The Chihuahua Pug mix, or the “Chug” as it is otherwise known, is a small, tubby mixed-breed dog created by combining the ever-on-guard Mexican Chihuahua with the ever-relaxed Chinese Pug!
The resulting mix is an affectionate, loyal and lightly active dog that’s perfect for the elderly active couple, or family, looking for a smaller companion pet. These dogs typically make wonderful pets for those living in apartments, or for families with children.
Chihuahua Pug Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 10 – 20 pounds |
| Height: | 6 – 14 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 13 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, brown, cream, golden and white. May have brindle or sable markings |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, intelligent, stubborn, active, short attention spans |
| Most Suitable For: | Active families, active single individuals, active elderly couples |
What Does a Chihuahua Pug Mix Look Like?
Like most designer dog breeds, the Pug Chihuahua mix will inherit its physical appearance from each parent breed, maintaining the smaller size of the Chihuahua while likely inheriting the prominent facial features of the Pug.
These facial features include a shorter muzzle, likely black, and a flat nose, making them susceptible to the Pug’s brachycephalic traits. It could also inherit the upright ears of the Chihuahua, with the rounder eyes of the Pug.
Regarding body shape, expect your Chug to look more like the Chihuahua with a slender body, spindly, shorter legs, and a curled tail – similar to the Pug. As with most designer breeds, you can expect a wide variety of color combinations when it comes to coat colors. Chug coats are typically short and dense, requiring weekly brushing.
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The History of the Chihuahua Pug Mix
The Chihuahua Pug hasn’t been around for that long, but their parent breeds have an extensive history from different parts of the world. The Chihuahua heralds from the Mexican state of the same name, while the Pug was bred in China centuries ago and is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds.
To learn more about the adorable Chug, we’ll take you through the history of their parent dogs.
The History of the Pug
Pugs are one of the world’s oldest dog breeds and stretch back to the days of Song Dynasty (960AD – 1279AD), where they were popular companion pets of the ruling family and Chinese nobility.
It wasn’t until the 16th century that the Pug was exported from China to Europe, where it once again found favor in royal European courts. Among some of the most famous Pug owners were William III and Mary II of the Netherlands moved to take the English throne.
Always a loyal companion, the Pug was first exported to the United States in the 19th century and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
How Popular Are Pugs in the United States?
From the early days of their arrival in the United States, the Pug has been a popular companion pet. In 2021, the Pug was the 33rd most-popular dog in the United States.
Who Are Pugs a Good Dog For?
Given their small size and low-maintenance nature, the Pug is a fantastic option for city apartment dwellers looking for a moderately-active companion. Pugs are also great choices for the elderly and those seeking a low-maintenance dog.
Pugs are loyal companions that make a fantastic choice of family pet.
How Did Pugs Come About?
The precise history of Pugs is difficult to come by, because the breed is ancient. However, we do know that they are members of the Brachycephalic family and have been noted as favored dogs of Chinese emperors and were famous during the Song Dynasty in ancient China. They are one of the world’s oldest dog breeds!
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Pug?
The Pug is one of those dogs that’s not particularly sought after among mixed-breed dog lovers community, partially because of their tubby physical appearance and flat face. Secondly, their propensity to suffer from Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) which can lead to breathing difficulties and other cardiovascular problems. The probability that these genes may be passed on is relatively high.
Despite not being particularly hot off the mixed-breed presses, a few Pug crossbreeds are more popular than others. These include:
- French Bulldog Pug Mix (Frug)
- German Shepherd Pug Mix (Shug)
- Pitbull Pug Mix (Pit Pug)
- Boxer Pug Mix (Poxer)
- Pug Poodle Mix (Pug-a-Poo)
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua was first noted in the mid-19th century in the Mexican state of the same name. This small, wiry dog with yappy tendencies first appeared on the American scene in the late 19th century, but has it’s origins in 9th century Mexico, when the Aztecs ruled.
Descendent from the Techichi – a small, mute dog kept by the Toltec Peoples, an ancient Aztec tribe. The Techichi bears striking physical resemblance to the modern-day Chihuahua, though the Chihuahua’s yappy tendencies came from somewhere else, as the Techichi was mute!
Throughout its history in Mexico, it’s thought that the Chihuahua was kept exclusively as a companion dog, as it doesn’t have the size or strength to be anything else. Judging by its barking levels, you could be forgiven for thinking it was a guard dog.
The Chihuahua first arrived in the United States in the late 19th-century, when one was purchased from a Mexican trader along the Mexican-American border. The petite dog was immediately beloved by the American public and many began to pour into the United States via Mexico. In 1904, the Chihuahua was recognized as a toy breed by the American Kennel Club.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas in the United States?
Given their century and more in the United States, the little Chihuahua has had plenty of time to endear itself to the American populace. And despite its annoying bark, the Chihuahua has undoubtedly become very popular among the elderly and those looking for an excitable but small, family dog.
In 2021, the Chihuahua ranked as the 37th most-popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Chihuahuas are beloved by almost everyone, as their small size and Napoleon complex makes them formidable little guard dogs (the shrill bark helps). Best suited for those with a house & yard, although the Chihuahua could do well with city apartment dwellers, provided that training is done to avert excessive barking.
Chihuahuas can be very protective of their owners and thus may be best kept as the sole animal of the household.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
While we aren’t certain precisely when Chihuahuas came about, we do know that they’re descended from the Aztec Techichi dog – a small, mute tribal dog kept by the Toltec Peoples. The Chihuahua was first noted in the mid-19th century in the Mexican state of the same name.
The Chihuahua entered the United States at the end of the 19th century and became a favorite companion pet.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas aren’t notoriously popular crossbreeds when it comes to mixed breeds outside of their size range. Female Chihuahuas can also sometimes experience complications in pregnancy that make them an undesirable mating partner for breeders.
However, since the late 1990s and early 2000s, Chihuahuas have had several popular crossbreed mutts. These include:
- Corgi Chihuahua Mix (Chigi)
- Chihuahua Boston Terrier Mix (Boston Chi)
- Border Collie Chihuahua Mix (Border Chi)
- Chihuahua Affenpinscher Mix (Affen Chi)
- Chihuahua Golden Retriever Mix (Golden Chi)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important parts of dog ownership is ensuring that you’re ready for the level of commitment that owning a dog entails, and that you find a dog that’s most suitable for you and your family unit.
You want to find a dog with as much compatibility as possible to your family unit. To do this, you’ll need to research the temperament of the dog you’re thinking of adopting or purchasing. All dogs have many adorable traits, but there are some pups that can be more of a challenge to fit into our lives than others.
If you’re an active family, you’ll want to find an active dog breed to accompany you on your adventures. Whereas if you’re more relaxed and laid back, you’re unlikely to want a hyperactive pup bouncing around the house waiting for the next opportunity to be outside.
If you have children, you’ll want a dog that’s going to be docile and gentle with your kids rather than one that may nip them or become aggressive. Part of the responsibility of owning is accepting the things that come with dog ownership – but researching the prospective temperaments of your parent breeds can better prepare you for what those things might be and give you the tools to navigate them.
What is the Temperament of the Chihuahua Pug Mix?
The Pug Chihuahua mix is a very even-tempered and friendly pup! While the Chihuahua is typically a very excitable and hyperactive breed, the Pug’s laissez-faire approach to life tends to straighten them out a little.
Both parent breeds are affectionate and loyal, so you can expect your Pug Chihuahua mix to be affectionate and loyal to you. You may notice some overexuberance and desire to protect from your Pug Chihuahua mix, this comes from their Chihuahua genetics and can be useful if channeled properly.
Is The Chihuahua Pug Mix Friendly?
In general, your Pug Chihuahua mix will be a very friendly animal, with a healthy suspicion of strangers but much love and affection for those it calls friends.
Is The Chihuahua Pug Mix Easy to Train?
You can expect your Pug Chihuahua mix to be somewhat difficult to train. Chihuahuas have too much energy to pay attention, and Pugs tend to be independent and stubborn. Your Pug Chihuahua may also have a short attention span.
Positive reinforcement training is a fantastic way to enable your Pug Chihuahua mix to learn while not being admonishing.
How Much Can A Chihuahua Pug Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Chihuahua Pug mix is 10 to 20 pounds.
How Tall Can A Chihuahua Pug Mix Get?
The average height of Chihuahua Pug mix is between 6 and 14 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Chihuahua Pug mix. These include:
- Chinese Crested Dog
- Havanese
- Miniature Dachshund
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Rat Terrier
Does the Chihuahua Pug Mix Shed?
Your Pug Chihuahua will likely have a short, low-shedding coat type. While far from hypoallergenic, you shouldn’t have to worry about excess shedding with a weekly brush routine.
How Much Exercise Does A Chihuahua Pug Mix Require?
The Chihuahua Pug is a moderately-energetic dog. Unfortunately, it’s potential health issues (like BOAS) prevent it from being as hyperactive as the Chihuahua, but that doesn’t make it a couch potato! You should plan to walk your Chihuahua Pug for at least 30 minutes daily.
Alongside physical activity, your Chug must also be given adequate mental stimulation. While KONG toys aren’t necessarily suitable for your Chug, other toys could be.
How Long Can a Chihuahua Pug Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Pug Chihuahua mix is between 10 and 13 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Chihuahua Pug Mix Have?
- Patellar Luxation (Kneecap Dislocation)
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) (Respiratory Difficulties Due to Short Muzzle)
- Gum Disease (Periodontal Issues)
- Cherry Eye & Cataracts (Eye Disease)
How Can You Find a Chihuahua Pug Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you start searching for a Chihuahua Pug mix puppy for sale, we highly recommend that you consider adopting a Chihuahua Pug mix first. Many Chugs end up a local animal shelter or vet clinic because of accidental mating, or a lack of suitability with their current owners.
If you haven’t had any success in person, try searching online for a Chihuahua Pug mix at AdoptAPet.com.
How Much Does a Chihuahua Pug Mix Puppy Cost?
The Chihuahua Pug Mix puppy will cost between $800 and $2000! Making them one of the more expensive mixes we’ve covered. The cost of a “Chug” is yet another reason to consider adoption rather than purchasing a Chihuahua Pug from a breeder.
However, if you do decide to purchase your Chihuahua Pug mix from a breeder, ensure that you do so through a reputable breeder! We’ve created this handy guide to help you find a reputable and licenced breeder and avoid puppy mills.
Is the Chihuahua Pug Mix the Right Breed For You?
Suppose you’ve been looking for an adorable companion that’s active enough to keep you fit but not enough to wear you out – and has a laissez-faire, relaxed personality. In that case, the Chihuahua Pug may be exactly what you’ve been looking for!
To learn more about other mixed-breed dogs, read our other breed guides!
Nick Meagher
I'm Nick Meagher, a lifelong dog enthusiast and the voice behind this blog. Having grown up with dogs, I've developed a deep understanding and an unbreakable bond with these amazing companions. Through MyK9Life, I aim to share insights, tips, and heartwarming stories, celebrating the joy and journey of life with our four-legged friends.
