The Chihuahua and Pug were crossed to create the mixed-breed dog known as the Chug. The Chug possesses some of the greatest qualities of both of their little, devoted parents. They are playful, loyal, and petite.
In this ultimate guide to Chug, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this breed, from their appearance to their personality, training, and health.
What is a Chug?
One of the lesser designer crossbreeds, the Chug is becoming more and more well-known globally despite still being uncommon in the UK. The Chihuahua (long coat or smooth coat) and the Pug are the two breeds that make up the Chug.
The Chihuahua (long coat or smooth coat) and the Pug are the two breeds that make up the Chug. The Chug is an incredibly small companion dog that can be a first cross (with one Chihuahua and one Pug father), can be bred back to one of the original breeds, or can be created by mating two Chugs.
Origin and History of Chug
The Chug dog breed may have developed organically over time, but in the early 2000s, perhaps in the United States, designer breeders started purposefully breeding Chihuahuas and Pugs together.
It can be presumed that the Chihuahua and Pug were crossed in an effort to obtain the positive traits of each breed, even if the Chug, unlike other mixed breeds, has no specific breeder.
Despite being developed as a designer breed, some Chugs have ended up in shelters or under the care of rescue organizations. If you determine that this breed is the one for you, think about adoption.
Check with your local animal shelters, search for Chug rescues, or contact Pug or Chihuahua rescue groups as they occasionally take in mixed-breed dogs and place them in loving homes.
Appearance and Size
There aren’t many size norms for the Chug because it’s a young breed. That being said, you may anticipate Chugs to be on the smaller side as a result of his Chihuahua and Pug parents.
The majority of Chugs range in height from ten to fourteen inches and weigh ten to twenty pounds on average.
Coat and Grooming Needs
Chug coats frequently combine the coolers and coats of their Chihuahua and Dachshund parents. Brown, black, fawn, cream, and white make up the bulk of the Chugs color palette.
Sometimes they have solid-colored coats, and other times they have a variety. Their coats can be smooth like long-haired Chihuahuas or short and harsh like short-haired Chihuahuas and Pugs. For people who have allergies to dogs, hugs are not advised. Grooming and brushing on a weekly basis might help minimize shedding.
Chugs, regardless of coat style, are not designed for inclement weather. They will require coats or sweaters when going outside if you reside in a cooler climate. The same goes for keeping them outside in sweltering heat, especially if they have a short snout.
Personality and Temperament
Chug personalities, like those of other crossbreeds, depend on the parents and how they were produced and raised, but both the Chihuahua and the Pug are loving dogs who form strong bonds with their owners.
Given the size of both breeds’ personalities, the Chug may be a small dog, but they have no notion that they are! When Chugs are initially crossed (F1), their personalities appear to be more constant. As a line is successively bred, they can either be bred back to one of the original breeds, strengthening either the Chihuahua or Pug personalities, or they can be bred to another Chug, which results in less temperament predictability and increases the risk of in-breeding.
Finding a reputable breeder is crucial because ethical breeders should place just as much importance on behavior as on health. Not apprehensive, bashful, or afraid, a well-bred Chug should be outgoing and confident. This does call for continual and early socialization.
Training and Exercise Needs
The Chug may be a cunning little dog, and the majority of them like gentle games and learning new tricks. They ought to be taught to follow commands, walk on a lead, and wear a harness.
This breed requires early and continuous socialization so that they can develop confidence around humans and other dogs.
The Chug will be content with 30 minutes of daily (harness-assisted) walking as long as they have plenty of owner engagement and playtime. However, all activity should be done with caution because this dog is so small that it can’t walk rapidly, is often startled, and can suffer serious injuries even when playing with other dogs.
Chug Puppies for Sale
If you’re ready to start your search for a Chug puppy, there are several places you can look.
Breeders
A breeder is one of the most well-liked places to look for a Pomeranian-poodle mix puppy for sale. Do your research and locate a reputable breeder who is concerned about the health and welfare of their puppies. A reputable breeder will let you meet the puppy’s parents and will provide you copies of any certifications and health documents.
Pet Stores
Chug puppies may be available for purchase in some pet stores, but it’s important to exercise caution when doing so. Puppies are frequently purchased by pet shops from puppy mills, where the animals are frequently mistreated and maintained in subpar conditions. If you decide to purchase from a pet shop, be sure to enquire about the puppy’s lineage and medical history.
Adoption
A wonderful approach to offer a furry buddy a second chance in life is to adopt a Chug puppy. Ask if there are any Chug pups up for adoption at your neighborhood animal shelter or rescue group.
Training Tips for Chug
They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when training your Chug:
- As soon as you bring your Chug home, begin training them. The key is consistency, and early norms and boundary setting are crucial. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats, to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement, which can cause fear and anxiety in your dog.
- Training sessions should be brief, frequent, and singularly focused on one instruction or behavior. This will lessen the likelihood of your Chug getting overwhelmed or bored.
- Expose your Pomeranian poodle mix to a range of people, environments, and situations to help socialize them. They will feel more at ease and certain in unfamiliar circumstances as a result.
- Practice consistency and patience, and keep in mind that training is a lifelong process. Your Chug can learn to be a well-mannered and obedient pet with practise and patience.
Common Health Problems
The Chihuahua and Pug breeds are both predisposed to some of the same ailments as the Chug breed. While the majorities are normally in good condition, a few may be predisposed to certain ailments, thus it’s crucial to maintain proper care and annual veterinarian examinations.
The following are a few of the more prevalent health issues Chugs experiences:
- Respiratory difficulties
- Eye conditions including cherry eye and cataracts
- A heat stroke
Choosing the Right Chug for You
If you’re interested in getting a Chug, it’s important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle and personality. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a Chug:
• Take into account your living situation: They may adapt and thrive in smaller homes or apartments, but they do need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
• Consider your degree of activity: They have moderate exercise requirements and love going for walks and playing. A Chug might not be the greatest choice if you’re searching for a dog to go on walks with you or runs with you.
• Pick a trustworthy breeder: Doing business with a trustworthy breeder can help to ensure that your Chug is healthy and socialized. Avoid purchasing from pet shops or internet marketplaces as these places frequently use subpar breeding techniques.
• Spend time with the puppy before adopting: By getting to know the puppy in advance of taking them home, you can decide whether they are a suitable fit for your family and way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are chug dogs healthy?
Chugs may develop health conditions common to both Chihuahuas and Pugs, especially if you aren’t cautious about whom you buy from. They include hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, eye diseases such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye. Both breeds are also prone to eye injuries.
What is the behavior of a chug dog?
Always spirited, Chugs are energetic, outgoing and friendly, love attention and are confident about their charm. A Chug can be a good watchdog, due to its barking and territorial tendencies, as well as alertness. They make excellent family dogs and enjoy human company as much as possible.
Are chug dogs rare?
While both of the Chug’s parents are popular dogs that originated centuries ago, this mixed breed is relatively new and rare. But these fun-loving and smart dogs are quickly gaining fans.
Is it chug or chugg?
to make the sound of an engine or motor, or to move making this sound: The train chugged up the hill. To chug also means to move steadily, like a little train: Yeah, my life is chugging right along, thanks.
Are chug dogs aggressive?
A Chug shouldn’t be overly shy or aggressive. Say no thanks if a puppy’s parents won’t let you approach them, shy away from you or growl at you, or if puppies do the same. Training your puppy should start the first day you bring him home—wait too long and he will be much more headstrong to deal with.