pug mix will do well in family settings as they are good with kids and other pets.

Daug

The Daug is a combination of pug and Dachshund, resulting in a reasonably intelligent hybrid that weighs around 15 to 25 pounds and grows up to 15 inches tall. The daug tends to bark a lot, so they need an owner who is home a lot, making them perfect for seniors. Additionally, they are moderately active, requiring around 30 minutes of exercise daily.

Unfortunately, the daug is not hypoallergenic, but they are relatively easy to train. Furthermore, they are affectionate, sweet, and loving, making them great companions for families with children. However, the daug can be protective. If this pug mix is trained and socialized early, it will also get along with other animals.

Frug

The frug is often called the Frenchie pug, and while it might be small, it has a massive presence. This pug and French bulldog mix is curious and loves being around other dogs. In addition, they love children, so they will thrive in a family setting. However, frugs may suffer from health issues like breathing problems, obesity, and cherry eye.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Puggle

Pug Mix Size and Weight

It’s hard to say how big the puggle will get, as it can take after either parent. Pugs are categorized as toy dogs, and the beagle falls into the medium-sized dog category, so the puggle could be anything in between. Their weight could range from a petite 14 pounds to over 30 pounds; it is really the luck of the draw. Additionally, their height can vary from 10 to 15 inches.

Pug Mix Common Health Issues

While pug mixes are generally healthier than their purebred parents, they can inherit some of their genetic health conditions, if not all. So, always be on the lookout for the following issues:

Hip Dysplasia

This is a hereditary condition where the thighbone socket is abnormal, and the hip joint doesn’t fit into it properly. Signs can include pain or lameness in one or both hind legs, but a lot of breeds don’t show any symptoms at all. Unfortunately, as the dog gets older, it can develop into arthritis. While genetic, this condition is worsened by environmental factors like rapid growth and injuries sustained from jumping, falling, or running.

Stenotic Nares

Also known as pinched nostrils, stenotic nares is a congenital disorder, which means the breed is born with it. Unfortunately, it mostly affects dogs with short snouts, making breathing challenging. Symptoms can include noisy breathing and little interest in exercise. Also, ensure to check inside their mouths as dogs deprived of oxygen have blue gums. Some ways to minimize the effects or prevent this condition include limiting activity during hot or humid periods and preventing obesity. However, more severe cases will require surgery.

Patellar Luxation

It is not uncommon to see patellar luxation in small dogs. It is also often referred to as slipped stifles. This condition occurs when the thigh bone, knee cap, and calf do not align properly, which causes an abnormal gait or lameness of the leg. While this health issue is present at birth, the misalignment generally occurs later on in life. Sadly, this is another condition that leads to arthritis. Patellar luxation is distinguished by four grades, ranging from mild to severe. The first grade causes temporary lameness in the joint, while the fourth grade can’t be realigned manually and will require surgery.

Hypothyroidism

This condition is caused by a thyroid hormone deficiency and includes symptoms like lack of energy, infertility, mental dullness, and obesity. Additionally, the puggle’s fur may become brittle and start to fall out while the skin darkens and becomes tough. Luckily, this disease is managed with medication. However, your poor pup will be on these drugs for the rest of their lives, but at least they will live.

Cherry Eye

This occurs when the gland in the nictitating membrane (third eyelid) starts to bulge. It is easy to identify, as there is a big red mass in the corner of the dog’s eye. Unfortunately, the only way to remove this mass is through surgery.

Epilepsy

If your puggle is having seizures, it is likely due to epilepsy. Luckily, this condition is easily managed with medication, but unfortunately, it can’t be cured. Epilepsy can be hereditary or caused by an unknown factor, but with the proper care, there is no reason why your pup can’t live a full and happy life.

Life Expectancy

Pug mixes usually have long lifespans, and the puggle is no different. These adorable dogs can live between 10 to 15 years!

Temperament

Because the puggle is sweet, playful, and cuddly, they enjoy being part of a family. The more attention they get, the better, which is why they make such good companions for children. However, they are known for barking, wandering, and destructive behaviors like digging. Therefore, these pooches need early socialization. Exposing them to different sights, sounds, and people ensures they will grow into well-rounded canines.

How to Take Care of a Pug Mix

The puggle might not be a high-maintenance breed, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need care. As with any breed, they still require grooming, training, and exercise.

The Best Dog Food for a Pug Mix

The puggle needs about 1.5 cups of top-quality dog food divided into two meals daily. However, this amount will vary depending on their size, build, metabolism, age, and energy level. Also, since the puggle is a hybrid, there is no way of telling which parent breed it will take after; therefore, food portions will differ depending on your dog’s needs. For example, if your pug mix takes after the beagle and has more energy, it will need a larger portion of food. But if it takes after the pug and is more of a couch potato, then smaller amounts are necessary. Additionally, the type of food you buy makes a difference as well. Dog food with high-quality ingredients and packed with nutrients allows for smaller portions as it fills your pup up quicker, making it last longer.

As puggles are prone to obesity, you mustn’t free-feed them. Instead, owners need to have a strict feeding routine consisting of smaller meals spread over the course of the day so their pups don’t overeat.

Grooming

The puggle is a heavy shedder, so to control any unwanted hair, owners must brush their pug mix at least twice a week. They don’t require monthly baths, as this will wash away the natural oils that keep their skin moist and healthy. Instead, only bathe this hybrid when they are really dirty. However, their facial folds need to be wiped regularly to remove any debris or dirt that could cause infection. Additionally, you need to ensure their eyes are clean and free of any discharge that could cause irritation. Don’t forget about their oral hygiene! These dogs need their teeth brushed at least three times a week with toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs. Furthermore, you need to monitor the length of your dog’s nails; if they start to touch the ground, they need a trim, as short nails hurt less when they jump on you and keep their paws in good condition.

Training

Training a puggle is challenging. Their beagle genes make them want to roam, and they are easily distracted. In addition, pugs have a nasty reputation for being tough to toilet-train, so you can only hope your hybrid doesn’t inherit this trait. Luckily, these dogs respond well to positive reinforcement, so always ensure you have treats nearby.

Exercise

This pug mix is moderately active, and they need around half an hour of exercise daily, including walks, jogging, or a game of fetch in the backyard. However, puggles get bored quickly and will turn to destructive behavior like chewing, digging, barking, or howling. So, if you can’t give them the attention they require, ensure there is plenty of enrichment to keep them busy.

Puppies

A female puggle can give birth to a litter of two to four puppies. However, the first pregnancy usually only results in two pups.

Pug Mix and Children

Thanks to the puggle’s social behavior, they get along well with all types of people and animals, making them excellent family pets. In addition, these pug mixes have all the patience in the world for toddlers and can become quite protective of children.  

Pug Mix Cost

The puggle is a popular hybrid, so they aren’t as expensive as other designer breeds. You can purchase a puggle from a reputable breeder for between $400 and $600, depending on their location, pedigree, and the breeder’s reputation.