Chihuahua and Pug ancestry is the basis for the Chug, a hybrid dog. It's a dog that's playful, loyal, and petite, much like its two compact and loving parents. Chihuahua Pug mix, Pughuahua, and Pugwawa are all names given to Chugs.
These pups, despite their diminutive size, are bursting with personality. They believe that they are enormous dogs, and they will act like it when they aren't. Any prospective dog owner should be prepared to deal with a high-energy dog that wants plenty of care.
However, smaller children must be taught how to play securely around the Chug. Chug can be trained to avoid territorial behaviour, resource guarding, and snapping if play with a little human becomes too intense. Discover all there is to know about the Chug, a mixed-breed dog!
Highlights
- If overfed, chugs can gain a lot of weight. To ensure a healthy diet and feeding schedule, be sure to follow these guidelines.
- A "yappy" nature can make chugs good watchdogs. Unwanted barking can be curbed, though, with early training.
- It's common knowledge among Chugs' owners that their dogs have lovable, funny personalities. Chugs are fantastic for bringing a smile to your face.
- Heat stroke can be a problem for Chugs because of his short-snouted brachycephalic appearance. When it's hot outside, take extra precautions to keep them safe.
- In cold weather, chugs may require a jacket because their fur is shorter.
- This breed's dominant coloration is fawn with accents of cream and white. Solid hues or a mixture of colours might be used for their coats.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including as barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
10 to 20 pounds
Lifespan
10 to 13 years
Height
10 to 14 inches
History
Most likely in the 2000s, Chugs were formed as a crossbreed. The origins of the breed are unknown, and no one has been attributed with creating the Chug. Chugs, unlike other crossbreeds, lack Poodle ancestry. Dog Registry of America Inc., the Dog Registry of America and the International Designated Canine Registry all recognise Chugs as a legitimate dog breed.
As far back as 206 BC in Tibet's Buddhist temples, the Pug can be traced back to its origins. Pugs may have later been transported to China, where they were treated like royals and lived in the Emperor's palace as a result of their treatment in Europe.
Traders from the Netherlands brought them to Europe and the rest of the world, where they became a huge hit. Chihuahuas are a breed of dog that dates back to roughly 300 B.C. in Mexico, making them one of the oldest canines in the world. The Aztec civilization was a major influence on their ancestry. It was believed that chihuahuas could heal and guide the dead to the afterlife, thus they were kept as pets in the family home.
Personality & Temperament
Chugs' personalities and temperaments are heavily influenced by their parents, as well as their upbringing, socialisation, and genetics. This is especially true for the mother. They tend to be friendly, ferocious, and endearing in equal measure. They have a tendency to overestimate their own importance, which can lead to a lack of self-control. Socialization in puppyhood is essential to prevent this from happening, as this feature might lead to aggression towards other dogs.
Chugs, like the Chihuahua and the Pug, are known to exhibit this type of behaviour, which is also known as "small dog syndrome." Although they enjoy spending time with humans, they have little patience for other pets in the household. Children can get along with them, but do not put Chugs in a situation where they are around young children if you don't have to, because Chugs can be quickly annoyed. Children should be able to interact with their Chug pet in the same way they would any other dog breed.
Chugs have a contagious sense of humour, are always up for an adventure, and enjoy being the centre of attention. A Chug's barking, territorial instincts, and attentiveness make it an excellent watchdog. They're great with children and thrive in a home environment where they can be around people all the time. Chugs are also noted for being friendly and eager to please, two traits that make them great pets. Training should begin at a young age, along with socialisation, to help them adapt to their new environment.
Care
Taking care of a Chug Dog is a breeze if you can put up with their sometimes obstinate nature. In terms of activity, nutrition, or grooming, they're a low-maintenance breed. All they really need is some exercise and playtime, as well as a lot of love and cuddling.
Health
With a lifespan of between 10 and 13 years, Chugs tend to be in good health. It is possible that combining two different breeds will produce hybrid vigour (or outbreeding enhancement), resulting in offspring with fewer health problems than the parents. In the other direction, Chugs may be more vulnerable to the ailments of both the Pug and the Chihuahua. These ailments or diseases include:
Respiratory Problems
When it comes to breathing, Chugs have a similar facial anatomy to their Pug parent, making it difficult to get air in and out. Brachycephalic dogs have a flat and wide skull form, hence they are referred to as such (opposed to the skull shape of long nosed dog breeds).
Breathing difficulties can occur when the air route is too small and snorting or snoring is heard as a result of this face configuration. Because the dog's body temperature cannot be regulated by sucking in air through the mouth to cool down the blood in the tongue's capillaries, it produces intense panting. Finally, the continuous and quick forced inhaling through the nose might result in reverse sneezing, which is snorting or gagging sounds.
Eye Problems
In Pugs and Chihuahuas, the form of the face and size of the eye protrude from the face, which can lead to eye problems. As a result, they are more vulnerable to injury from things that strike them in the face or at eye level. Additionally, the following conditions can affect the eyes: Age-related cataracts in dogs are more common, but they can be treated surgically.
Entropion occurs when the eyelids fold and turn inwards, resulting in discomfort and infection. Blindness can result from the degenerative illness known as Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Inflammation of the tear duct glands, known as "cherry eye," is the cause. Dry Eye, a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them moist.
Patellar Luxation
In dogs of all sizes, patellar luxation is a condition with the kneecap caused by an out-of-place kneecap (either congenital or after trauma).
The kneecap usually returns to its original position, but it causes discomfort and a limp as a side effect. Patellar luxation can be treated with anti-inflammatory medicines and rest after an incident, but surgery is suggested when the problem is severe or occurs frequently.
Obesity
Owners should always strive to keep Chug's weight at a healthy, optimum level to prevent any health issues from becoming worse.
Recommended Health Test
- X-Rays
- Physical Examination
- Blood Tests
- Ophthalmologic Examination
Nutrition
The Chug is a little dog with a huge appetite. It is possible that he will "chug" all of his food if you are not careful! So, try not to overdo it on the sweets, especially when he is enticing you with his cute, wrinkled face. Keep his daily caloric intake to less than 600 calories per day. This basically translates to one cup of dry, high-quality kibble per day. Excess weight can exacerbate various health issues, including musculoskeletal problems and breathing difficulties.
Grooming
Low-Maintenance grooming your Chug is a low-maintenance dog. However, brush him once a week to remove dandruff and dead fur. Be sure to also gently clean their cute face wrinkles every day with a baby wipe or wet towel. If your pet’s enormous, bulging Pug eyes suffer from discharge, gently clean them too with a moist towel.
Exercise
Despite its diminutive stature, the Chug is great energy. Luckily, they can burn it off extremely quickly and tire themselves out within 45 minutes. Ideally, your Chug should be enjoying a 30-minute stroll followed by 15 minutes of playtime every day. Even though Chugs are known for their small size, overexerting them could lead them to have difficulty breathing. They shouldn’t accompany you on a jog, but they do love to play!
Even if they love to play, dogs shouldn't accompany you on a jog.
Training
The Chug can be straightforward to train as they are fairly clever and eager to please. But, because of their Chihuahua parent breed, they can also be quite stubborn. Your Chug's training will require patience and consistency, as well as positive reinforcement.
Punishment approaches have been found to cause anxiety and troublesome behaviour in Chugs. Yapping is a prevalent condition in Chugs. Instead of using punishment, offer them a pleasant treat when they cease barking or when they do not yap in a circumstance in which they normally would.
Children and Other Pets
As a little dog, the Chug is especially vulnerable to harm from boisterous kids. Chugs are more comfortable in the company of adults and slightly older, gentler children. However, the Chug may be a wonderful, energetic friend for children who are taught early on how to appropriately approach and play with a little dog.
Chugs can get along with other pets if they are introduced to them gradually and calmly; early socialisation will aid in this. Getting them used to different animals as soon as possible is ideal. However, like its Chihuahua parent, Chugs may not be naturally fond of other animals and may want to be the only animal in the home.
This doesn't imply your Chug won't get along with other pets or people, either, especially cats and younger kids. A dog's character can be shaped in many ways, including by its upbringing, its experiences, and its genes.
Puppies
There is no standard litter size for Chug puppies because it fluctuates based on the parent dogs used in the cross. The Chihuahua and Pug features of Chug puppies might vary from litter to litter. Their appearance isn't limited to their skin tone, however. You might get two puppies with Chihuahua-like bodies and Pug-like faces, and two more with very distinct appearances if this happens.
It’s hard to anticipate precisely what every Chug puppy will look like, but it is assured that it will be a wonderfully cute and cuddly little canine. He will be gregarious, pleasant, and vulnerable. However, because of those naughty Chihuahua traits, Chug puppies must be trained and socialised as early as possible. In the absence of proper socialisation, this could develop Small Dog Syndrome. So don't waste those valuable formative early days by not taking your training responsibilities seriously. It will pay off in the long run.
Dog Breed Similar to Chug
- Chihuahua
- Pug