Boston Terrier and a Pug Mix (Bugg): Complete Breed Guide

If you've ever met a compact, bug-eyed dog with a corkscrew tail and the attitude of a much larger animal, you may have encountered a Bugg — the designer cross between a Boston Terrier and a Pug. Sometimes called a Bug, this small companion mix has grown steadily in popularity among apartment dwellers, seniors, and families who want a sturdy little dog with big-dog personality packed into a portable frame.

But designer mixes are inherently variable. Unlike purebred dogs governed by written breed standards, a Boston Terrier and a Pug mix can inherit any combination of traits from either parent — meaning no two Buggs are guaranteed to look, behave, or even shed the same way. This guide breaks down what you can reasonably expect, what might surprise you, and the health realities every prospective Bugg owner should understand before bringing one home.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Boston Terrier Meets Pug

Understanding the Bugg starts with understanding the two AKC-recognized purebreds behind it. Each parent brings distinct physical traits, temperament tendencies, and health predispositions to the table.

Parent Breed Comparison

Trait	Boston Terrier	Pug
AKC Group	Non-Sporting	Toy
Weight Range	12–25 lb (5.4–11.3 kg)	14–18 lb (6.4–8.2 kg)
Height	15–17 in (38–43 cm)	10–13 in (25–33 cm)
Coat	Short, smooth, fine	Short, smooth, double coat
Shedding	Low to moderate	Moderate to heavy
Muzzle Shape	Short (brachycephalic)	Very short (brachycephalic)
Energy Level	Moderate — bursts of activity	Low to moderate
Lifespan	11–13 years	13–15 years
Origin	United States, 1870s	China, ancient breed
Signature Traits	Tuxedo markings, alert expression, athletic build	Curled tail, wrinkled face, clownish personality

Both breeds are brachycephalic (short-faced), companion-oriented, and known for their loyalty. But the Boston Terrier tends toward athleticism and alertness, while the Pug leans into laid-back charm and stubbornness. A Bugg can land anywhere on that spectrum.

What Two Breeds Make Up the Bugg, and How Generations Work

The Bugg is a first-generation or multi-generation cross between a Boston Terrier and a Pug. Unlike some designer breeds (such as Labradoodles or Goldendoodles) that are commonly bred through multiple generations with specific backcrossing strategies, the Bugg is most often produced as an F1 cross — meaning one purebred Boston Terrier parent and one purebred Pug parent.

How Big Will a Boston Terrier and a Pug Mix Get?

Size is one of the more predictable aspects of this cross, since both parent breeds are small. However, the range is wider than many first-time owners expect.

Bugg Size Range Estimates

Category	Weight	Height at Shoulder
Small end (Pug-dominant)	10–15 lb (4.5–6.8 kg)	10–13 in (25–33 cm)
Average	14–20 lb (6.4–9.1 kg)	12–15 in (30–38 cm)
Large end (Boston-dominant)	18–25 lb (8.2–11.3 kg)	14–17 in (36–43 cm)

Males tend to run slightly larger, but individual genetics matter more than sex. If you're adopting an adult Bugg from a rescue, you'll know their exact size immediately. If you're raising a puppy, expect their adult weight to land somewhere between the weights of their two parents — but individual variation of 2–5 lb (0.9–2.3 kg) in either direction is normal.

Body condition matters more than the number on the scale. Both parent breeds are prone to obesity, and an overweight Bugg faces compounded respiratory and joint stress. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, you should be able to feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard, and see a visible waist when viewed from above.

Coat, Shedding, and the Hypoallergenic Question

Let's address the most common misconception first: no Bugg is hypoallergenic. Neither the Boston Terrier nor the Pug carries the low-allergen coat genes found in breeds like Poodles or Bichon Frises. If you have dog allergies, this mix is unlikely to work for your household.

Shedding ranges from moderate to heavy. The Pug parent carries a dense double coat that sheds year-round and blows its undercoat seasonally. If your Bugg inherits this coat type, expect to vacuum frequently and use a de-shedding tool like the Furminator Short Hair Small breed model (approximately $30–$40) weekly. Boston-dominant coats shed less but are never truly "low-shedding."

Common coat colors include black, brindle, seal (black with a reddish cast in sunlight), fawn, and combinations with white markings. The Boston Terrier's signature "tuxedo" pattern (black body with white chest and face blaze) sometimes appears in Buggs but is not guaranteed.

Temperament: What Personality Will a Bugg Have?

Temperament is where the Boston Terrier and a Pug mix becomes most unpredictable — and most charming. Both parent breeds are companion dogs that bond closely with their people, but they express that attachment differently.

Best-case temperament: A Bugg that inherits the Boston Terrier's alertness and trainability combined with the Pug's easygoing sociability. This dog greets visitors warmly, settles calmly on the couch, plays enthusiastically in short bursts, and responds well to positive reinforcement training. They follow you room to room without developing separation anxiety, and they get along with children, other dogs, and even cats when properly socialized during the 3–14 week critical window.

Challenging temperament scenarios: A Bugg that inherits the Pug's stubbornness and the Boston Terrier's territorial streak. This dog may be difficult to house-train (common with both parent breeds), prone to resource guarding over food or toys, reactive on leash toward other dogs, and resistant to commands they find boring. Some Buggs develop velcro-dog tendencies, following owners constantly and becoming distressed when left alone — leading to nuisance barking or destructive chewing.

Early socialization is non-negotiable. Enroll in a puppy kindergarten class (typically $150–$250 for a 6-week session) by 10–12 weeks of age, once your veterinarian clears your puppy based on their vaccination status. Use only positive reinforcement methods — treats, praise, and play. Aversive tools like shock collars or prong collars have no place in training any companion breed and are counterproductive with sensitive small dogs.

Health Considerations: The Hybrid Vigor Myth and Real Risks

One of the most persistent claims in the designer dog world is that mixed breeds automatically enjoy "hybrid vigor" — the idea that crossbreeding eliminates genetic health problems. This is a dangerous oversimplification. While genetic diversity can reduce the risk of certain recessive disorders that are concentrated in specific purebred lines, a Bugg can still inherit any health condition that affects either parent breed. In fact, because both the Boston Terrier and the Pug are brachycephalic, some conditions are effectively doubled in probability rather than halved.

Here are the conditions every Bugg owner should monitor for:

Key Health Risks in the Boston Terrier and Pug Mix

Condition	Source Breed(s)	Prevalence/Notes	Screening/Prevention
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)	Both	Very high — both breeds are brachycephalic. Symptoms include snoring, exercise intolerance, noisy breathing, heat sensitivity.	Avoid overheating; use harness not collar; surgical correction in severe cases ($2,000–$5,000)
Patellar Luxation	Both	Common in small breeds. Kneecap slips out of position; grades I–IV.	OFA patella evaluation of parents; maintain healthy weight
Eye Conditions (corneal ulcers, cataracts, cherry eye, proptosis)	Both	Prominent eyes are vulnerable to injury. Pugs have high rates of corneal ulcers; Bostons are prone to juvenile cataracts.	OFA/CERF eye exams of parents; avoid exposure to brush/thorns
Allergies (atopic dermatitis, food allergies)	Both	Boston Terriers rank among the top breeds for environmental allergies. Manifests as itching, ear infections, paw licking.	Identify triggers; Apoquel ($70–$120/month) or Cytopoint injections ($65–$120 every 4–8 weeks) as prescribed by your vet
Hip Dysplasia	Both (lower rate than large breeds)	Present in both breeds at lower rates; still possible.	OFA hip evaluation of parents
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Both (chondrodystrophic breeds)	Both breeds have chondrodystrophic (abnormal cartilage) tendencies that increase disc disease risk.	Avoid jumping from furniture; use ramps ($30–$60); maintain lean body condition

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome deserves special attention. Because both parent breeds have shortened skulls, a Bugg is virtually guaranteed to have some degree of airway compromise — elongated soft palate, stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils), or both. According to the AVMA, brachycephalic dogs are at significantly elevated risk for heatstroke, respiratory distress, and anesthesia complications.

Always consult your veterinarian about your Bugg's specific health needs. A wellness exam every 6–12 months (approximately $50–$100 per visit) with annual bloodwork for dogs over age 7 ($80–$150) helps catch conditions early when treatment is most effective and least expensive.

Grooming, Daily Care, and Exercise Needs

The Bugg's grooming needs are relatively straightforward but include several non-negotiable maintenance tasks that go beyond brushing.

Coat care: Brush 2–3 times per week with a rubber grooming mitt or bristle brush ($8–$15). Bathe every 4–6 weeks using a gentle, dog-specific shampoo (oatmeal-based formulas work well for allergy-prone skin, around $10–$18 per bottle). Increase brushing to daily during seasonal shedding peaks if your Bugg has a Pug-type double coat.

Facial wrinkle care: If your Bugg inherits Pug-like facial folds, clean them 2–3 times per week with a damp cloth or veterinary wrinkle wipe ($8–$12 per pack). Dry thoroughly. Moisture trapped in folds leads to yeast and bacterial skin fold dermatitis — a common and uncomfortable condition that requires medicated treatment.

Eye care: Wipe around the eyes daily with a sterile, damp wipe to remove discharge. Prominent eyes are prone to corneal scratches — avoid letting your Bugg push through dense brush or play in areas with thorny plants.

Nail trims: Every 2–3 weeks. Overgrown nails alter foot mechanics and contribute to patellar luxation stress. A Dremel-style nail grinder ($25–$40) works well for dogs who dislike clippers.

Exercise: Plan for 20–40 minutes of activity per day, split into two or more sessions. Short walks (10–15 minutes each), indoor fetch, and puzzle toys like the Kong Classic ($12–$16) or Outward Hound Nina Ottosson puzzle feeders ($15–$30) provide physical and mental stimulation. Avoid exercise in heat above 75°F (24°C) — brachycephalic dogs overheat rapidly. Early morning and evening walks are safest in warm months.

Equipment: Always use a well-fitted harness rather than a collar for walks. Collars put pressure on an already compromised trachea. The Ruffwear Front Range harness ($40–$45) or a similar front-clip harness distributes pressure safely across the chest.

Cost: What Will a Bugg Puppy or Adoption Set You Back?

Pricing for a Boston Terrier and a Pug mix varies significantly depending on source, location, and breeder practices.

Bugg Acquisition and First-Year Cost Breakdown

Expense	Low Estimate	High Estimate
Puppy from a breeder	$600	$2,000
Adoption from rescue/shelter	$150	$450
Initial veterinary exam + vaccines (first year series)	$200	$500
Spay/neuter	$200	$600
Supplies (crate, harness, bed, bowls, toys)	$150	$350
Food (quality small-breed kibble, ~$2–$3/day)	$365	$730
Pet insurance (monthly premium)	$360/yr	$720/yr
Training classes (puppy kindergarten + basic)	$150	$400
Estimated first-year total (purchased puppy)	$2,025	$5,300
Estimated first-year total (adopted adult)	$1,075	$3,750

Buyer beware: The Bugg's popularity makes it a target for puppy mills and backyard breeders who market them as "rare" or "designer" to justify inflated prices. A responsible breeder will provide OFA or PennHIP health clearances for both parents (patella, eyes, and hips), allow you to meet the dam, raise puppies in their home with early neurological stimulation, and offer a written health guarantee with a take-back clause. Expect to wait on a list and answer detailed questions about your household.

Rescue option: Boston Terrier and Pug breed-specific rescues sometimes take in Buggs and similar mixes. Check organizations like Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas, PugNation (Florida-based), or general small-breed rescues on Petfinder.com. Adopted adult Buggs come with known temperaments and sizes, which removes much of the variability guesswork.

Who Is the Bugg Best Suited For?

The Bugg is not a universal fit. Here's a practical breakdown of who thrives with this mix — and who should consider a different breed.

Ideal Bugg households:

• Apartment or condo dwellers — Buggs are compact, relatively quiet (aside from snoring), and don't require a yard
• Seniors or less active adults — moderate exercise needs match a lower-energy lifestyle
• Families with children ages 8+ — Buggs are sturdy enough for gentle play but small enough to be injured by rough handling from toddlers
• First-time dog owners — generally forgiving of training mistakes, though house-training patience is required
• Multi-pet households — typically good with other dogs and cats when properly introduced
• People who work from home or have flexible schedules — Buggs need companionship and don't do well crated for 8+ hours

Consider a different breed if you:

• Want a hiking partner or high-endurance dog — brachycephalic anatomy makes sustained vigorous exercise risky
• Have severe dog allergies — no Bugg is hypoallergenic
• Live in a hot climate without reliable air conditioning — heat intolerance is a serious safety concern
• Need a dog that can be left alone 8–10 hours daily — separation anxiety is common
• Want guaranteed predictability in size, coat, or temperament — a purebred offers more certainty

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up the Bugg?

The Bugg is a cross between a purebred Boston Terrier and a purebred Pug. It is a designer mixed breed, not recognized by the AKC as a distinct breed.

How big will a Boston Terrier and Pug mix get?

Most Buggs weigh 14–20 lb (6.4–9.1 kg) and stand 12–15 in (30–38 cm) at the shoulder as adults. Individuals can range from as small as 10 lb (4.5 kg) to as large as 25 lb (11.3 kg) depending on which parent's genes dominate.

What will the temperament be like?

Buggs are typically affectionate, people-oriented, and playful in short bursts. They can range from eager-to-please (Boston-leaning) to stubbornly independent (Pug-leaning). Early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training shape temperament more than genetics alone.

Is the Bugg hypoallergenic or low-shedding?

No. Neither parent breed is hypoallergenic. Buggs shed moderately to heavily and produce normal levels of the dander proteins (primarily Can f 1) that trigger human allergies.

What health issues might a Bugg inherit?

The most significant concern is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), inherited from both parent breeds. Other risks include patellar luxation, eye injuries and disease, allergies, IVDD, and obesity. Consult your veterinarian for a screening plan tailored to your individual dog.

How much does a Bugg cost?

Bugg puppies from breeders typically cost $600–$2,000. Adoption from a rescue ranges from $150–$450. First-year total costs including veterinary care, supplies, food, and insurance range from approximately $1,075 to $5,300 depending on acquisition source and your region.

How long do Buggs live?

Buggs typically live 12–15 years, though brachycephalic-related complications can shorten lifespan if not managed proactively. Maintaining a lean body condition score (BCS 4–5 on the 9-point scale), keeping up with dental care, and addressing respiratory issues early all contribute to longevity.

Are Buggs easy to train?

They're moderately trainable. The Boston Terrier side tends to be more responsive, while the Pug side can be willful. Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes), use high-value treats (small pieces of freeze-dried liver or chicken), and never use force or intimidation. House-training often takes 4–6 months of consistent routine — longer than some breeds — so patience is essential.