Chug Dog – Everything About This Cute Mixed Breed

Chug dogs are some of the cutest mixed-breed dogs in the world! This adorable button-nosed, small breed of pups is the result of breeding a Chihuahua and a Pug. They often have the face and pudginess of a Pug combined with the classic small stature and short coat of a Chihuahua. 

While the most common color for this little mixed breed is tan, there are tons of other colors and patterns you’ll see with Chug dogs. New pet owners will love this Chihuahua Pug mix for their ability to easily accept and recall new commands, their loyalty, and how easy it is to groom them!

Are you thinking of adding a small dog to your loving family? Here’s everything you need to know about this cute mixed breed!

The Basics

Let’s start with the basics. This Pug Chihuahua mix breed is one of many small breeds of dogs. They usually weigh between 10-20lbs and have a height of 6-12 inches. Most Chug dogs will live a fairly long life, between 10-13 years. The Chug breed is highly intelligent and loves to communicate with yips and barks. Chugs are often sought out for their easy-going nature, low-maintenance coats, and their ability to recall commands easily.

Who Are the Parent Puppies?

Pug

The parent breeds of a Chug dog are a Pug and a Chihuahua. The parent breeds influence a Chug’s appearance, personality, and temperament, so it’s helpful to understand both sides of a Chug’s lineage.

Pug parents know how incredibly affectionate and active these small dogs are, and they’ve spawned several types of mixed breeds. One of the cutest mixes is a Puggle! Puggles are excellent family dogs and are full of energy, loyalty, and lots of doggie kisses. 

Breeds from the Pug lineage are typically high-energy, excitable, and good-natured dogs. There are some health problems associated with this breed, but we’ll discuss that in detail later in this article. 

Chihuahua

The other parent of Chugs is Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas are known for their tiny appearance and classic yipping bark, but there’s so much more to know about this breed! Did you know there are seven different types of Chihuahuas?

A Chug dog could come from a pug and any one of these types of Chihuahuas, though the most commonly bred type of Chihuahua is short-haired. Chihuahuas are one of the most popular toy breeds and are loved for their big personality and adorably tiny size, and the short-haired type is most commonly used for breeding because of their adorable size and how easy it is to groom them. 

History of Chug Dogs

Chug dogs are a relatively new breed, but their popularity has skyrocketed in the last 10-20 years! No one is quite sure when Chug dogs were first bred, but it’s expected this happened during the 1990s as part of the designer dog boom. 

Designer dogs were hugely popular during the 90s, and many celebrities adopted the latest designer breed. Lots of new breeds came out during that era, including the Jack Russell Terrier and Pug mix known as the Retro Pug and the iconic Husky/Pitbull mix called Pitsky. Breeders probably decided to mix Chihuahuas and Pugs for a few simple reasons. 

They knew this union would result in energetic, tiny dogs that would appeal to a vast amount of people. They’re perfect for single dog owners looking for a companion, and they also make excellent family dogs. 

What Do Chug Dogs Look Like?

Since Chug dogs are a mixed breed, there’s actually a lot of variety in their appearances. There are black Chug dogs, patterned Chug dogs, and a variety of other colors. 

Some Chug dogs will look more like one of their parent puppies than the other, so there is a little mystery for potential pet owners before they see a Chug dog in person. However, there are a few things you can be sure of.

All Chug dogs are pretty small and weigh around 10-20 lbs. They’re usually very short in stature as well, with a height of only 7-12 inches. The majority of Chug dogs seem to end up with the classic squish face of a Pug and the small legs of a Chihuahua. 

Some Chug dogs end up with Pug-like chunky bodies, while others take after their Chihuahua parents with a more slender frame. There’s a huge amount of variety in Chug dogs’ appearances, but the certainty is how adorable they are!

Grooming Your Chug Dog

Chug dogs are the perfect breed for pet owners who don’t enjoy extensive grooming. These dogs generally have short, fine hair and don’t require a trim. If you’d like, you can brush their fur every couple of weeks, but it’s not a necessity. This dog breed doesn’t shed very much, and their coat doesn’t need a lot of maintenance (thanks to their Pug parent). 

You will need to bathe your Chug once a month to keep their coat and skin healthy, but it shouldn’t take long since they’re so small! Oatmeal-based shampoos are a great option for this breed, especially during the summer. Chug dogs are prone to mild allergies in the warmer months and oatmeal-based shampoos will help moisturize their coat and skin while relieving any itchiness.

Are Chug Dogs Hypoallergenic?

One of the many reasons designer dog breeds became so popular in the 90s is due to breeders’ ability to choose dogs with specific genes to create their desired result. Many new mixed breeds are considered hypoallergenic, which makes them the perfect choice for pet lovers with allergies to pet dander or fur.

Unfortunately, Chug dogs aren’t hypoallergenic. But they do tend to shed much less than other breeds, so it’s possible that people with mild allergies won’t experience a reaction to this small dog. 

What’s the Temperament of a Chug Dog?

You can expect your Chug dog to have an interesting mix of qualities from their parents. Pugs and Chihuahuas have plenty in common. Both are energetic, loving, and full of charm! But Pugs are often more laid back, whereas Chihuahuas tend to have a bit more spunk. 

Chug dogs might take after their Pug side and be easy-going and (occasionally) lazy dogs, but they could also have stranger anxiety that leads to a lot of yapping if they take after their Chihuahua side. 

Your Chug might show a temperament most similar to either side of their lineage or have a mix of traits from both! Just like people, dogs are unique, and mixed breeds like Chug dogs have vibrant personalities that you’ll get to know and love in no time!

Is Socialization Important For Chug Dogs?

Socialization is important for all dogs (whether they’re a purebred dog or a mix), and the Chihuahua Pug mix is no exception! This breed may need a little more structured socialization through a training program because of their Chihuahua heritage. They can be prone to anxiety and stranger danger, so if you don’t want your Chug puppy yapping at every passer-by on walks, then you’ll need to socialize them early. 

Getting your pup used to different people and other pets will make them feel more at ease whenever you take them out and prevent the instinctual (and excessive!) yapping that dog lovers associate with Chihuahuas. 

Are Chug Dogs Naturally Anxious?

Chugs can be a naturally anxious breed. They get this from their Chihuahua parent, but their Pug side has the potential to offset this nervousness. If your Chug dog has a naturally anxious temperament, then don’t be too concerned. There are plenty of things you can do to help!

Training and socialization are great ways to help your Chug dog feel less anxious. You’ll want to help them settle in when they first arrive with plenty of toys, but also a quiet space that’s just for them. Setting out a nice dog bed or doing crate training will give your dog a place to go when they’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious and help them settle into their new home!

What’s the Ideal Living Situation for The Chug Dog Breed?

Since Chug dogs are so small, they’re a very adaptable breed. These dogs will thrive in most settings as long as they get plenty of time to exercise and have plenty of toys. Puzzle toys and indestructible toys will help to entertain and occupy them.

Chug dogs are an excellent option for those living in small or large homes, apartments, condos, etc. However, if you live very close to others and don’t want to disturb them, you’ll want to invest in some training for your Chug to make sure they’re not barking and yapping at all times!

How Much Exercise Do Chug Dogs Need?

All doggos need exercise to stay healthy and happy. That’s true for every breed, even the super tiny ones! Chug dogs need to get out and stretch their little legs at least twice per day. 

Taking your furry friend for a 30-40 minute walk two times a day is all they need to stay fit and happy. Exercise isn’t just about using up energy and staying in shape. Your pup needs the stimulation of being outside and exploring different scents.

This breed isn’t known for pulling or being overly domineering on walks, which makes them a great option for elderly people or those who can’t keep up with stronger, higher-energy dogs. If you’re concerned about not being able to keep up a steady pace with your Chug, consider getting them a retractable leash! It’ll give them the freedom they need to sprint around with their cute little legs while allowing you to maintain a leisurely pace.

Do Chug Dogs Have Any Health Problems?

Every breed has certain health issues they’re more prone to develop than others. As devoted pet owners, it’s our job to know which health issues might pop up, what to look out for, and what to do when something makes our canine companions feel unwell. 

Chug dogs are vulnerable to developing several health conditions. Early intervention can also make an enormous difference in reducing discomfort and helping your Chug puppy live a full and happy life! Read on to learn about the health issues Chugs are likely to develop and what you can do to keep your Chug healthy and happy.

Hip Dysplasia

One of the most common issues seen in Chug dogs is hip dysplasia. This condition occurs in breeds of all sizes, although Pugs are known to have this issue frequently. Hip dysplasia occurs when a dog’s hip joint grows and develops abnormally.

This causes pain and muscle weakness and is usually very noticeable. Dogs with hip dysplasia often have a “bunny-hop” gait or a distinct limp. The only true cure for hip dysplasia is surgery. Make sure you discuss with your rescue whether your Chug has been checked for hip dysplasia and other issues, so you can pursue treatment if necessary.

Luxating Patellas

Another condition Chugs can develop is called luxating patellas. This issue can range in severity and causes a dog’s knees to slip out of place. Depending on the severity of the condition, your dog may seem completely unaffected by it or in quite a bit of pain. Severe cases need surgery to correct, but there are less invasive treatment options for more mild cases.

Eye Disease

Smaller dogs are more likely to develop eye diseases than others, and flat-faced breeds like pugs are particularly prone to developing dry eye. Since Chug dogs tend to have the adorable smushed face look that Pugs do, this is one of the potential health conditions you’ll want to look out for. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition that causes dogs to not produce enough tears. 

The most common signs of this condition are red, irritated-looking eyes and thick discharge. Thankfully, there are treatments that can correct dry eye. Your vet can prescribe medicated drops or ointment to stimulate the body’s natural production of tears and get your dog feeling comfortable again in as little as four weeks!

Perfect Human For Chug Dogs

Now that we’ve told you all about what makes Chug dogs such an amazing breed and why they’d make an excellent addition to your family, let’s talk about what Chugs are looking for in their ideal human!

Chugs need someone who can offer them plenty of love and affection. They’ll love to be part of a family, be adopted by a loving couple, or become a best friend with a single person. Chugs don’t require a ton of exercise, so they make an excellent companion for anyone, so long as you can offer them a nice walk a few times each day!

You’re the perfect human for Chug dogs if you love giving and receiving lots of cuddles, enjoy going for a relaxing stroll a few times per day, are willing to invest in a little training, and have the patience to help your new best friend settle in!

Should You Adopt A Chug Dog?

Chug dogs are a unique, adaptable breed. Whether you live on a 20-acre ranch or a small apartment, you’ll be able to adopt a Chug dog and give them everything they need to stay healthy and happy. Just make sure you get them some training and socialization early on to offset any excessive nervousness or yapping they may have inherited. 

These dogs are perfect for families, couples, and single people! If you’re looking for a small, adaptable, and loving new addition to your family, then you can’t go wrong with adopting a Chug dog!

Looking for more Chihuahua mixes? Check out the Chiweenie dog or the Jack Russell Chihuahua mix!