Chug: Dog Breed Characteristics and Care
History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners
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If you're looking for a small but active dog, a cross between a Chihuahua and a pug might be what you're looking for. This dog may be referred to as a Chihuahua-pug mix, pughuahua, or most commonly, a chug. Some people consider them a designer breed while others say they are a mixed breed, but they've grown in popularity through the years regardless.
Find out more about the chug, the kind of care they need, and if they're the right pet for you.
Breed Overview
Group: Designer
Height: 10-14 inches
Weight: 10-20 lbs
Coat: Short or long
Coat Colors: Brown, black, fawn, cream, and white
Life Span: 10-13 years
Temperament: Playful, energetic, friendly, alert, active
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin Country: USA
Characteristics of the Chug
Chugs have many characteristics of both a Chihuahua and a pug. Chihuahuas can be nervous, active, and alert dogs while pugs are known more for their companionship and quirky personalities. They can have some breathing concerns due to their smushed faces. Chugs can inherit any combination of traits from their parent breeds; as with all mixed-breed dogs, it's impossible to say which parent they will take after most.
These small dogs won't make great guard dogs or hunting dogs, but if you're looking for a fun companion that will let you know when someone's at the door and keep you entertained all day, they may fit the bill.
Affection Level | Medium |
Friendliness | High |
Kid-Friendly | Medium |
Pet-Friendly | High |
Exercise Needs | Low |
Playfulness | High |
Energy Level | High |
Trainability | Medium |
Intelligence | Medium |
Tendency to Bark | High |
Amount of Shedding | Medium |
History of the Chug
The origins of the Chug is not well documented, and there is no one directly credited with breeding the first Chugs. It's thought these dogs were bred to help eliminate the short snout of the pug. Chihuahuas and pugs are both in the toy dog group, so breeding two toy dogs together ensures the chug stays small. They are still considered a designer dog breed or mixed breed, so they are not recognized as a purebred dog by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or any other organizations.
Chug Care
Caring for a chug involves some basic grooming and exercise as well as a little bit of training. Chugs are not as high maintenance as some breeds, but they still require some time and effort.
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Fawn chugs are the most common color.
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Chug puppies are hard to resist.
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Chugs have fun personalities.Exercise
Chugs are usually active dogs, but they don't require as much exercise as those of the hunting and sporting groups. A daily walk or two around the block, a small yard to run around in, or even 15-30 minutes of playtime in the house each day is usually enough exercise for a chug. They have little legs and won't be running marathons with you, but they do enjoy a good walk or short run. If your Chug inherits more of a shorter snout from the pug parent, you will need to take more precautions with exercise to keep them safe.
Grooming
Most Chugs have short hair like their pug relatives, but if a parent is a long-haired Chihuahua, it's also possible for a Chug to have longer hair. Chugs do not need haircuts but occasional brushing, baths, ear cleanings, nail trims, and teeth brushing will still be needed. Overall, Chugs don't require a lot of grooming.
Training
The sooner you start training your Chug, the better off you'll both be. Training your chug to come, sit, stay, heel, walk on a leash, and use the potty outside are necessary not only for your home's cleanliness but also for your dog's safety and ease of care.
Common Health Problems
Mixed-breed dogs are often healthier than purebred dogs, but that doesn't mean Chugs are free of all health problems. Some health problems that are more common in Chugs include:
Obesity
Ocular issues
Aside from these more breed-specific health problems, there is always a possibility of other common issues like dental disease, parasites, and ear infections that can affect any dog.
Diet and Nutrition
Like all dogs, Chugs should eat a nutritionally complete diet formulated for dogs by veterinary nutritionists. Two meals a day helps to keep blood sugar regulated, and don't forget to measure out the appropriate amount of food based on your dog's weight, age, activity, and caloric content of the food you are feeding. If you aren't sure what your dog should eat, ask your veterinarian for recommendations. Feeding the proper diet will help prevent obesity and other health issues throughout your dog's life.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Chug
Chugs are often referred to as a designer breed, and some breeders will breed them for specific colors or qualities because there is no breed standard, at least not yet. But if you're looking for a Chug, be careful of breeders that only breed for profit or house their dogs in unsanitary conditions. You should always be able to see the parents of the dog if you are purchasing from a breeder and breeders should act responsibly by selectively breeding to help prevent poor health qualities from being passed on to the offspring.
Rescuing or adoption is also an option and some Chihuahua or pug-specific rescues may even have Chugs available.
Chug Overview
Pros
Chugs have low-maintenance grooming needs due to their short coat
Chugs are playful and active dogs but don't require a lot of exercise
Drooling is not typically a concern with Chugs
Cons
Some Chugs with shorter snouts may have breathing issues
They are likely to come from puppy mills or backyard breeders
Chugs can be vocal and will alert you if they are scared or if someone is at the door
10 Best Small Dog Breeds for Limited Space
More Dog Breeds and Further Research
If you’re interested in similar breeds to the Chug, check out:
These small breeds are great options, but when you consider mixed dog breeds, your options for finding the right dog for you are endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a pug and a Chug?
A pug is a purebred dog breed while a Chug is a mixed-breed dog that is a combination of a Chihuahua and a pug. Chugs look similar to pugs but are typically a little taller, slimmer, and have less of a smushed face.
Are Chugs good family dogs?
With a little training and proper socialization, Chugs can make great family dogs. As with any dog, watching them closely around children is needed but teaching both the dog and the child how to properly interact is key.
Are Chugs good apartment dogs?
Because Chugs don't need a lot of space, they can make good apartment dogs. Chugs can be vocal though, so if your apartment is noisy, they may bark more than you would like until they get used to the sounds.
