Pug Mixes: What You Need to Know About These Crossbreeds

Published on 12/16/2022

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Some dogs were bred to herd livestock, travel great distances, or guard palaces. Pugs, on the other hand, were bred to be loved. One of the most ancient dog breeds, Pugs were raised to warm the laps of Chinese emperors and later became friends with Buddhist monks and a slew of royal figures, from Queen Victoria to Jessica Alba. To this day, these charming yet mischievous cuddlers are happiest in your company whether they’re chilling on the couch or begging for dinner scraps.

Unfortunately, Pugs’ mega-cute look can mean a higher likelihood of some health problems, such as eye dryness and ulcers. As a brachycephalic or short-nosed breed, they’re also prone to breathing issues and overheating in hot and humid weather. Opting for a Pug mix is one way you can enjoy what you love about these coach potatoes while also reaping the benefits of other strengths that come with different breeds.

If you’re considering a mix on the classic, here’s what you need to know about different Pug mixes, including what to expect in terms of their personality and temperament, cost, and more.

First: Are There Really 30+ Pug Crossbreeds Out There?

Google “Pug mixes,” and you’ll find upward of 30 different combinations. Among many others, these include the following:

American Pugabull (Pug Bulldog mix)
Daug (Dachshund Pug mix)
Hug (Husky Pug mix)
Pom-a-Pug (Pomeranian Pug mix)
Porgi (Corgi Pug mix)
Poxer or Box-a-Pug (Boxer Pug mix)
Pug Pit (Pit Bull Pug mix)
Pugapoo (Pug Poodle mix)
Pugshire (Pug Yorkie mix)
Pug-Zu (Shih Tzu Pug mix)

These special combos may result in a variety of new looks, including spotted or speckled coats, long-haired Pugs, and larger, more muscular bods. However, because certain designer dog breeds are so rare, little information is available on their unique traits or how they may be expressed depending on their parents’ breed and background.

If you’re just at the beginning of your search for a Pug mix, here’s what you need to know about a few of the better-known Pug crossbreeds.

Bug/Bugg (Boston Terrier Pug mix)

When you mix a Boston Terrier and Pug together, you can get a wide variety of coat colors and patterns like the tuxedo look as well as perked-up or droopy ears. These cuties tend to be satisfied with some light exercise and are famous for their social skills with humans and dogs of all ages. But the flip side of that is they sometimes get separation anxiety when left alone for too long.

Chug (Chihuahua Pug mix)

The Pug Chihuahua Mix, a.k.a. Pughuahua, is a teensy dog with a jumbo-sized personality. Their Chihuahua side can be notoriously temperamental and delicate—so they’re not the best match for young children. But they do make fantastic purse-friendly pets for big city living.

Frug (French Bulldog Pug mix)

Frenchies and Pugs have a lot in common: they’re widely adored for their friendliness and good looks. Frugs benefit from these traits and might also sport Frenchies’ quintessential pointy ears in a more Pug-sized package. However, like their parents, they can be prone to breathing problems, so stick to indoor play on hot and humid days.

Pugalier (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Pug mix)

Pugalier (Pug and Cavalier King Charlies Spaniel)

Also known as the Cavapug, Pugalier dogs are bred in a bid to lengthen the pug’s shortened snout for fewer breathing problems. They’re also known for more of a fluffy Pug look with slightly-longer ears as well as high intelligence and gentleness.

Puggle (Beagle Pug mix)

The Pug Beagle mix may be one of the most popular Pug crossbreeds. With a less smooshed in face, floppy Beagle-like ears, and boundless curiosity, it’s no wonder so many people fall in love with Puggles. Pro tip: Since they can be stubborn and strong-willed explorers, training is a must.

Pug Mixes: Personality and Temperament

As is true for all dogs, an individual pup’s personality, temperament, and behavioral habits can vary vastly and don’t always match the stereotype for their parents’ breeds. Pugs are known for being affectionate and friendly with kids, older adults, and other dogs. But Pug mixes could inherit other traits from other breeds. Puggles, for example, are known for being much higher-energy than the average Pug, thanks to their Beagle side.

If you’ve ever played with a litter of puppies, you know you can spot those that are more shy, confident, curious, or social pretty quickly. As such, the best way to get to know a Pug mix is to spend quality time together, ask the breeder about them, and see if you click. No matter the Pug mix, make sure they have plenty of time to get to know other dogs and people, and sign them up for a good puppy training class to avoid behavioral issues like separation anxiety.

Where to Find a Pug Mix

When it comes to crossbred Pugs, there’s no Pug breeding organization equivalent to, say, the American Kennel Club (AKC). With no governing board to provide regulations or guidelines to ensure Pug mixes check off certain boxes to earn the title they’ve been given by breeders, pet stores, or rescue organizations, it’s up to individuals to provide proof and records to back up their claims.

It’s possible that a variety of Pug crossbreeds could be out there. But there’s no simple way to determine if the pup you’re looking at falls into a certain category without doing research of your own. To find a reputable breeder, ask potential Pug mix breeders questions about their process, visit their site if possible, and check out reviews of what other clients have to say about them before you make a commitment. You could also always contact a rescue organization to connect with a one-of-a-kind Pug.

Pug Mix FAQs

With so many possibilities, you’ve probably got questions. Here are the answers to a few of the most frequently-asked questions about Pug mixes.

What is a Puggle mixed with?

Puggles are the result of breeding a Pug with a Beagle.

What is a Chug?

A Chug is a mix of a Pug and a Chihuahua.

Are Pugs a crossbreed?

Pugs are their own distinct dog breed. They’ve been around for at least 2,000 years.

Are Pugs already a mix between two dogs?

Nope! Pugs were bred alongside other flat-faced dog breeds like the Pekingese and Shih Tzu to be companions for the families of Chinese emperors, but they are their own unique breed.

Are Pug mixes healthy?

Unfortunately, Pug mixes may suffer from the same health problems as their parents. Always ask your veterinarian about potential health issues and how to take care of your pet’s special needs before getting a Pug mix.